Scenes from a Swearing In

Mayor Cam Guthrie being sworn in by City Clerk Stephen O'Brien

With the dulcet tones of the Guelph Youth Singers, a song by new Ward 2 Councillor James Gordon and a declaration of intent by the new Mayor of Guelph Cam Guthrie, the next term of council was called to order tonight at the council chambers of 1 Carden St. In front of a packed house, platitudes were offered, and promises were made as Mayor Guthrie and a team of seven new councillors and five veterans embark on a quest to guide the City of Guelph well over the next four years. 

In his inaugural address, Guthrie acknowledged with gratitude the service of the outgoing mayor and councillors, and said that he's spent the last month as Mayor-Elect reaching out to his new colleagues and having great conversations with them. As per his election promise, Guthrie said that as he and council tackle the budget for the next fiscal year, he hopes to bring any tax increase at or below the rate of inflation. He's also been meeting with business leaders and once again promised to eliminate the Guelph Factor while respecting Guelph's downtown and helping it to stand on its own.

Guthrie aimed to set aside the bitter partisanship that sometimes gripped the 2014 race saying that the election is over, but the challenges continue and council must work together to overcome them. "At times we will have difficult conversations about our city," he said, "but we will do it in a way that maintains dignity and respect."

"There's enough room in this city for everyone's ideas," Guthrie added. 

The usual reception followed the short and ceremonial initial, here are some images from the night. 

Ward 1 Councillor Dan Gibson (l) and Ward 6 Councillor Mark MacKinnon with families.

Ward 3 Coucillor Phil Allt and Marty Williams, Executive Director of the Downtown Guelph Business Association

Ward 2 Councillor James Gordon accompanies the Guelph Young Singers for a performance of his song "Our City."

Mayor Cam Guthrie poses with some well wishers.

The Guelph Youth Singers sing "Let it Snow" before the council meeting.

Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner talks with Ward 3 Councillor June Hofland.

Ward 5 Councillor Leanne Piper meets the people.

Half the new council (l to r): Cathy Downer, Karl Wettstein, Piper, Gibson, and MacKinnon.

Musicians Trevor and Kyle Dick performed at the reception.