Alec Purves

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New legislation would make it easier to kick out tenants: Schreiner

GuelphToday

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@FaustusMaybe go and read the proposed legislation.Keep element - "Proposed measures would also continue reducing delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board"Squatters are not tenants. They are no longer paying rent, have broken rental agreement contracts, and are freeloaders.Oftentimes it takes months and tens of thousands of dollars to evict squatters. Who pays the ultimate price? Other tenants in that building who have to absorb the costs.I know of several families who bought a second home as an investment for their children's education; and the current legal system has made it a nightmare for them to recoup any losses due to bad tenants.I guess you also agree there is not an immigration crisis in Canada? Just bring hundreds of thousands of people with no where for them to live?

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New legislation would make it easier to kick out tenants: Schreiner

GuelphToday

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Really?"Ontario’s homelessness crisis has exploded from 20,000 to over 80,000 people."I wonder why there isn't any mention of the legalizing of hard drugs, invasion of new people flooding the market, economy tanking and fewer social nets.Go to any homeless encampment; all four of the above are major contributors to the crisis we face today.Fearmongering at it's best.....

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VIDEO: Not just snowbirds — all Canadians travelling to U.S. will be photographed

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Canada does the same already. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uses facial biometrics at certain ports of entry to verify travelers' identities by comparing a live photo with the one on their ePassport or in their NEXUS file. This technology is used at Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIKs) and NEXUS kiosks to identify travelers, speed up processing, and enhance border security.

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Guelph’s 2026 property tax hike finalized at 7.87 per cent

GuelphToday

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Remember; the "city portion" of the overall property tax increase is STILL higher than the entire property taxes before 2022.Before this present term of Mayor and City Council; property taxes were usually between 1% - 3%.

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OPINION: The daytime shelter debacle was always going to end like this

GuelphToday

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You hit the nail on the head Adam.One key observation; and this is critical. The City already committed to having the Royal City Mission operate and run the full time daytime centre until April.That carries the burden through the winter months, when it is most needed.Come April, everything was supposed to move over to 23 Gordon.Logic dictates that the City should continue to honour it's commitment to Royal City Mission to run over the winter months.Did that happen? No!The City and Council chose to scrap the entire plan.A total lack of vision, leadership and planning.To the Mayor and City Council - honour your commitment.

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Royal City Mission receives emergency grant for daytime shelter

GuelphToday

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I wish City Hall would make up it's mind on which narrative it is pushing.Just a few days ago; City Council, the Mayor and staff proclaimed that there was not one agency that could provide "washrooms and showers, laundry facilities, storage, two meals a day and other food support".Then today, they contradict themselves and state - ."... RCM was awarded $76,496 to provide washrooms and showers, laundry facilities, storage, two meals a day and other food support, a city spokesperson told GuelphToday via email."Which is it? Why the deception?* Zero transparency * Zero accountability

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City tax increase to break 8% as boards seek more money

GuelphToday

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Before this last term; the City of Guelph property taxes were usually between 1%-3%.Since 2022, runaway spending has produced the following results - 2022 - 4.21%2023 - 4.46%2024 - 8.52%2025 - 6.78%2026 - 8.04% ?The "City portion" of the property taxes, is now much more than the total property taxes, before this last term of the Mayor and City Councillors.

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City proposes deferring major projects to reduce 2026 tax hike

GuelphToday

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So....In actuality, the foreseeable budget is actually this -"The mayor released the draft city services budget update Thursday, which showed a tax increase of 3.17 per cent in the city services portion"PLUSAn increase in other Boards who have not presented their budgets yet. "Those boards will present their budgets to council Dec. 17, with a forecast impact of 2.72 per cent on the 2026 tax increase."Actual tax increase -3.17% plus 2.72% equals 5.89%.I wonder if the deferrals are because it will be an election year? Expect even higher property taxes immediately after the election in 2026.

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OPINION: Downtown Guelph is ready for Instagram, but not for people

GuelphToday

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I would like to answer several of the otems mentioned in this article.1) DOWNTOWN PUBLIC WASHROOM -I have been very vocal on this point. If there is ever going to be a public washroom funded by taxpayers; it should be located where it is most needed - the Guelph Central Station.Thousands pass through there on a daily basis; whether from across town or by traveling to other cities.It is closer proximity to the major bar/restaurant traffic during the evenings; and the dozen or so homeless that walk the route by it later at night.2) CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND -Better located where children are already found; either City Hall by the slashpad, or at the new library.3) DAY TIME SHELTER -Unfortunately Council moved this behind doors; so we cannot see full transparency on the strategy to eventually move this to 23 Gordon; and try and handcuff the Royal City Mission.I hope RCM continues to serve the local community. They have both the volunteers and support from many.

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‘We’re in an emergency state’: Guelph rallies for immediate daytime shelter

GuelphToday

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The Mayor and City Council had already agreed that the Royal City Mission would be operating a fulltime day centre from Jan to April.To scrap the entire plan because 23 Gordon will not be ready in April is both irresponsible and reactionary.Folks it is very simple; - the Mayor and City Council have two options - 1) Honour their commitment to fund the Royal City Mission to run the centre fulltime from Jan- April. That is roughly $280,5000.2) They have 3 months to decide whether Royal City Mission continues afterwards at $850K annually; or they continue to doubledown and insist on reinventing the wheel and duplicating social welfare services.That is it. Very simple choices.One thing I will add. The Mayor and City Council need to visit the Royal City Mission and apologise in person to the RCM leadership and volunteers. The strategies and political maneuvering to discredit and handcuff the people and work at Royal City Mission was shameful and embarrassing to watch.

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City councillors could see a 33% pay raise, 10% for mayor next term

GuelphToday

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* 4 years ago, a Guelph City Councillor was making $41,412 a year. * Next week; 4 years later; they will be voting to make $70,218 a year.THAT IS A 69.56% INCREASE in only 4 years time. So much for fiscal responsibility, accountability and respecting the tax payer. I have always believed that civil service was always about servicing the community. Not serving yourselves.My suggestion is to freeze any pay raises. A 70% pay raise in 4 years time is simply self-serving and wrong. City finances have gone off the rails the past four years. This is just one of many glaring examples.Personally; I would take a fraction of the salary; and donate the rest of the Councillor's salary to The Seed and Chambers Food Banks in Ward Two.This will be another highly contested election issue this year.

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Council approves $247M plan to reduce city emissions

GuelphToday

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Almost a quarter of a billion dollars???I have a solution that will - * SAVE MONEY, * MAKE MONEY, and * NOT COST taxpayers a single penny.“This is equivalent to taking 170 cars off the road,” says the article.The City employs over 2,600 employees. Set a realistic target of 10% of City employees, including the Mayor and City Council; not driving to work. Take public transit.That is a target of 260 cars! Problem solved.A quarter of a billion dollars of taxpayer's money is what consultants suggest to fight climate change????My solution is FREE to taxpayers, and costs the City nothing to implement.Lead by example.

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Mayor 'wouldn't be surprised' to see tax increase of 6 per cent

GuelphToday

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Simple snapshot of this term, (2022-2026), of Guelph City Council -* 2023 - 5.18%* 2024 - 8.52%* 2025 - 6.78%* 2026 - 5.9% or higherIn one term; Guelph residents have watched and been stunned by the skyrocketing rise in property taxes to between 26% -28%!Just in one term folks.........

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VIDEO: Your local grocery store won’t be forced to collect empties after all

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Hard to spin the narrative stores were "forced" to accept empties.That was part of the contractual agreement in order to be able to sell alcohol in their stores to begin with. They had months to prepare.

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A budget fought on the margins has no good decisions

GuelphToday

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I remember in the last election; someone campaigned on the promise of keeping property taxes around the rate of inflation. That was in 2022; just 3 years ago.To illustrate how bad costs and the budget has been mishandled and out of control spending; we now have this new narrative of " the City’s portion of the budget".Unfortunately; the "City's portion" is STILL way above the rate of inflation....Even with the new spin; it magnifies how bad, irresponsible and careless budgeting and finances have become at City Hall.Sadly with this current regime, it will only get worse....

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City parking strategy to look at paid on-street parking downtown

GuelphToday

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I cannot comprehend the proposal of paid street parking, to discourage more people to shop or dine downtown.This will only make it more difficult for businesses. Remember much of the downtown core will be under construction the next two years.One other concern with the following statement - "The proposal doesn’t include a review of driveway widths, RV and trailer parking, or parking enforcement on private property."If the City is going to approve paid on-street parking; By-law better finally start ticketing or towing cars from private parking lots. It is near impossible to get any action presently.

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Two city-owned properties named as potential affordable housing sites

GuelphToday

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Would it not make more sense to sell the land as a profit; and also make a profit on building permits and annual property taxes.It would not cost the taxpayers a penny; probably speeds up construction; and does not leave the City having to oversee the building sites regarding maintenance and operation.The other options leaves the City on the hook, and it would take years to make any profit (if any).

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‘We just need to say no’: Mayor on provincial downloading impact to 2026 budget

GuelphToday

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This is an interesting take and spin on the budget.If you actually look at the operating budget; the 5 major categories are as follows - *1 Salaries and benefits*2 Purchased services*3 Purchased goods*4 Long-term debt charges*5 Transfers to reserves. Roughly 47% of the operating budget is allocated to salary and benefits.

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Weddings on hold at city hall due to upcoming election

GuelphToday

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Guelph is basically the only place where "I do" has been replaced by "I'm busy with a ballot box."

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Guelph might have to wait a little longer for a renoviction bylaw

GuelphToday

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A simple observation from reading the staff notes -"Projected annual cost for staffing to support a renoviction by-law is currently estimated at $311,000 for approximately two new permanent full-time staff and two new part-time positions."Doing the math, this averages out to roughly $125,000.00 each for two full-time employees. A quarter of a million dollars for two individuals.I wonder what the caseload is? It needs two full time employees, and two part-time employees to handled a small number of cases?More beauracracy at ridiculous salaries.City Hall is big enough.

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