Alec Purves

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THE PAIKIN PODCAST: Is populism a threat to Canadian democracy?

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Populist - "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.

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BREAKING: Mayor Cam Guthrie won't be seeking re-election

GuelphToday

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To 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."

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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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Approved in part for seniors' use, College Ave. building now student rentals

GuelphToday

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If 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.

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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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Mayor’s raise axed, no decision on pay bump for councillors

GuelphToday

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Four 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.

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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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Council offers mixed messages on the point of the Sleeman Centre

GuelphToday

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The Sleman Centre hasn’t hosted a major act since the Arkells back in 2023 — a glaring gap for a venue designed to bring energy and entertainment to the city’s core. Somewhere along the line, officials bought into the bizarre notion that the building needed to sit empty most of the year just to accommodate one or two big shows. It’s an approach that makes little sense for a facility capable of juggling hockey schedules, community events, and concerts with ease. Other cities fill their arenas year‑round — meanwhile, ours gathers dust through the summer months. The fix was simple, the opportunity obvious, and yet, once again, the city dropped the puck.

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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MUST READ: City of Guelph Sunshine List grows by 104 staffers in 2025

GuelphToday

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One concern is the size of City Hall.Guelph 2,550 employeesCities single tier and of similar size -Kingston - 1700 employeesBrantford - 1450 employeesBarrie - 1350 employeesSalaries and benefits now eat up 47% of the operating budget.There needs to be a freeze of new hirings for two years; and actively allow promotions to happen within the existing workforce.The current projection of rising staff employment is not sustainable, and will lead to even record higher property taxes moving forward.Protect the jobs we have, promote from within, and allow attrition to bring the numbers down to a manageable level.

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OPINION: How does transit this bad keep getting worse?

GuelphToday

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As a regular transit rider by choice, I know our system’s potential. But for it to truly work, it needs to be about more than just buses—it needs to be about "Transit Dignity".While better scheduling and seamless connections are the engine, basic human respect is the fuel. That is why, in the upcoming municipal election, I am officially pushing for a permanent, accessible washroom at Guelph Central Station. Currently, the city’s budget doesn’t schedule a permanent downtown facility until 2028, but for those of us relying on this station every day, that is not fast enough.We need a system that values its passengers as people. It is time to prioritize the infrastructure that makes choosing transit a humane and dignified experience. Let’s make Guelph a leader in accessible, respectful public transit.

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