Tell Your Councillors What You Think of the Future

Obviously, if you read some of the online blogs, there's a degree of dissatisfaction about the way Guelph's being run these days. Wish you could tell your city councillor to their face what you think the future of Guelph should look like? Opportunity meet door.

From the communications office of City Hall, comes an invitation to all Guelphites to a series of townhall style meetings between city councillors and regular Guelphites courtesy of the Guelph Community Wellbeing Initiative. Of course, it's more than just political as the Wellbeing Initiative encompasses more quality of life issues than political ones, but it should be very interesting to hear what members of the Guelph community across the city want from their city. 

The first town is tomorrow night, and the full schedule can be found below along with the press release:

GUELPH, ON, September 5, 2012 – Starting tomorrow the City will host several community conversations to learn what people like about living in Guelph and what would improve their quality of life. 

As part of the Guelph Community Wellbeing Initiative, each conversation will be an opportunity to discuss what matters in life, and how to work together to improve the wellbeing of individuals, neighbourhoods and the Guelph community. 

“People have an important role to play in improving the quality of life in Guelph,” says Barbara Powell, General Manager of Community Engagement. “We’ve already heard from thousands of residents who completed our community survey in July. “Now, we’re still seeking additional input to make sure everyone has a chance to shape Guelph’s future.” 

Ward conversations are scheduled to take place: 

Councillor June Hofland will host a ward conversation at a future date to be determined. Information about this and other upcoming events will be posted at guelphwellbeing.ca.

During September, the City and its community partners will continue to encourage residents to participate in the Guelph Community Wellbeing Initiative by:

• Completing a comment card at their neighbourhood recreation centre, library branch or City facility
• Attending a ward conversation view dates here
• Talking to wellbeing volunteers at community events and gathering places view dates here
• Hosting a conversation with family, friends, neighbours or coworkers – a do it yourself guidebook is available on guelphwellbeing.ca
• Submitting comments at guelphwellbeing.ca
• Following and sharing comments using #guelphwellbeing on Twitter
• Posting comments on the City of Guelph Facebook page

About the Guelph Community Wellbeing Initiative

Using the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, the City and its partners are measuring Guelph’s quality of life in terms of community vitality, democratic engagement, environment, education, time use, health, leisure and culture and living standards.

Learn more about the Canadian Index of Wellbeing and the eight dimensions of wellbeing here.

Its purpose is to develop a shared understanding and vision for Guelph’s future so the City and community partners can make better decisions, improve programs and policies, and increase the wellbeing of people, neighbourhoods and the community as a whole.

In addition, the initiative aims to to inspire more people to take action and contribute to Guelph’s community wellbeing – creating a healthy and safe community where people can live life to the fullest.