This Week in Press Releases - February 15-19, 2016

Lawrence Schembri (courtesy of the Windsor Star)

Every week, the City of Guelph and other groups send out notices to announce new events, imperatives, and information that you need to know. Here is this week in press releases.

Bank of Canada Bigwig Coming to Town

Lawrence Schembri, a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, will be in town on Wednesday "for a constructive discussion with members of Guelph’s business community at the Guelph Economic Leadership Forum." According to Kithio Mwanzia, President and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, “This is particularly exciting as this is the first time that our community is hosting a member of the Governing Council of the Bank of Canada. It is especially timely now since Guelph has been named a jobs powerhouse. The Guelph Chamber is committed to upholding that title and this is an opportunity to educate local business.” If you're interested in attending this event, you have to register at the Chamber website here.

Prices Going Up to Park Downtown on March 1

The City wants to remind you that prices are changing for downtown parking a week from Tuesday. Starting March 1, hourly downtown parking rates will go up by 25 cents to $2. This rate increase applies to downtown parking lots and City meters on Farquhar Street, Fountain Street, Delhi Street and Westmount Road. All paid meters have a two–hour maximum. Hourly parking rates apply Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm at West Parkade, East Surface, Baker Street, Macdonell Street, Wilson Street and Wyndham Street lots. A flat fee of $5 is charged for special events outside of regular payment hours at West Parkade, East Parkade, East Surface and Baker Street lots. Except during special events, a flat fee of $2 is charged at City lots on Saturdays, and parking is free at City lots on Sundays. Downtown on-street parking will remain free with a two­–hour, once per day limit Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 9 pm, for now....

Guelph Arts Council Looking for Open Doors Volunteers

The Guelph Arts Council is looking for volunteers to lend a half-day's support in one of several available roles to assist in this year's Open Doors Guelph event. The annual event, which allows Guelph residents to access architecturally, historically, and creatively significant sites around town - many of which are not normally open to the public - through guided public tours, need about 100 volunteers to make happen. Interesting in being one? Sign up to be a volunteer here. Sites for this year's Open Doors include Hammond Radio Museum, Muslim Society, Bisson Dentistry, Trinity United Church, Artist Julia Grady’s home & studio, Dixon Distillery, Dr. Reymarie Yabut Family Dentistry, Trails Open - Barber Scout Camp, Woodlawn Cemetery & Lodge, Guelph Hydro, the Findlay Home, and Blue Iris Studios.

Wanna Go to an Open House on Environmental Design on York Rd.

Do you want to see improvements to York Rd. east of Victoria, but want to make sure it's all environmentally sustainable? Then the city's got an open house for you on Tuesday. An in-depth study of the York Road environment that is now underway, and community members are being invited to check out the research being done on the impact of expanding the roadway to four lanes and the effect on the local environment - natural, physical and social - including scope and objectives, background information, and concepts for changes to Clythe Creek and the roadway. The open house will take place in Community Room 112 at City Hall from 6 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday February 23. Feel free to drop in anytime. Learn more about the project at guelph.ca/yorkeds.

Ontario Has a New Ombudsman

J. Paul Dubé, Canada’s first Taxpayers’ Ombudsman serving the federal government from 2008-14, has been named the new permanent Ombudsman for Ontario. “I am honoured by this appointment, and I look forward to serving the people of Ontario,” Dubé said in the press release. “It’s a privilege to join the Ontario Ombudsman’s office, whose work I have admired and respected for many years.” Dubé got his law degree from the University of Windsor, and before his time in Ottawa we worked with Legal Aid New Brunswick, and was Vice-Chair and Alternate Chairperson of the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board. His five-year term as Ombudsmen begins on April 1, 2016; Barbara Finlay will remain Acting Ombudsman until he takes over.

Mayor Guthrie Wants You... To Nominate People for Mayor's Awards.

The Mayor's Office, and Mayor Cam Guthrie, are sending out the word out far and wide: nominations are open for this year's Mayor’s Awards. “It could be a coach who has made a difference in your child’s life, or a volunteer in your faith community who goes the extra mile. It could be someone who started a brand new initiative in Guelph, or someone who has volunteered for years without a lot of fanfare,” said Mayor Guthrie. “If you know someone who deserves to be recognized, consider nominating them for a Mayor’s Award.” Nominations can be submitted online at guelph.ca/mayorsawards or by contacting the Mayor’s Office at mayor@guelph.ca or 519-837-5643 to request a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2016. This year’s Mayor’s Awards will be presented on June 23 at the Guelph Awards of Excellence gala, hosted by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce.