Alec Purves
1563509 
THE PAIKIN PODCAST: Mark Carney pulled off something quite major
89Blaming Poilievre was all the floor crossings???Everyone that crossed the floor did it for their own ambitions. None would dare call a By-election to see if their constituents agree.
28- Alec Purves
THE PAIKIN PODCAST: Is populism a threat to Canadian democracy?
54Populist - "a person, especially a politician, who strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups."The only "threat" I see is politicians who lack accountability and fiscal responsibility. The excuses and fear-mongering, that holding Governments accountable is somehow wrong.
8- Alec Purves
BREAKING: Mayor Cam Guthrie won't be seeking re-election
GuelphToday 23To the Mayor, I want to briefly extend my best wishes following your announcement today. Thank you for your three terms of service and for the vision you’ve brought to City Hall. You have left a significant mark on Guelph, and I know I join many others in wishing you and Rachel a wonderful and well-deserved next chapter. All the best, Cam."
18- Alec Purves
New legislation would make it easier to kick out tenants: Schreiner
GuelphToday 24@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?
14- Alec Purves
City hall is no longer an emergency overnight warming or cooling centre
GuelphToday 10That is 100% absolutely that wrong decision to make.The people who used City Hall last winter, as am emergency warming shelter, were people that were unable to access 23 Gordon Street. This article acknowledges the location was not at full capacity last winter. There are reasons why.Now City Hall is closing the door on Guelph's most vulnerable. A very bad and irresponsible decision. This will become an election issue and will end up embassassing City staff, City Council and show disconnect between a public building and it's residents.
28- Alec Purves
New legislation would make it easier to kick out tenants: Schreiner
GuelphToday 14Really?"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.....
23- Alec Purves
VIDEO: Not just snowbirds — all Canadians travelling to U.S. will be photographed
30Canada 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.
7- Alec Purves
Guelph’s 2026 property tax hike finalized at 7.87 per cent
GuelphToday 36Remember; 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%.
1- Alec Purves
OPINION: The daytime shelter debacle was always going to end like this
GuelphToday 33You 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.
3- Alec Purves
Royal City Mission receives emergency grant for daytime shelter
GuelphToday 34I 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
2- Alec Purves
City tax increase to break 8% as boards seek more money
GuelphToday 29Before 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.
6- Alec Purves
OPINION: It's one week into the election, and I have concerns
GuelphToday 25@David GibsonThank you for commenting.I would suggest you look at the city staff size of single-tier cities of similar size.• Brantford - 1400• Kingston -1550• Barrie - 1100Guelph is over 2600!I would also sugfest looking at property taxes of these cities as well.• Barrie city council approved the 2026 budget, resulting in a 3.95% property tax hike.• For 2026, the City of Brantford proposed a 4.22% overall property tax increase under the Mayor's budget. • For 2026, Kingston homeowners are facing a 3.75% property tax increase.Guelph 2026 property taxes are 7.87%Same excuse of downloading, blaming others for mismanagement.Not "slogans" as you repeat regularly, just basic facts.
9- Alec Purves
Approved in part for seniors' use, College Ave. building now student rentals
GuelphToday 31If the building permit and approval was contingent on having a community space; (whether seniors or daycare); some serious questions should be asked by City Hall.
1- Alec Purves
City proposes deferring major projects to reduce 2026 tax hike
GuelphToday 27So....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.
4- Alec Purves
Mayor’s raise axed, no decision on pay bump for councillors
GuelphToday 28Four years ago today; a Guelph City Councillor was making $41,412.00 annually.Today; we have some on Council STILL voting for a another increase to jack their salaries to $70,218.00 annually.That is a 69.56% increase in salary in four years! That does not include all the new benefits such as conferences, "additional training", etc..Three weeks ago; I spoke at City Council urging them to reconsider the exorbitant pay raise for themselves. I urged them to tighten their belts and set an example of leadership and understanding.In four years time; we have watched City Council vote for themselves a 25% pay raise, then another 33% pay raise.What is most disappointing is the excuses why they think they deserve it. I am sorry; but trying to suggest you should be paid more to attend community events is unacceptable.Residents of Guelph are struggling to get by paycheck to paycheck. Food banks are being overwhelmed. Hundreds are losing their jobs.We need a reset.
2- Alec Purves
OPINION: It's one week into the election, and I have concerns
GuelphToday 19Anyone who takes a close look at City Hall’s books can see the current path isn’t sustainable. With ongoing hiring increases, council approving significant pay raises for themselves, and spending on non-essential studies like drone landing pads, the financial picture is becoming harder to justify. This kind of dysfunction puts existing jobs at risk—but it doesn’t have to mean cuts to jobs or services. If we act responsibly now, we can protect both. That means freezing future hirings, streamlining internal systems, prioritizing promotions from within, and putting an end to excessive consultant fees. It’s about getting back to basics and making sure resources are used where they matter most.
10- Alec Purves
OPINION: Downtown Guelph is ready for Instagram, but not for people
GuelphToday 24I 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.
4- Alec Purves
‘We’re in an emergency state’: Guelph rallies for immediate daytime shelter
GuelphToday 26The 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.
2- Alec Purves
City councillors could see a 33% pay raise, 10% for mayor next term
GuelphToday 23* 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.
4- Alec Purves
Council approves $247M plan to reduce city emissions
GuelphToday 23Almost 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.
4- Alec Purves
