SaltToday

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

As long as it doesn’t cost taxpayers a cent, knock yourselves out. You couldn’t find a better way to spend 500K?

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

Look, I realize this is being funded through donations. But two art installations, at a cost of $250,000 each?! Perhaps I don't understand how much art should cost... but what is that amount even for? Supplies? Time? I just don't understand.

- guelph gal

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

Should’ve put that 500K to the bottom line of the overall cost of that library majority of the people in Guelph didn’t want. 500K on 2 pieces of art is crazy, the people spending that money are probably the same people that complain we need more help for the homeless.

- 2BD

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

Public art is as important as our public library. Would you or a child be captivated by a grey cement wall? An interactive art installation would invite participation, open new perspectives, and be a welcoming point of focus when arriving in the library. Public art is a program. It informs a place and a time. Take a look at protests surrounding Sir John A. et a

- AbbyfromGuelph

McQuillan's Bridge to be restored

as we all know the cost will balloon to 4 mil by the time its done, to save what, an arch?, and the constant rehabilitation for years down the road, total waste of tax payers money...

- Bob42

McQuillan's Bridge to be restored

Thank you to Council for listening to all the emails and delegates on this important issue and for reaching the best decision for Guelph. This bridge has been part of the City's long-term planning for years. Its heritage value was extensively studied, and Council unanimously approved its designation just six weeks ago! Staff have confirmed that rehabilitation is already accommodated within the existing capital infrastructure plan—it is not a new tax increase.Council also invested significant public resources to reach this point through engineering studies, environmental assessment, heritage planning, formal public engagement, consultant work and hundreds of staff hours. Staff further advised that reversing course would require additional costs, hundreds more staff hours, and new heritage processes.Reasonable people can disagree on priorities, but long-term infrastructure and heritage decisions deserve to be based on facts, planning, and good governance—not election sound bites.

- Pi3.14

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

I find those figures for art installations to be excessive. Would a LOCAL artist be that costly.?Again, I’m sure this building will be lovely but last week I read that the downtown library in Hamilton has almost been forced to close because of the damages done by street folks with addiction issues. Figures crossed this won’t happen to Guelph.

- Unique name

McQuillan's Bridge to be restored

Another blatant example of how this “current” council thinks taxpayers are nothing but an ATM!! Spend, spend, spend. After receiving my latest tax bill is proof positive that they have to go. Everybody should remember the arrogance and disrespectful treatment this council has done to us over the past couple of years, and make them the past! VOTE FOR CHANGE OR ACCEPT THE SAME.

- 1SPOOK

City survey shows most satisfied with overall quality of life in Guelph

It would be much better if the streets were in good condition. Anywhere you drive in Guelph there are holes, cracks and barely visible lines in areas.

- Margaret Alexander

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

Why is more money being spent before we know how we are paying for the library?That project is something you earn and save for five years down the road. They think they "need it"? Find someone just as excited about the spending their bank account to support.

- P T

McQuillan's Bridge to be restored

Why not....not their money. Over budget, no big deal. Wrong contractor...again, so what...falls apart in 5 years...who cares! The days of elected people having zero responsibility has got to end.

- B Be

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

The library is a complete waste of our hard earned money. Someone please tell me why we needed a monstrosity of a building.

- Paul Bb

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

Yet the donations were specifically for projects like this… so those donating should be celebrating to see this going forwards.

- Eric Allen Montgomery

City survey shows most satisfied with overall quality of life in Guelph

The city is using survey methods that tend to produce more favourable results... 2026 results compared to 2024 - most services either declined or remained flat...Parks & trails - down 4%Garbage & green cart - down 6%Water/wastewater - down 4%Culture programs/facilities - stagnantNPS was +1, so approx equal people promoting it VS speaking negatively.What I found most interesting was the gap between phone and online... The city used the phone survey for the main results and kept the online results in the appendix...Phone respondents reported an NPS of +1. Online reported an NPS of -34.While online surveys usually attract more dissatisfied residents.. 40% of phone respondents had contacted the city in the previous year compared with 66% of online respondents. Suggesting both groups were meaningfully engaged with city services... yet their experiences and perceptions differed dramatically.Understanding why that gap exists would be a better article for GT.

- Adam Cloet

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

Im sorry. But if I was a person that donated and saw what these funds were being used for I would be irate. These people dont seem to have a clue what a buck is worth. Wild.

- James D

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

Conversely, please explain why you think people shouldn’t have free access to knowledge via books, public computer terminals, workshops and lectures, and a host of other programming that libraries provide.

- Eric Allen Montgomery

Two pieces of artwork costing $500K in raised funds proposed for new library

so many things to say ..... yikes sums it all up.what does equity deserving communities mean?Hunter Biden has some art for sale....reduced price

- littlebill

City survey shows most satisfied with overall quality of life in Guelph

Between phone and online surveys a total of 747 had participated in this survery out of approximately 118,200 people of ages 18+. That works out to 0.63% sampling of the population. There is no way that you can get an accurate sampling with that small of number.

- Dean Martin 2

The Bench secures a home to make hot meals

Royal City Mission proves its value yet once again!! City Councill take note!!

- RWM

McQuillan's Bridge to be restored

(shaking my head) ./sigh

- ramos96