tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768256811090118142024-03-14T05:40:45.113-04:00Guelph PoliticoFollowing political news from the national and international stage with a local perspective and a fresh take on news affecting Guelph.Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.comBlogger2027125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-25792941656944334392018-08-31T09:00:00.000-04:002018-08-31T09:00:00.138-04:00The Politico Calendar for September 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Welcome to September. A new season, a new school year, and the unofficial kick-off to the Municipal Election, and so much more. Here's some political and cultural events to mark your calendar for in the next 30 days! </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a>SEPTEMBER 1<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Move In Day - University of Guelph, Gordon closed between College and Stone, 8 am-6 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Community Breakfast - Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd, 8-1 0am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Colonial Park Fireworks - Colonial Drive Park, 181 Colonial Dr, 7:30-10 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">OPIRG-Guelph Open House - 1 Trent Ln, University of Guelph, 12-5 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">LABOUR DAY</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The DATE SAFE Project's "Can I Kiss You?" - University of Guelph Athletics Centre, 7-8 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food Truck Night - Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd, 4:30-8 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">2018 United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin Campaign Kick-Off - Frank Hasenfratz Centre for Excellence, 700 Woodlawn Rd W, 11:45 am-1:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Board Meeting - Trillium Room, Guelph Office, 160 Chancellors Way, 4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">An Evening of Storytelling - Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St, 7-8:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shootin' the Breeze at Breezy Corners with Phil Allt and James Gordon - 44 Macdonell St, 8-9:30 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Greens 2018 AGM - 10C, 42 Carden St, 7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fundraising Garage Sales & Silent Auctions - Guelph Food Bank, 100 Crimea St, 8 am-4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two Rivers Market - Tytler PS, 131 Ontario St, 3-7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eden Mills Writers' Festival - Various times and locations through September 9 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">South End Celebration - Salvation Army Guelph Citadel Church, 1320 Gordon St, 6-10 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 8</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Firefighters Breakfast - Guelph Lake Commons, 520 Victoria Rd N, 8-11 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In Conversation with Jann Arden (SOLD OUT) - War Memorial Hall, 390 Gordon St, 1-3 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Lions Club Pet Valu Walk For Dog Guides - Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, 10 am-1 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">RISE for Real Climate Action - Market Square, 2-3:15 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Little Theatre presents The Arthur Awards - GLT, 176 Morris St, 8-11 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">2018 Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope - Arboretum, University of Guelph (at College and Victoria Streets), 9 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Committee of Management for the Elliott - Council Chambers, City Hall, 1:45 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">City Council Meeting - Council Chambers, 1 Carden St, 6:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Roads Committee Meeting - Keith Room, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 9 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Solid Waster Services Committee Meeting - Keith Room, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 10:30 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">UGDSB Business Operations Committee - 500 Victoria Road North, 7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food Truck Night - Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd, 4:30-8 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Air Cadet Open House - Guelph Armoury, 7 Wyndham St S, 6:30-9 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">GWIN Dinner, Network and Speaker Series - Springfield Golf and Country Club, 2054 Gordon St, 5:30-9 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Environmental Advisory Committee - Council Chambers, 1 Carden St, 7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Police Services Board Meeting - Guthrie Room, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 9 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Social Services Committee Meeting - Guthrie Room, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 1 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">UGDSB Special Education Advisory Committee - 500 Victoria Road North, 7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Jazz Festival - Various times and locations though September 16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maude Barlow: Conserve and Protect Our Water - Italian Canadian Club, 135 Ferguson St, 7-9 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Planning Committee Meeting - Keith Room, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 10 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Committee of Adjustment - City Hall, 1 Carden St, 4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shootin' the Breeze at Breezy Corners with Phil Allt and James Gordon - 44 Macdonell St, 8-9:30 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Art Gallery of Guelph: Fall Season Launch - 358 Gordon St, 7-9 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Holy Rosary School Open House BBQ - Holy Rosary Catholic School, 365 Stevenson St N, 5:30-7:45 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Liberals End of Summer Barbeque - Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, 5 pm-8 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two Rivers Market - Tytler PS, 131 Ontario St, 3-7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 15</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parkison's Super Walk - Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, 9:30 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Community Shredding Event - Stone Road Mall (parking lot, off Edinburgh near former Sears location), 9 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parkinson SuperWalk 2018 - Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, 9:30 am-1:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spider Hunting - Main Library Branch, 100 Norfolk St, 1-2:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Garage Sales & Silent Auctions: FINAL SELL-OFF - Guelph Food Bank, 100 Crimea St, 8 am-4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Street Art Walk Culture Days Edition - Market Square, 1 Carden St, 12-1:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Terry Fox Run - Silvercreek Park, corner of Edinburgh Rd S and Wellington Ave W, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taste of Guelph - St. Joseph's Health Centre, 100 Westmount Rd, 1-4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Scottish Festival - The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 234, 57 Watson Pkwy S, 1-6:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Economic Development Committee Meeting - Lower Board Room, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 10 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Administration, Finance and Human Resources Committee Meeting - Guthrie Room, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 1 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food Truck Night - Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd, 4:30-8 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Senior's Day - The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 234, 57 Watson Pkwy S, 1-6 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">River Systems Advisory Committee - City Hall Meeting Room B, 1 Carden St, 4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Community Supper - Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd, 5-7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 20</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shootin' the Breeze at Breezy Corners with Phil Allt and James Gordon - 44 Macdonell St, 8-9:30 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Police Services Board Meeting - City Hall Meeting Room C, 1 Carden St, 2:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 3-7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 21</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two Rivers Market - Tytler PS, 131 Ontario St, 3-7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast Academy: Economic & Financial Outlook with RBC - Holiday Inn Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre, 601 Scottsdale Dr, 7-9 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Paint Night - Main Library Branch, 100 Norfolk St, 7-9 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 22</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Vegfest - Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St, 11 am-5 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Super Science Saturday - Main Library Branch, 100 Norfolk St, 1-3 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Roaring 20s Big Band Dance for Torchlight Services - The Red Papaya, 55 Wyndham St N, 7-11:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">2018 Guelph Comedy Festival Preview Gala - 10C, 42 Carden St, 8-10 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 23</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SuperHero Zumbathon for the United Way - Our Lady of Lourdes Gymnasium, 54 Westmount Rd, 1-3 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spirit Walk - Woodlawn Memorial Park, 762 Woolwich St, 1-4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 24</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 3-7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two Rivers Neighbourhood Group Soil Contamination Meeting - Tytler Public School, 131 Ontario St, 7-10 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 25</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Business After 5 - Lakeside HOPE House, 10 Cork St E, 5-7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">UGDSB Meeting - 500 Victoria Road North, 7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food Truck Night - Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd, 4:30-8 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CFUW Guelph Meeting and Speaker - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 161 Norfolk St, 7-9:30 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">HOPE House 6th Anniversary Party - Lakeside HOPE House, 10 Cork St E, 10 am-2 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 26</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 3-7 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 27</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shootin' the Breeze at Breezy Corners with Phil Allt and James Gordon - 44 Macdonell St, 8-9:30 am</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington County Council Meeting - Council Chambers, Administration Centre, 74 Woolwich St, 10 am</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Military Lecture: Cities in Crisis - Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St, 7 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 3-7 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Take Back the Night - Marianne's Park, 176 Gordon St, 6-9 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 28</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two Rivers Market - Tytler PS, 131 Ontario St, 3-7 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Culture Days - Various times and locations through September 30</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 29</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">UkeFest - Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave, 8:30 am</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Donate with The Office - Guelph Blood Donor Clinic, 130 Silvercreek Pkwy N, 8 am-12 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Street Art Walk Culture Days Edition - Market Square, 1 Carden St, 1-3 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 30</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CIBC Run for the Cure 2018 - St. George's Square Downtown, 9:30-11:45 am</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Kidney Walk - The Guelph Coutry Club, 133 Woodlawn Rd E, 9 am-2 pm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">GYMC Wall of Fame Award Recipient 2018 - Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St, 2-3:30 pm</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-71188999221067304012018-08-30T22:16:00.000-04:002018-08-30T22:25:14.990-04:00MANGEZ! Dine Safe Guide for August 16-31, 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9NozqnDvIY3oRtKsOGEkZtyQJ8E4jPR8bZ-iSIr4oD81Mbcf_ogeSV_DCgvDMahyphenhyphenQRMr6c0rR4Bm2u2zQVjM_br212198bHGrNDmFjQeRSG1uSY0dNXz8N6EPbtVz-HoN2kqDYfZOc/s1600/mangezgraf+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9NozqnDvIY3oRtKsOGEkZtyQJ8E4jPR8bZ-iSIr4oD81Mbcf_ogeSV_DCgvDMahyphenhyphenQRMr6c0rR4Bm2u2zQVjM_br212198bHGrNDmFjQeRSG1uSY0dNXz8N6EPbtVz-HoN2kqDYfZOc/s400/mangezgraf+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Twice-monthly, Guelph Politico posts the latest inspection results from the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit inspection of local restaurants, hotels, cafes, grocery stores and other businesses that handle food. We call it "Mangez!", and this column highlights the latest inspections done by WDGPH, and the results they've posted.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>Here are the inspections done between August 16-31 according to the "Check Before You Choose" <a href="http://checkbeforeyouchoose.ca/">website</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLMHxQ0lJNo2fQgtJJU4PmNYPJqZreNPdUBWyD9WOChdXDlMAb9ycI70BB6g-WYH7HVVEc0_3Yerq_Xwga4ZzJGtJz2nlLOBPeOuBGrUHYA2K2IjGRVFgWCpLiVCWWEHUP8Xh4RK-rA4/s1600/bonappetit+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1000" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLMHxQ0lJNo2fQgtJJU4PmNYPJqZreNPdUBWyD9WOChdXDlMAb9ycI70BB6g-WYH7HVVEc0_3Yerq_Xwga4ZzJGtJz2nlLOBPeOuBGrUHYA2K2IjGRVFgWCpLiVCWWEHUP8Xh4RK-rA4/s400/bonappetit+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>*No infractions found</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Baskin Robbins, 30-328 Speedvale Ave E</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Boon Burger, 23 Quebec St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Booster Juice, 5-105 Clair Rd E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cherry Blossom Sushi and Bar, 107-Building H-103 Clair Road East</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">College Place, 166 College Ave W </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Crafty Ramen, 17 MacDonell St</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Crepes Coffee, 110-904 Paisley Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cusina Mediterranean Bistro, 5-160 Kortright Rd W</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Evergreen Senior Centre, 683 Woolwich St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Galaxy Theatre, 85 Clair Rd E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Golden Fish & Chips, 200 Kortright Rd W </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Bible Conference Centre, 485 Waterloo Ave</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph General Hospital - Patient Food Services, 115 Delhi St</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Harvey's, 99 Clair Rd E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Holiday Inn - Elements on Stone Restaurant & Lounge, 601 Scottsdale Dr </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keg Steakhouse and Bar, 49 Clair Rd</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kims Pizza, 20-500 Willow Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kirtida Kitchen (Food Truck)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Klara's Pretzels, 380 Imperial Rd S</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Little Short Stop, 113 Silvercreek Pky N </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Na-Ha-Thai's Kitchen, 471 York Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Noel's Children's Centre, 468 Woodlawn Rd E</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Norfolk Manor, 128 Norfolk St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Philthy Philly's Cheesesteak & Poutinerie, 85 Macdonell St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pizza Pizza, 435 Stone Rd W </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Polycon Industries, 65 Independence Pl </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pressed for Time Paninis, 113 Macdonell St</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Robusta Cafe & Lounge, 101B-160 Macdonell St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">St. Joseph's Health Centre - ABI Kitchen, 100 Westmount Rd</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">San Francisco Panini, 20 Cowan Pl </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">7-Eleven Food Store, 585 Eramosa Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Smoke's Poutinerie, 20 Wyndham St N </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stone Lodge, 165 Cole Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">U of G - CSA Foodbank, 50 Stone Rd E</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">U of G - Subway, 50 Stone Rd E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Zehrs Markets - Bento Nouveau, 1045 Paisley Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Zinger Chick, 18-500 Willow Rd </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>*Non-critical infraction: An infraction (violation) that is not likely to lead to food-borne illness or infection (e.g., lighting is not bright enough for food preparation or work areas).</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A & W Restaurant, 555 Woodlawn Rd W (3 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sanitary maintenance of and provision of required supplies in staff / public washroom facilities</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Adequate protection against the entrance of insects, birds, rodents, and other pests</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">General housekeeping is sufficient to maintain the premise in a clean and sanitary condition </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fusion Sushi and Thai, 78 Carden St (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Country Club - Jesse's on the Green, 133 Woodlawn Rd E (2 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized after each use and as often as is necessary to maintain such surfaces in a sanitary condition </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">General housekeeping is sufficient to maintain the premise in a clean and sanitary condition</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">KFC/Taco Bell, 435 Stone Rd W (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">La Cucina, 2nd Floor-25 Macdonell St (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cleaning required around, under, and behind kitchen equipment, counters, and baseboards </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Little Caesars Pizza, 328 Speedvale Ave E (2 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized after each use and as often as is necessary to maintain such surfaces in a sanitary condition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sanitary maintenance of and provision of required supplies in staff / public washroom facilities</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mustang Drive In Theatre, 5012 Jones Baseline (3 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Adequate hand washing station(s) in all preparation / service areas, supplied with liquid soap and paper towels, and used for hand washing only</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Proper manual dishwashing procedure followed (wash, rinse, sanitize)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Adequate protection against the entrance of insects, birds, rodents, and other pests</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Penny Whistle, 2 Quebec St (3 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Equipment is of sound and tight construction, in good repair and easily cleaned and sanitized</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Adequate protection against the entrance of insects, birds, rodents, and other pests</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ray's Chinese Restaurant, 35 Harvard Rd (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Subway, 17-995 Paisley Rd (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ensure inspection results are posted on-site by posting either the inspection report or the Check Before You Choose sign by January 2019 </span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>*Critical infraction: A violation found during an inspection that could be a health hazard</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">City Pizza, 6-20 Woodlawn Rd E (1 Critical)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Separate raw hazardous foods from ready-to-eat foods during storage and handling</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Delta Hotel and Conference Centre - Fifty West Restaurant, 50 Stone Rd W (1 Critical/2 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CRITICAL: Adjust or repair the refrigeration unit immediately. Do not store any hazardous foods in the unit until it is able to maintain hazardous foods at 4°C (40°F) or less </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Provide paper towels at hand washing station in food preparation area</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maintain sanitizing solutions according to manufacturer's instructions </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Feta & Olives Greek Kitchen, 435 Stone Rd W (2 Critical/3 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CRITICAL: Hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or less</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CRITICAL: Frozen hazardous food is maintained in a frozen state</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Daily housekeeping practices must be improved </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cleaning required around, under, and behind kitchen equipment, counters, and baseboards </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Equipment is of sound and tight construction, in good repair and easily cleaned and sanitized</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph General Hospital - Balcony Bistro, 115 Delhi St (1 Critical)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hot holding: minimum of 60°C (140°F) after cooking / rapid re-heating</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Riverside Park Snack Bar, 709 Woolwich St (2 Critical)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cook food mixtures containing poultry, egg, meat, fish or another hazardous food at 74°C (165°F) for 15 seconds </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ensure food is held above 60°C (140°F) after cooking / rapid re-heating </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Subway, 500 York Rd (1 Critical)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or less </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Curious about the restaurant or establishment you're going to, check out "Check Before You Choose" before you head out the door.</b></span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-64995961676696546602018-08-29T21:36:00.001-04:002018-08-29T21:41:34.166-04:00RECAP: Gibson Hosts Update on the Driveway Width Enforcement Concerns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Driveway width. It's been the political controversy of the year, and as council prepares to hear the matter of a suspension of certain provisions of bylaw enforcement, members of the Guelph community gathered this evening at the Victoria Road Recreation Centre to get an update. Ward 1 Councillor Dan Gibson hosted a town hall on the matter, and this is the recap. </span></div>
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<a class="twitter-moment" href="https://twitter.com/i/moments/1034942767103787009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">RECAP: Townhall on Driveway Width</a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-9082032352213977582018-08-29T09:00:00.000-04:002018-08-29T09:00:05.395-04:00GUELPH POLITICAST #136 - Lyndsey Butcher, SHORE Centre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you know what sex education is going to look like when school starts on Tuesday, then you're either the education minister, or one of several teachers that's going to defy the provincial government and teach the 2015 health curriculum update anyway. Can anything good come from all this confusion?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, as you'll hear on this week's podcast, the answer, for the people who make sex education their business, is "no". People like Lyndsey Butcher, who's the executive director of Sexual Health Options Resources Education (SHORE) Centre in Kitchener. SHORE runs hundreds of courses for students of all ages every year, so you can imagine their feelings about the mixed messages coming out of Queen's Park on sex ed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">But beyond the politics, or maybe because of them, let's consider the issue of sex education this way: is there some form of sex education that all of us can agree on? That's probably doubtful. So when all else fails, shouldn't we rely on science? And doesn't the science show that a robust and multifaceted sex education curriculum creates happier and healthier young people when it comes to their future adult relationships?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">That's the message you'll hear from Butcher on this week's podcast. She talks about the work of SHORE, the challenges that teachers are facing this fall, the politics, the new and growing resistance to all the changes, both organized and unorganized, and she discusses the misinformation about the 2015 curriculum. Specifically, you'll hear Butcher reinforce the role of parents in any effective sex education program. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So let's talk about sex, and sex education, on this week's Guelph Politicast!</span></div>
<iframe data-link="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/gekfr-9867e1?from=yiiadmin" data-name="pb-iframe-player" frameborder="0" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/gekfr-9867e1?from=yiiadmin" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For more information about the SHORE Centre, or about any of its services, you can learn about them on their website <a href="http://shorecentre.ca/">here</a>. Stay tuned as the story develops on the sex ed debate here in Ontario.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The theme music for the Guelph Politicast is from the KPM Klassics collection by Syd Dale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The host for the Guelph Politicast is Podbean. Find more episodes of the Politicast <a href="http://guelphpoliticast.podbean.com/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Remember that the Politicast Podbean channel is also the host for podcast versions of Open Sources Guelph. The previous Thursday's episode of Open Sources will be posted on Mondays.</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-85028346570931888162018-08-28T13:45:00.000-04:002018-08-29T14:46:18.123-04:00CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE - Dan Gibson for Ward 1 Councillor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dan Gibson has become a well-known and outspoken presence around the council chamber in his first term as city councillor. Can he convince Ward 1 voters to give an encore in October?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b></b></i></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><i><b>1) In 100 words or less, what’s your main reason to run for council? </b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Municipal government is intensely local and I believe strong, transparent and independent councillors are needed at City Hall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The realities of housing affordability, raising a family and retiring in Guelph have changed over the past 20 years and I believe these realities need to be reflected on Council. To speak on behalf of all residents who are proud to call Guelph home and who, like my family, are paying a mortgage/rent, are paying property taxes, have children in daycare, sports, programs or University, are supporting aging parents or are on fixed incomes. This will continue to be my priority on council.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>2) What, in your opinion, was the most consequential decision on council last term? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are many, but one of the most consequential decision of this past term was the decision to remove secure and accessible online voting in the 2018 Municipal election. The 2014 Guelph Municipal Election (the first to include on line voting) saw the highest voter turnout in 20 years (43%, up from only 34% in 2010). Further, over 12,800 votes (33%) were securely cast on line and a recent survey in Guelph showed that hundreds, if not thousands of new voters intended to cast their ballot this way in 2018. In addition, a recent Association of Municipalities in Ontario study found that a full 10% of non-voters cite accessibility or travel (work/vacation) as barriers to casting a paper ballot in person. These accessibility concerns were also echoed by Guelph’s Accessibility Advisory Committee when advocating for the continued use of online voting and aligned well with our own professional city staff who worked hard to articulate the many security measures put in place to address concerns. Despite this, councillors (on a 7-6 vote) decided to remove it. Consequently, this decision has the potential to significantly depress voter participation in 2018; and with lower voter turnout, the risk of special interests determining the outcome of our election increases, thus compromising our local democratic process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>3) What is *your* issue? What is the one thing you want to accomplish during your term at council? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">During the next term of council I’d like to accomplish four things in Ward 1. I’d like to see the plans for Baker Street and the New Downtown Library become a reality. I’d like to see an increase in public safety and police presence in our downtown as part of a proactive approach to addressing our city’s substance use and mental health concerns. I’d like to see the ground breaking on the IMICO lands redevelopment and I’d like to finally see a grocery store built East of Victoria Road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>4) What is your understanding of affordable housing versus social housing? How can Guelph develop both?</b></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Affordable Housing” includes a wide spectrum of housing types but includes only two broad categories. There is “non-market” based housing which is largely government supported (i.e. shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, social housing and subsidized housing), and there is “market” based affordable housing which includes private market rentals and private ownership. Municipalities have varying roles to play in all aspects of the housing continuum through our social services budget as well as our market based incentives program. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>5) Guelph is required by provincial mandate to accept thousands of new residents by the middle of this century. How is the City presently managing growth? What should we be doing differently? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The City is presently managing growth to the best of our abilities given the strict density and employment targets placed on us through the Places to Grow Act. Further, I believe Guelph is incorporating many aspects of smart, innovative and sustainable development (including on Baker Street) to support “infill” projects within our built up areas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>6) Transit. First, what is your experience using transit? Second, do you think council and staff presently understand issues with transit? And third, what is one specific thing you would suggest to improve Guelph Transit service? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">From time to time I take transit from my home in the East End to Downtown for council meetings in order to gain an understanding of our rider’s experiences. I believe our staff have a firm grasp on the challenges facing our system and am confident the ongoing service review of the entire transit service will bare positive results in the future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>7) What needs to be done to improve Regional Transit? (This includes intercity buses, two-way all-day GO trains, and high-speed rail? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">With support from Provincial and Federal Governments, all of the above (intercity transit, two-way all-day Go Trains to Toronto and High Speed Rail in the future). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>8) If there’s one power that’s currently the jurisdiction of the province or the federal governments, but should be transferred to municipalities, what would it be and why?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Greater autonomy for municipalities to manage their assets as they see fit. The previous provincial government required Municipalities to spend millions of dollars in recent years to develop and maintain corporate asset management plans. These asset management plans however, are continually being undermined by changing government priorities on infrastructure. Priorities that do not always align with our City’s critical needs. My preference would be for senior levels of government to provide stable and proportional infrastructure funding to municipalities and allow local government’s greater independence to maintain and restore their existing infrastructure assets. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>9) How do you define a taxpayer? What is the responsibility of a councillor when it comes to budgeting? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In my opinion, municipal “taxpayers” have traditionally been known to as the property owners, builders and business owners who are funding City programs through property taxes and development charges. While it could be argued that all residents contribute revenues to the city through user fees (i.e. transit fees, parking, rec centers fees and licenses), these services are usually heavily subsidized by the tax base. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Regardless, “taxpayer” is an increasingly complex term that I try my best to stay away from. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>10) Hypothetical: The City’s in a budget crunch, and a substantial tax increase is cost prohibitive for the average Guelphite, so a cut *has* to be made. What City of Guelph service do you look at and why? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Similar to my previous answer, while all residents contribute revenues to the city through user fees (i.e. transit fees, parking fees and tickets, rec centers fees, tickets to Guelph Museum, River Run and business licenses), these services are usually heavily subsidized by the tax base. One way for the city to mitigate increases to the tax rate, would therefore be to review (and reduce) the rate of subsidization to these programs and services, and move closer to a full cost recovery model.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>11) Describe a time you had to make a tough decision, and the thought process you went through in order to reach that decision? (Doesn’t have to be political) </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Putting my name forward to run for council was a big decision in 2014. With a young family and a career, we took our time evaluating whether it was the right time for us. Ultimately we decided to pursue this together and with my family’s support (they come first), it has been an enjoyable and rewarding role to serve in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>12) Is there a municipal issue that you don’t think gets enough attention? What is it and why should it get more attention? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The City’s Zoning Bylaws related to driveway widths. I believe it should be reviewed to reflect the changing realities of housing affordability and availability in Guelph. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>13) Where can people learn more about you, or your campaign, and how can they get in touch with you?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">DanGibson.Guelph@gmail.com </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.dangibson.ca/">www.dangibson.ca</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">@DanGibsonCllr (on <a href="http://twitter.com/DanGibsonCllr">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/DanGibsonCllr">Instagram</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ward News Guelph (on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DanGibsonCllr/?ref=br_rs">Facebook</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">519-265-4587 </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-52755531179910597252018-08-26T10:21:00.000-04:002018-08-29T12:51:52.758-04:00CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE - Marino Gazzola for Wellington Catholic District School Board Trustee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5jv3judonlC5wt92tyyEL0cSiVNzAlesx_QySsfmH-nTcoMmovhWC7HTVEXg909yI7rURMWDQLlvtHoyUsADJWNlf79XqEuYqmIYdbFj1yYCWz55DpWV55028Fs7hjXhHRSEE7aXXwQ/s1600/Marino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5jv3judonlC5wt92tyyEL0cSiVNzAlesx_QySsfmH-nTcoMmovhWC7HTVEXg909yI7rURMWDQLlvtHoyUsADJWNlf79XqEuYqmIYdbFj1yYCWz55DpWV55028Fs7hjXhHRSEE7aXXwQ/s400/Marino.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">All members of the present Wellington Catholic District School Board are running for re-election this year, including the present Chair, Marino Gazzola. So what's his case for returning to the board? </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><i><b>1) In 100 words or less, what’s your main reason to run for school trustee? </b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am a product of the Catholic school system. My children and now grandchildren are part of the system. I support the system. I believe in Catholic education.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>2) What is the role of school board trustee as you understand it?</b></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The role changed dramatically with the introduction of a governance act a number of years ago. We help create and approve policies. We approve and oversee the budget. We are a conduit for stakeholders to communicate with. We do not get involved in the day o day operations of the schools.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>3) How do you think the relationship currently stands between the Ontario government and your school board? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington Catholic District School Board has an excellent relationship with The Government of Ontario. We are a small board but a very respected board across the province. We have been innovators and have partnered with the province on several recent initiatives especially in the area of technology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>4) The mental health of young people is a growing priority; how will you help insure that schools get the resources they need to address this important issue? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">When setting the budget, we must look at all aspects of education, but we must also be prepared to prioritize certain things. A student’s mental well being is of great importance these days, likely more so than at any previous time. It is important to have the right people in the right places including mental health experts and then to make sure they have the resources, including financial resources needed to do their job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>5) Guelph will continue to grow in the next 20 years, where and when should the priority be for new school construction? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">First of all, we must ensure that the current facilities are being utilized to their potential and capacity rating. When deciding on new facilities many aspects must be looked at with growth areas being priority one. There is a procedure in place by the provincial government that must be strictly adhered to when considering new facilities and that may include a review of current boundaries and accommodations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>6) While mayor and council candidates talk about city infrastructure, let’s talk about the infrastructure of our schools. How do our school buildings fare? Are they accessible enough? Are there enough resources to address repairs? Et cetera. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our Wellington catholic facilities are in excellent condition. The government does a facility review, and our schools scored very high in their condition rating. All of our school are air conditioned. Accessibility has become a priority and has been attended to. We have several schools that are less than 20 years old, and most of our older schools have been updated and have undergone renovations in the past few years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>7) What can the school board do to give teachers the resources to improve how students learn in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As with any program, budgetary considerations are always at the forefront. We need to ensure that our teachers are up to date in their own professional development, then we need to provide them with the resources to fully educate the students in the identified areas. The provincial government sets curriculum and priorities, and we consistently follow both of those. In the area of math, our board has annually scored above the provincial averages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>8) What’s an example of something that Guelph schools are doing well versus schools in other board jurisdictions?</b></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Again, I point out our boards scores in provincial testing, which is consistently higher than provincial averages. I also point to our student’s commitment and dedication to social justice. Our high schools annually raise over $70,000.00 in the relay for life. Our employees donate close thousands and thousands of dollars to the local United Way. Our secondary students annually make trips to Peru, Guatemala, Honduras and other under developed countries to build schools, and other facilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>9) FRENCH IMMERSION: If you’re running in the Upper Grand District School Board, how do you think the board has handled the pressure of demand for French Immersion? If you’re running in the Wellington Catholic District School Board, should the board be looking at developing its own French Immersion programs to help relieve the pressure? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">At Wellington Catholic we are not considering French Immersion currently. We have put our energies and commitment and resources into the IB, (International Baccalaureate) program at both the secondary and primary school level. Both levels of the IB program have been extremely successful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>10) There’s a political question about dissolving the Catholic and separate school board system and creating one school board, what’s your opinion on the issue? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Very very strongly oppose it. Contrary to public belief there are no savings to be had by doing that, and saving money is the primary argument from the groups that support it. Education in Ontario is funded on a per pupil basis. Approximately 1.8 million students funded at a rate of roughly $12,800 per student. Amalgamation would still have the same number of students funded at the same rate. It would require the same number of schools, teachers and administrators. You may have fewer Directors of education, but with amalgamation would come larger number of students in each board which would likely require more superintendents and associate directors, and again no savings. In 1997, Ontario amalgamated 125 school boards into the current 72 boards, because of projected savings which never materialized. The infrastructure to oversee the amalgamation cost taxpayers over 1.2 BILLION dollars. The other conversation piece that nobody talks about is the chaos that would occur at every school with amalgamation. Many students would be displaced from their current school. Students who currently attend Catholic schools but live near a public school would now attend the public school likely displacing a student from there, and the reverse would also be true, public school students would now attend Catholic facilities closer to their home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>11) Is there an issue concerning education or public schools you feel needs more attention? What is it, and why? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are two actually, and both have to do with adequate funding. First Special education is tremendously underfunded. More and more students are being identified with special needs but the monies to support them are not flowing to the boards. The special education funding formula is way outdated AND NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED. The second area is transportation, which is also severely underfunded. Costs borne by the operators are increasing at a rampant pace, but the government funding is not keeping up with it. It is another formula and area that needs a long past due review. A few years ago, the government did an efficiency review of the board’s transportations system, but then never followed up on the results. Boards that were playing by the rules were penalized while other boards who were not were rewarded with more funding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>12) For someone that doesn’t have kids in school, why should they care about who’s running for school board? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Simply put, school board elections are the absolute grass roots of our political system. Trustees are the first level of government that deals directly with the stakeholders, and has the responsibility for educating the province’s future, our children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>13) Where can people learn more about you, or your campaign, and how can they get in touch with you?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Email is marino.gazzola@sympatico.ca</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cell phone is 226-979-2008. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am always available to speak to anyone with questions. I am in the process of setting up a website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions. </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-62170526369935448862018-08-23T22:22:00.000-04:002018-08-24T08:54:18.151-04:00Only Some Minor Changes Coming to Transit Next Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">With September coming, it's that incredible time of year when it seems like everything gets back to normal. "Normal" is relative in the case of Guelph Transit though, because September is usually the time for some schedule or route changes, and this September is no exception.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In this case, there are three changes of primary interest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The big one is the restoration of service on route #3 Westmount. As previously requested in a decision by city council back in May, this route is being restored to its original orientation prior to this past January. The new schedule, which is actually the old schedule, is now Monday to Friday, every 30 minutes from 5:45 to 7:15 am and 6:15 pm to 12:15 am; and every 20 minutes from 7:15 am to 6:15 pm. Weekend service remains the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another big change is the route of the #41 Downtown-University Express. On the return trip from the University of Guelph, the Express will now turn right on Wellington, and travel down to Macdonell where it will turn left and enter Guelph Central Station. This change was made on the suggestion of transit operators.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The third change is a few minor tweaks to the posted schedules of the #17 Woodlawn Watson and the #18 Watson Woodlawn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The full roster of University-centric routes, typically marked with a "U" next to the route number, will all return on September 4. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“As part of our ongoing effort to improve the service for riders, we’re training 11 new drivers and making some minor adjustments to schedules,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager at Guelph Transit, in a City press release. “Look for the changes to take effect on September 4.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For the complete schedules and maps for all Guelph Transit routes are available on <a href="http://guelph.ca/living/getting-around/bus/schedules/">their website</a>. </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-36533994093485409862018-08-22T09:00:00.000-04:002018-08-22T09:00:13.878-04:00GUELPH POLITICAST #135 - On Development, Part I: "The Big Picture"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Is the rapid state of development making Guelph lose its character? This is a question more and more people have this election year as plans for bigger and bigger residential buildings keep coming to city council. Meanwhile, Clair-Maltby lies in wait in the south end for an official plan. So how do we know we're developing right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In what is hopefully going to be an ongoing series within the podcast, Guelph Politico will try, in its way, to answer that question. In the first part of "On Development", we consider the big picture, the academic theory of modern development in terms of balancing growth with sustainability.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our first guest on this subject is Dr. Ray Tomalty, principal of Smart Cities Research Services and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Urban Planning at McGill University. His expertise includes intensification, green infrastructure, neighbourhood design, community energy planning, affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and the fiscal tools to promote community sustainability, and he's travelled around the globe to see how cities worldwide work towards a balanced approach to development.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">While Dr. Tomalty is not an expert on Guelph, or development in Guelph, he does bring a wealth of information about the challenges and demands of growth for Canadian cites in the 21st century. When this interview was conducted, the second phase of the Clair-Maltby plan had just been passed, so Tomalty talks about the opportunities and concerns of such a plan. He also talks about the challenges of affordable housing, the characteristics of smart city growth, and how planners and developers can mitigate NIMBYism. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So let's build a better understanding on theories of sustainable development on this week's Guelph Politicast! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can learn more about the work of Smart City Research Services <a href="http://smartcities.ca/">here</a>, and you can find Dr Tomalty’s latest book, <i>America’s Urban Future: Lessons from North of the Border</i>, which he wrote with Allan Mallach, <a href="https://islandpress.org/book/americas-urban-future">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The theme music for the Guelph Politicast is from the KPM Klassics collection by Syd Dale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The host for the Guelph Politicast is Podbean. Find more episodes of the Politicast <a href="http://guelphpoliticast.podbean.com/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Remember that the Politicast Podbean channel is also the host for podcast versions of Open Sources Guelph. The previous Thursday's episode of Open Sources will be posted on Mondays.</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-8356869904571026092018-08-21T20:53:00.000-04:002018-08-23T10:27:03.805-04:00Guthrie and Stewart Pleased With AMO Meetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference winds up for another year, delegates from most of Ontario's 444 municipalities are taking stock of their time with provincial government officials, and among them are members of the Guelph team. In the waning hours of this year's conference, Guelph Politico talked to Mayor Cam Guthrie and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Scott Stewart about what was accomplished, and what the first AMO with the Ford government was like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised. They have been very welcoming, very open to hearing what’s going on Guelph,” said Guthrie of representatives from the Conservative government. “In some cases we’re having to tell people what’s going on in Guelph, but for a lot them, they already know what’s going on in Guelph, and we've gotten some very positive feedback.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“This is a great opportunity to build our relationships with new friends and old ones, and we’ve been sharing a lot of our information," added Stewart. "A lot of it is sharing our innovative approach, and our key priorities and how they can match up with the new provincial government, and also the relationships we’ve had in the past.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The 10 member Guelph delegation had 16 meetings over the four day conference, so Guelph Politico asked Guthrie and Stewart to comment on some of the topics covered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><i>Two-way, all-day GO Trains and High Speed Rail</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph's delegation, along with delegations from other cities along the 401 corridor, met with Minister of Transportation John Yakabuski to make sure that transit developments remain, ahem, on track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“After we were done with our delegation, and our asks, it was very positive," said Guthrie. "Everyone’s on the same page. They do not want anymore gridlock, they understand there’s an economic benefit, they were very positive about what it can do to the economy as well as people’s lives in order to get them home earlier, have dinner with the family, and have a better overall well being.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stewart agreed saying, “We’re not in competition with Kitchener-Waterloo, or Toronto, or Brampton, were in collaboration with them, and that was a great signal to the province that this is an area that’s in it together and we’re looking for some very specific things."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>Highway 7 Extension</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There were also conversations with Minister Yakabuski about the pending expansion of Highway 7 between Guelph and Kitchener.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"We wanted to have the extension of Highway 7 at Woodlawn and the Hanlon to be signalized and have grade separation so that we can maintain traffic flow, and that’s not just for the commuters, but for the businesses in that area of the city too so that they can get their goods and services moving," said Guthrie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“It’s about supply chain management," Stewart added. "You hear that often from our businesses, and we want to make sure they stay competitive."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>Revenue Tools for Cities</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Representatives from the Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario (LUMCO) met with Minister of Finance Vic Fedeli to talk about giving other municipalities the same revenue tools granted to Toronto in the City of Toronto Act. Guthrie saw the situation differently.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I flipped the word 'revenue' on its head a little," Guthrie explained. "What I told the minister was instead of tools to ask for more fees or more taxes, the province can create efficiencies that can trickle down to municipalities and save us money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"That's revenue we can use at the municipal level to either not tax our own citizens anymore, or use the revenue for infrastructure we use in the city.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">What kind of efficiencies?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Under the Planning Act there’s a lot of duplication from other ministries that might be looking at the same thing when it comes to approvals," Guthrie added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I want to be very clear: this is not about skipping any processes or not following through on any of the obligations we would have to meet under those requirements, but it’s a question of why do we have three different ministries look at the exact same thing, when efficiencies could be made with one body looking for something to be checked of," he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"If we could find these efficiencies it could make things move faster and it could save money.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>Guelph Innovation District</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Progress is slow on this file, but the progress continues even with the ministry under new management.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“We’ve been working hard with Infrastructure Ontario, and even though they’ve changed what ministry they report too, this relationship is so far along, and so good that this was just information sharing today with the Minister," Stewart said. "It was more of a get to know the new minister session, but I don’t think there are any hiccups at all with that file at this stage.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guthrie agreed. "There was nothing that come out of that [meeting] that concerns me at all. In fact they were very excited about moving this along."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The mayor added that the provincial government's mantra is to not hold on to liability or underperforming assets like the lands for the GID. "They are actually fully onboard, and I feel it was the most positive of the meetings I had today," Guthrie added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>The New Main Library and the South End Community Centre</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guthrie said this meeting with Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Sylvia Jones was about putting those two projects on the ministry's radar. As the provincial government is currently undertaking a line-by-line review of Ontario's finances by a third party, there were no promises about money.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"After that information is released, they’re going to see how these projects align with the financial outlook of the province, and then what kind of commitment they can make looking forward," Guthrie explained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>Community Energy Initiative and the Green Energy and Technology (GrEAT) Centre</b></i></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In their first weeks in office, the Ford government has hardly seemed friendly to the clean tech and clean energy sectors, but Guthrie said that Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Paul Calandra was interested in hearing about Guelph's work on these files.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“They liked the fact that the GrEAT Centre would align with that entrepreneurial spirit, the clean tech, and when it comes to jobs, so that part I feel they were actually excited about," Guthrie said. "When it came to our Community Energy Initiative, they were very positive about that as well, because they believe that as we look to what we want to achieve, it will help with the economics: putting money back in people’s pockets, putting money in municipalities pockets from a corporate position, so that in turn can create more funds, more revenue, and more efficiencies for the municipality,” Guthrie added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>Affordable Housing</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Neither Guthrie nor Stewart were able to attend this meeting with Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Christine Hogarth, but Councillor Cathy Downer did. She was actually less than impressed with the results of this meeting with provincial representatives. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"It seems clear that they want this issue to be with the Federal Government and want municipalities to advocate to the Feds, not the Province," Downer said by email.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"It was also clear that they see 'affordable housing' as a supply and demand issue. They propose to increase supply by 'cutting red tape and streamlining development processes,'" Downer explained. "I do not know what this really means, but this is a concern for many already rapidly growing municipalities as growth does not pay for itself now. Speeding up growth will put extra pressure on City finances and other government services.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"It really doesn't resolve the issue of affordable housing for all."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><b>The Takeaways</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“It’s always about building relationships," said Stewart looking back at the conference. "We’ve had an awful lot of that, and we need to make sure that the doors are open, and that they get our vision."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"They’re aware of out projects, they’ve got work they have to do, and they know that Guelph is open for business, and that’s the next step is working together," Stewart added.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“I’m leaving the conference with new cell phone numbers so that I can reach out to people in different ministries, and make sure they’re kept in the loop and make sure that if we need them we have the right contacts," Guthrie added.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I came into this skeptical. It’s all new, everything’s fresh, and I’m very excited to see that they want to help with the same things that me, as the mayor, wants to look at, which is jobs, efficiencies, innovation, and infrastructure.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Those types of things we can find common ground on." </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-74105665478239435282018-08-16T16:18:00.000-04:002018-08-16T21:33:25.535-04:00Guelph is AA+ For Six Years Running (Financially Speaking)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In spite of all those public masturbators, Guelph continues to hold a very strong AA+ credit rating in the newest evaluation from Standard and Poors. In their humble estimation, Guelph looks very financially stable for the next few years, and, if we play our cards right, we might even get our credit status upgraded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The annual report came out yesterday, and in it S&P's analysts offered a number of reasons for their cheery conclusion. Long story short, Guelph has healthy liquidity, and a better than expected budget performance from 2017 with "stronger operating margins and after-capital surpluses." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In other words, "The stable outlook reflects our expectation that, in the next two years, the city's robust budgetary performance results will help it maintain a healthy liquidity position and its tax-supported debt will be less than 30 per cent of operating revenues," according to <a href="https://guelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/SP_report.pdf">the report</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Among the rating factors, Guelph gets "strong" or "very strong" on economy, financial management, budgetary flexibility, and budgetary performance. Guelph's liquidity is "exceptional," and our contingent liabilities and debt burden is "low" and "very low."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">S&P also credits an "experienced and qualified" civil service that provides stable management, and develops budgets that are "detailed and realistic." Guelph itself "benefits from its advantageous location close to the Greater Toronto Area and along the Highway 401 corridor", a growing population, and a good employment balance between private and public sectors. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“This is great news for ensuring the long-term prosperity of Guelph,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie in the City of Guelph <a href="https://guelph.ca/2018/08/aa-credit-rating-reaffirms-guelphs-solid-financial-foundation/">press release</a>. “This rating not only reflects the City of Guelph’s solid financial position and practices, it also speaks to our vibrant economy, ability to attract new residents, employers, and investment opportunities.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Our ability to meet our financial obligations is paramount for both Council and staff,” added Chief Administrative Officer Derrick Thomson. “A great credit rating is our financial foundation that allows us to strategically plan for the future, and a testament to continuous good work.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are some warning signs according to S&P. The report notes that Guelph's rating could be lowered if "deteriorating financial management practices lead to aggressive capital spending that pushed Guelph's tax-supported debt to more than 30 per cent of operating revenues," over the next few years. S&P does say that such a scenario is "unlikely."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The City of Guelph is also betting on not being downgraded. As discussed <a href="https://guelphpolitico.blogspot.com/2018/06/committee-of-whole-preview-whats-on.html">last month</a> at Committee of the Whole, the City is moving to a multi-year budgeting process starting in 2020, which may show the type of commitment to long-term fiscal planning that Standard & Poors looks for when handing out their AAA rating. Time will tell. </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-35974183641561236602018-08-16T09:30:00.000-04:002018-08-16T15:38:26.418-04:00MANGEZ! Dine Safe Guide for August 1-15, 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9NozqnDvIY3oRtKsOGEkZtyQJ8E4jPR8bZ-iSIr4oD81Mbcf_ogeSV_DCgvDMahyphenhyphenQRMr6c0rR4Bm2u2zQVjM_br212198bHGrNDmFjQeRSG1uSY0dNXz8N6EPbtVz-HoN2kqDYfZOc/s1600/mangezgraf+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9NozqnDvIY3oRtKsOGEkZtyQJ8E4jPR8bZ-iSIr4oD81Mbcf_ogeSV_DCgvDMahyphenhyphenQRMr6c0rR4Bm2u2zQVjM_br212198bHGrNDmFjQeRSG1uSY0dNXz8N6EPbtVz-HoN2kqDYfZOc/s400/mangezgraf+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Twice-monthly, Guelph Politico posts the latest inspection results from the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit inspection of local restaurants, hotels, cafes, grocery stores and other businesses that handle food. We call it "Mangez!", and this column highlights the latest inspections done by WDGPH, and the results they've posted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are the inspections done between August 1-15 according to the "Check Before You Choose" website.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLMHxQ0lJNo2fQgtJJU4PmNYPJqZreNPdUBWyD9WOChdXDlMAb9ycI70BB6g-WYH7HVVEc0_3Yerq_Xwga4ZzJGtJz2nlLOBPeOuBGrUHYA2K2IjGRVFgWCpLiVCWWEHUP8Xh4RK-rA4/s1600/bonappetit+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1000" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLMHxQ0lJNo2fQgtJJU4PmNYPJqZreNPdUBWyD9WOChdXDlMAb9ycI70BB6g-WYH7HVVEc0_3Yerq_Xwga4ZzJGtJz2nlLOBPeOuBGrUHYA2K2IjGRVFgWCpLiVCWWEHUP8Xh4RK-rA4/s400/bonappetit+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*No infractions found</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Appetizingly Yours Event & Catering </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bite Guelph - Events & Catering, 187-5420 Highway 6 N </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Butcher Shop and Grocers, 25-219 Silvercreek Pkwy N</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cutten Fields Restaurant, 190 College Ave E</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Firehouse Subs, F-202 Clair Rd E </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Golden Basil, 370 Stone Rd W </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fat Bastard Burrito, 55 Macdonell St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Helmand Kabob House, 8-486 Woodlawn Rd E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Holiday Inn Express, 540 Silvercreek Pky N </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Homewood Health Centre, 150 Delhi St</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Homewood Health Centre - Snack Bar, 150 Delhi St</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Laza Food & Beverages Inc., 74 Ontario St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mandarin Restaurant, 565 Woodlawn Rd W </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Milestone's Restaurant, 185 Stone Rd W </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mr. Sub, 23 Wellington St E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pizza Depot, 10-35 Harvard Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Preschool Canada, 322 Eastview Rd</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pumphouse Supplements, 31 Farley Dr </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Real Deal Sports Bar & Billiards, 224 Victoria Rd St</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Romero's Pasta and Seafood, 101-355 Elmira Rd N </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Royal Brock Hotel, 716 Gordon St </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Shakespeare Arms, 35 Harvard Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">St. Joseph's Health Centre, 100 Westmount Rd</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thai Express, 102-79 Clair Rd E</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">U of G - Level Zero Kitchen, 50 Stone Rd E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">U of G - Main Street Deli, 50 Stone Rd E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">U of G - Child Care & Learning Centre, 125 Arboretum Rd </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Village of Arbour Trails, 32 Bayberry Dr </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wendy's, 36 Wellington St E </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Wooly Pub, A-176 Woolwich St </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">YMCA-YWCA of Guelph - Fred A. Hamilton, 160 Ironwood Rd</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm_2dCFLgEBI0hwJXCJ3S2ZVl14KAAGZe00YCg__VNcQWMtYdyfVwRiKSuNIaARZjRu9H0we9T4dKguxg8Z8oCYZhqxBMid1mde8i4W-nQiZJsgea3LCtJvNV_igEkRdLT5yhs5LlOa4/s1600/noncritique+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1000" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm_2dCFLgEBI0hwJXCJ3S2ZVl14KAAGZe00YCg__VNcQWMtYdyfVwRiKSuNIaARZjRu9H0we9T4dKguxg8Z8oCYZhqxBMid1mde8i4W-nQiZJsgea3LCtJvNV_igEkRdLT5yhs5LlOa4/s400/noncritique+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*Non-critical infraction: An infraction (violation) that is not likely to lead to food-borne illness or infection (e.g., lighting is not bright enough for food preparation or work areas).</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cutten Fields Snack Bar, 190 College Ave E (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Provide hot and cold running water for hand washing in food preparation area</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Italian Canadian Club, 135 Ferguson St (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Provide sufficient detergent or chemicals for washing or sanitizing</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">McCabe's Irish Pub & Grill, 9 Wyndham St N (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cleaning required around, under, and behind kitchen equipment, counters, and baseboards</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My Thai, 80 MacDonell St (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mechanical dishwashing: Wash / rinse water clean, water temperature, timing cycles, sanitizer</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">U of G - Brass Taps, 50 Stone Rd E (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ensure hand washing station is only used for hand washing and is not obstructed in any way</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Village of Riverside Glen, 60 Woodlawn Rd E (3 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ensure all surfaces are clean and maintained in good repair</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wash, rinse and sanitize equipment / utensils after each use or as often as necessary</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Maintain the premises in a clean and sanitary condition</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro, 97 Wyndham St N (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Easily readable, accurate indicating thermometers used to verify food preparation and storage temperatures</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygRqMQ39kKzIlwkaoIY0n3FktsJF6UYmix0jKJLzF_c_-C-Ha1XHt83LSZ3fE2-_ux0tWewoBj4hcL19zymsHS-1EB2Pedjrs5ME0jBkpqamipCKJRvnxdyF8ZZXTYlvNKvEzFypOgqU/s1600/critique+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1000" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygRqMQ39kKzIlwkaoIY0n3FktsJF6UYmix0jKJLzF_c_-C-Ha1XHt83LSZ3fE2-_ux0tWewoBj4hcL19zymsHS-1EB2Pedjrs5ME0jBkpqamipCKJRvnxdyF8ZZXTYlvNKvEzFypOgqU/s400/critique+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*Critical infraction: A violation found during an inspection that could be a health hazard</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">First Steps Daycare, 81 Speedvale Ave E (1 critical/1 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">CRITICAL: Hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or less</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized after each use and as often as is necessary to maintain such surfaces in a sanitary condition</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Na-Ha-Thai's Kitchen, 471 York Rd (2 Critical/4 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">CRITICAL: Hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or less</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">CRITICAL: Food handlers wash hands before commencing work and after potential contamination</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Adequate hand washing station(s) in all preparation / service areas, supplied with liquid soap and paper towels, and used for hand washing only</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mechanical dishwashing: Wash / rinse water clean, water temperature, timing cycles, sanitizer</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Adequate protection against the entrance of insects, birds, rodents, and other pests</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">General housekeeping is sufficient to maintain the premise in a clean and sanitary condition</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Curious about the restaurant or establishment you're going to, check out "Check Before You Choose" before you head out the door.</span></b></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-74971498299385336972018-08-15T09:00:00.000-04:002018-08-15T09:00:09.793-04:00GUELPH POLITICAST #134 - Building the Cycling City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3UBOTvBaboxtTYwGvQSAO3oZv4cV4Kd2PlEkvDizGv1kos1tPLJjUilOGubuhsfKqOmnrkjqbrrUWt-fp0yg2UCyzl0X7rJDZPEkmatFOl7Z6fg0bZSciwYxNCVqkSrGRISWr7JGFOM/s1600/bike_lanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="804" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3UBOTvBaboxtTYwGvQSAO3oZv4cV4Kd2PlEkvDizGv1kos1tPLJjUilOGubuhsfKqOmnrkjqbrrUWt-fp0yg2UCyzl0X7rJDZPEkmatFOl7Z6fg0bZSciwYxNCVqkSrGRISWr7JGFOM/s400/bike_lanes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few weeks ago, the new Ontario government cancelled $93 million of funding for something called the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) program. The money, which was raised from the cap and trade agreement, was for cycling infrastructure in towns and cities across the province, and the move is proof of just how hard it is to make cycling a priority for governments, but there is hope!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week on the podcast, we're joined by Chris and Melissa Bruntlett, the authors of a new book called <i>Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality</i>. The book takes the reader to the Netherlands, and describes how that country has become, in their words, “an important model for moving the rest of the world toward a more human-scale, bike-friendly future.” It also goes to other places around the world, and across North America, to talk about how those lessons from the Dutch are transferable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Bruntlett's themselves walk the walk; they advocate for a "car-lite lifestyle", and live that lifestyle themselves in their home in Vancouver. The book is their latest project to promote multi-modal transportation infrastructure, which is a way of saying every form of transportation but the private automobile: walking, biking, transit, and car sharing included. Can Canada make the jump?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, the Bruntletts think so, and<i> Building the Cycling City</i> will show us the way. Before the book comes out though, the Bruntletts this week will talk to you about their own car-lite story, what they wanted to say in the book, and what cycling is like for people in the Netherlands who’ve never been. They also talk about the politics of developing the multi-model city, and what a bike utopia might look like if we follow in the Dutch example. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So let's go Dutch and dream about a better biking future on this week's Guelph Politicast! </span></div>
<iframe data-link="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hfqst-974eb6?from=yiiadmin" data-name="pb-iframe-player" frameborder="0" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hfqst-974eb6?from=yiiadmin" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality</i> will be available in bookstores on August 28, but you can pre-order it now on <a href="https://islandpress.org/book/building-the-cycling-city">Island Press</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Building-Cycling-City-Blueprint-Vitality/dp/1610918797/">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/building-the-cycling-city-melissa-bruntlett/1128345102">Barnes & Noble</a>, or <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/9781610918794-item.html">Indigo Books</a>. The book tour rolls through Guelph on August 27 at the eBar hosted by the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation, and you can find details <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/170571003724640/">here</a>. You can also visit the Bruntlett's website ModaCity <a href="http://www.modacitylife.com/">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The theme music for the Guelph Politicast is from the KPM Klassics collection by Syd Dale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The host for the Guelph Politicast is Podbean. Find more episodes of the Politicast here.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Remember that the Politicast Podbean channel is also the host for podcast versions of Open Sources Guelph. The previous Thursday's episode of Open Sources will be posted on Mondays.</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-23544279881620053422018-08-14T22:17:00.000-04:002018-08-18T12:30:59.044-04:00Council and Committee Meeting Dates Till 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We're in the dog days of August, a time when there's typically no city council meetings to occupy our political time. But this being an election year, the number of council and committee meetings this fall has been cut way back. Still, for those you making your fall schedules, here are the meetings coming up to make a note of. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 10: Committee of Management for the Elliott; City Council</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 12: Environmental Advisory Committee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 13: Committee of Adjustment</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SEPTEMBER 19: River Systems Advisory Committee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">OCTOBER 8: Heritage Guelph</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">OCTOBER 10: Environmental Advisory Committee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">OCTOBER 22: Election Day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOVEMBER 12: Heritage Guelph</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOVEMBER 14: Environmental Advisory Committee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOVEMBER 19: City Council (Last meeting of present term)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">DECEMBER 3: Council Inauguration Meeting</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">DECEMBER 10: Heritage Guelph; City Council – Council as Striking Committee; City Council</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">DECEMBER 12: Environmental Advisory Committee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">DECEMBER 17: City Council</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-8097240003663593802018-08-11T22:19:00.000-04:002018-08-19T23:06:57.431-04:00A Note on Guelph Politico Candidate Questionairres for 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1JSNQ3-Rg9odYfHi1i9Lp4ZQA3YUigyW97B_eSkNIcdD6HzA_zJ9OBt6NaM7ce_IK_oSdFrlbWAuI3B7jExowCdztpdufI8_oT8vo_N6fOqlBn4BIBaHJPJ7DkQPr8mtjYK88vkkNOw/s1600/Ballot-Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1JSNQ3-Rg9odYfHi1i9Lp4ZQA3YUigyW97B_eSkNIcdD6HzA_zJ9OBt6NaM7ce_IK_oSdFrlbWAuI3B7jExowCdztpdufI8_oT8vo_N6fOqlBn4BIBaHJPJ7DkQPr8mtjYK88vkkNOw/s400/Ballot-Box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As you may have noticed, Guelph Politico has begun posting the Candidate Questionnaires for people running to be Guelph's mayor, its city councillors, or for trustee in one of its two English school boards. This would be the third time that Politico has run such questionnaires, but this time, they're really ambitious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This year's Guelph Politico Candidate Questionnaire was sent out early. Instead of September, all candidates received the questionnaire either at the beginning of July or shortly after the close of nominations at the beginning of August.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Aside from the timeline, the questions themselves this year are a little more involved. There are 13 in total that cover a wide range of issues facing the candidates, while also asking them to discuss the nature of the job, and their experience making tough decisions. It's probably the most comprehensive questionnaire that Guelph Politico has ever put out into the field, and it would be great if all the candidates would be able to take part this year. (Hint, hint.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">New questionnaires will be posted as they come in, so stay tuned! </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-39748934231233094772018-08-11T21:57:00.000-04:002018-08-19T23:07:10.835-04:00CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE - Phil Andrews for Wellington Catholic District School Board Trustee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRno-6Qplyg3IHomj_rMjVXgTcsvw-oYoRWYxUTiU-55L6BCKaj6VTDJqos77j1NTR6b3VgNQ7M6ZHItXP8JjOgKdf6_2SVkJDAfo2xmWg8IF7Kyl37g6lDBI9UukD8inDWeR1Xckm8QU/s1600/phil_andrews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="900" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRno-6Qplyg3IHomj_rMjVXgTcsvw-oYoRWYxUTiU-55L6BCKaj6VTDJqos77j1NTR6b3VgNQ7M6ZHItXP8JjOgKdf6_2SVkJDAfo2xmWg8IF7Kyl37g6lDBI9UukD8inDWeR1Xckm8QU/s400/phil_andrews.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Phil Andrews once ran the <i>Guelph Mercury</i>, and now he wants to help run the Wellington Catholic District School Board. Andrews is one of six people looking to fill four spots, so does he make his case?<i><b> </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>1) In 100 words or less, what’s your main reason to run for school trustee? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am passionate about the future of the Catholic school system. As a parent of students who have been educated in the Wellington Catholic board, as someone who obtained an education degree and as someone with a significant interest in supporting special education, I also regarded this as a terrific opportunity to seek to positively influence the board and to provide it with a unique trustee perspective.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have recently made a career change which afford me my first opportunity to participate in this political process and I’m very honoured and excited to have the opportunity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>2) What is the role of school board trustee as you understand it? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">School trustees are elected to provide local, transparent, accessible, and publicly accountable governance-oversight and other leadership to the school boards they are elected to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>3) How do you think the relationship currently stands between the Ontario government and your school board? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Wellington Catholic board – and all Ontario public school boards – are in a feeling-out state with regard to the Ontario government. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like many stakeholders in the education sector, the board is seeking to understand what education-related commitments by the government will mean for it and its school communities in areas such as sexual education curriculum, indigenous education, supporting rural schools and restricting the use of personal mobile devices by students in classrooms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The board is also seeking to understand how Ontario government policy chances, such as ending the Cap and Trade programming will impact funding opportunities and challenges it has been contemplating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>4) The mental health of young people is a growing priority; how will you help insure that schools get the resources they need to address this important issue? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enhancing the mental health of students and of others in the local education system and the supports to achieve that outcome are very important to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In part, through supporting people in my life with chronic and acute mental health needs, I have an appreciation for the importance of making greater gains in this area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Among my interests in this area would be building on teacher-training opportunities, drawing on lessons and insight of local families who manage mental health challenges of young people in their households. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>5) Guelph will continue to grow in the next 20 years, where and when should the priority be for new school construction? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Guelph is growing. However, the pattern of that growth is rapidly evolving. Certainly, expansion in the south end of the city in the next 20 years will likely put pressure on school boards to provide new educational capacity in this area. The board needs also to monitor how densification coming to the downtown and other areas may require new capital investments to respond to pending changes in student population patterns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>6) While mayor and council candidates talk about city infrastructure, let’s talk about the infrastructure of our schools. How do our school buildings fare? Are they accessible enough? Are there enough resources to address repairs? Et cetera.</b></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wellington Catholic as a board has worked to provide adequate infrastructure with its inventory of schools. It has also been determined to ensure its school buildings are accessible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Resources are finite. Managing the state of the board’s buildings is a priority. The board has many priorities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>7) What can the school board do to give teachers the resources to improve how students learn in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The board could invite students and parents to offer feedback of an exit-interview sort regarding experiences with STEM-area assignments, curriculum, teachers, and teaching. This data might inform teacher-training opportunities and other potential opportunities to improve student learning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>8) What’s an example of something that Guelph schools are doing well versus schools in other board jurisdictions? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The establishment of IB programming in a primary school setting is a quite remarkable achievement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This innovation is attracting consider interest from other boards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>9) FRENCH IMMERSION: If you’re running in the Upper Grand District School Board, how do you think the board has handled the pressure of demand for French Immersion? If you’re running in the Wellington Catholic District School Board, should the board be looking at developing its own French Immersion programs to help relieve the pressure? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Wellington Catholic Board should continue to examine the possible development of a French immersion program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>10) There’s a political question about dissolving the Catholic and separate school board system and creating one school board, what’s your opinion on the issue?</b></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am a proud graduate of the Ontario separate school system. I am incredibly grateful to have had my children educated in the Wellington Catholic system. I also appreciate the historical context that gave rise to a publicly-funded Catholic school system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I oppose dissolving the Catholic school board system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>11) Is there an issue concerning education or public schools you feel needs more attention? What is it, and why? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The issue of ‘fake news’ should receive attention in school. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s imperative that our schools and their ‘family partners’ work towards providing learners with an enhanced ability to think critically about media information they may receive so they can determine and support authentic sources of journalism and note ones that should be considered unreliable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>12) For someone that doesn’t have kids in school, why should they care about who’s running for school board? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">From a strictly financial point of view, trustees provide governance related to a huge investment of public funds. The annual budget of the Wellington Catholic board is about $100 million.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>13) Where can people learn more about you, or your campaign, and how can they get in touch with you?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-andrews-b5057321/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-andrews-b5057321/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/PhilAndrews519">@PhilAndrews519</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can be reached by email at PhilipAndrews519@gmail.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can be reached by phone at 519-822-6907</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-80513832735529634742018-08-10T11:48:00.000-04:002018-08-19T23:07:18.637-04:00CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE - James Gordon for Ward 2 Councillor<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbEd4c7YboE1Hh3kHxegF8QG7CYX5EtUQ43xYY7KFVbCL5DnnBgH1IHQOx7YixN3MI4KLWKhq9JPvjCtJ3MipBLFHXSijWDd1TIWlGPu_Q-cTsU8hr0D0YQhlK9XXrlVL2ocU4CH1u7M/s1600/james_gordon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="800" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbEd4c7YboE1Hh3kHxegF8QG7CYX5EtUQ43xYY7KFVbCL5DnnBgH1IHQOx7YixN3MI4KLWKhq9JPvjCtJ3MipBLFHXSijWDd1TIWlGPu_Q-cTsU8hr0D0YQhlK9XXrlVL2ocU4CH1u7M/s400/james_gordon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">With Andy Van Hellemond taking his leave of council, that leaves James Gordon as the one incumbent for Ward 2 to stand for re-election. Can he make the case for voters to give him a second term instead of starting over with a clean slate? </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><i><b>1) In 100 words or less, what’s your main reason to run for council? </b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As an incumbent, I feel that there is still much more that I’d like to accomplish in a second term; work that is unfinished; issues that still need to be addressed. With our change in provincial government, we will need a strong, cohesive, forward-thinking council to meet the considerable challenge posed by shifting Queen’s Park policies that threaten our Guelph identity, our green economy, and our most vulnerable citizens. I’d like to lend my experience gained in my first term towards finding ways to meet those challenges effectively. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>2) What, in your opinion, was the most consequential decision on council last term? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Voting to merge our local hydro utility with Alectra.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>3) What is *your* issue? What is the one thing you want to accomplish during your term at council? </b></i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, I always want to do EVERYTHING, but if I had to pick one, I’d like to use what influence we have as a city, working with community partners, to eliminate the threats to our local and finite groundwater supply by finding ways to deny water-taking permits for profit-based corporations who do not have the best interests of our city at heart. That being said, I get tired of asking developers how many units in their proposed projects would be affordable or social housing. The answer is usually “none’ because it’s provincial policy that dictates this. If we are to meet our housing challenges, we need to have a ‘made-in-Guelph’ solution and be able to create our own rules around this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>4) What is your understanding of affordable housing versus social housing? How can Guelph develop both? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">These terms DO get misused and are confusing to many. I see affordable housing as being 80% of market value, still out of reach to many of our citizens who are struggling. Social housing is geared-to-income, and that’s our biggest ‘gap’ in what really is in my view a housing crisis in our community. The province has appointed the county as the official ‘provider’ for social housing, yet there is a fear that the funding provided to the county for this will be unable to meet the demand. I feel that to meet the needs of those who need housing help the most, the city needs to take on housing initiatives on its own, beginning with increasing our housing reserve fund. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>5) Guelph is required by provincial mandate to accept thousands of new residents by the middle of this century. How is the City presently managing growth? What should we be doing differently? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">With our recent work on urban design strategies, and a master plan that IS conscious of our need to keep our identity while our density increases, we have come along way towards finding a way forward. I think we still are too influenced by developers who bring forward proposals that are not compatible with our desire to have walkable, mixed-use, eco-friendly neighbourhoods, where growth pays for itself in the infrastructure costs, and that accommodate affordable and geared-to-income housing. We need to solidify our vision for the future of our city and STICK to it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>6) Transit. First, what is your experience using transit? Second, do you think council and staff presently understand issues with transit? And third, what is one specific thing you would suggest to improve Guelph Transit service? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I cycle or walk to work, and tend to shop in the downtown core where I live, so I’m not using transit services that often. When I DO, I’m impressed with the dedication of transit workers and with our staff’s efforts to make transit more efficient. I think there is still a learning curve on council with understanding the needs of our transit riders. We will not increase our ridership, which we need to do for many reasons, if we can’t provide a service that feels more effective, efficient and convenient than getting in a car, and we are still behind in providing a regular and comprehensive service that gets people to work, school and appointments on time for those who have no other option that using public transit. One relatively easy thing to do would be to raise awareness of, and frequency of, our community busses. There is confusion about what they are and where they go- more education and promotion will help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>7) What needs to be done to improve Regional Transit? (This includes intercity buses, two-way all-day GO trains, and high-speed rail?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Try taking a bus from Guelph to Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge or Hamilton. It’s nearly impossible to do this in an efficient, timely manner. Two-way-all-day Go Service will help, and at the same time we need to be collaborating with our neighbouring cities to work on more efficient bus service. We need to create a new ownership and service model for this. I am not convinced that Guelph could meet the infrastructure needs for high speed rail in the coming generation, but am keen to explore options. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>8) If there’s one power that’s currently the jurisdiction of the province or the federal governments, but should be transferred to municipalities, what would it be and why?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beginning with the Harris years, we’ve had a lot of responsibilities downloaded to municipalities and our funding to take on these new areas has not been consistent or enough. It’s been a struggle for our city to keep up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>9) How do you define a taxpayer? What is the responsibility of a councillor when it comes to budgeting?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don’t actually like the term “taxpayer”. It makes our citizens feel like that’s our main contribution to our city when there are many more ways than that to take part in improving our city. I prefer ‘residents’ for some of us are NOT taxpayers due to marginal income, yet we deserve a voice too. As a councillor, at budget time, I often ask myself “Is anyone being left behind by this decision? Is it of benefit to only a few, and does it negatively affect some?” I am committed to providing the best “value” for our tax contributions. If we have to raise taxes, which I think we all do reluctantly around the horseshoe, then we must recognize a real value for our entire community, we must be able to see WHY those taxes are going up and what the risks are in underfunding some important areas in order to reach an artificial tax ‘line in the sand’. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>10) Hypothetical: The City’s in a budget crunch, and a substantial tax increase is cost prohibitive for the average Guelphite, so a cut *has* to be made. What City of Guelph service do you look at and why? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If we “Had” to, I would trim equally across the board rather than eliminate programmes or services that might negatively affect sectors in our community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>11) Describe a time you had to make a tough decision, and the thought process you went through in order to reach that decision? (Doesn’t have to be political) </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Going back to question #2, I was one of only 3 councillors to vote against our hydro merger. I had the utmost respect for staff’s recommendation, and for the though process behind my other colleagues who voted ‘for it’, yet my gut told me that this was really not what the majority of our community wanted. We are a city known for ‘doing it ourselves’ and for showing leadership and innovation in the energy sector. I ended up voting with what I felt was the community will, though it was a very hard decision to make. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>12) Is there a municipal issue that you don’t think gets enough attention? What is it and why should it get more attention? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As someone who works in the cultural sector, I had planned to be a ‘champion’ of cultural and arts issues on council. I was surprised and disappointed at how little this comes up. It’s not because of my own preference for supporting culture: it’s been proven that investment and support for our artists can have major economic and social benefits. We are known internationally for our artists and our many music, dance and visual arts festivals provide amazing returns for the limited funding we provide. I am pleased with the work we HAVE done as a city, and our staff is very supportive, yet at the same time I think we could enhance the over-all quality of life in our community with more attention devoted to this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>13) Where can people learn more about you, or your campaign, and how can they get in touch with you? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">jamesgordon4ward2@gmail.com 226-971-9132 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JamesGordon4WardTwo/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/thatjamesgordon">Twitter</a>: "Re-Elect James Gordon"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Website: <a href="http://jamesgordonward2.ca/">jamesgordonward2.ca</a></span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-78974986649409145432018-08-04T14:22:00.000-04:002018-08-19T23:07:30.353-04:00CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Phil Allt for Ward 3 Councillor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Phil Allt won first place in the 2014 Municipal Election among Ward 3 voters, and he aims to keep is seat in the next term of council. Here are his responses to the 2018 Guelph Politico Candidate Questionnaire. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1) In 100 words or less, what’s your main reason to run for council? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I retired, I wanted to continue being involved in community. Many people urged me to run feeling that I would be a good representative for Ward 3. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe my #1 priority is to connect with people and assist them building their lives and supporting their families in Guelph. My #2 priority is sustaining and improving Guelph which I believe can only be assured if there is active involvement and engagement by diverse individuals. I perform my duties at all hours of the day and 7 days a week and enjoy the challenges and the community </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2) What, in your opinion, was the most consequential decision on council last term? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were 3: the Guelph Hydro merger followed by the Baker Street/Library decision and then the decision to create an infrastructure levy. I voted against the Guelph Hydro merger and I still have nagging doubts about 2 or 3 issues. However, now that the decision is made, it is the duty of Council to stand behind it and ensure that it is successful for Guelph. On the Baker Street/Library decision, I believe that it the right move and has been years in the making for our downtown. I will ensure that proper oversight, excellent communications and project management will be in place for this key capital project. Safeguarding the community is a key responsibility and the infrastructure levy moves us forward together to ensure we have saved dollars to replace old roads, bridges, pipes and public buildings. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3) What is *your* issue? What is the one thing you want to accomplish during your term at council? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I want to ensure we improve Guelph Transit both in the short and long term. It takes both strong vision, persistence and appropriate financing. I am supportive of increasing funding. If we get people out of their cars using an improved Transit system, we help the environment and our budgets’ bottom line since the wear and tear on roads is significantly reduced by lower car traffic.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4) What is your understanding of affordable housing versus social housing? How can Guelph develop both? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Affordable Housing(AH) is a blanket term that means many thing and often does not mean Affordable Housing. With rents in Guelph increasing, the AH definition used becomes irrelevant to many people. I think we need to focus on Social Housing, Cooperative Housing, Rent Geared to Income Housing and other housing initiatives that have been largely scrapped by the Federal and Provincial Governments. Those programs put over 500 units in the ground in Guelph in the mid 80’s to 90’s. We need more of these building projects. I feel that we also need to address the misconception of what Affordable Housing is: both the principle and the practice have limited impact on those needing a roof over their heads. So we can do better but need to engage the Federal and Provincial Governments to begin new builds under programmes that were largely abandoned in the mid 1990’s.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">5) Guelph is required by provincial mandate to accept thousands of new residents by the middle of this century. How is the City presently managing growth? What should we be doing differently? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Guelph embraced the Provincial ‘Places to Grow’ targets and the Provincial Green Belt. We know that our ground water supply is precious to all. The limits of our water supply dictates what population Guelph can sustain. Infill buildings and our long term plan for areas like e Clair –Maltby help us plan for population growth but we need more infill in Guelph to ensure we can welcome new residents. We should note that at present Guelph is ahead of its population growth targets so I would say, we have worked well within the Places to Grow principles. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">6) Transit. First, what is your experience using transit? Second, do you think council and staff presently understand issues with transit? And third, what is one specific thing you would suggest to improve Guelph Transit service? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I use transit on an irregular basis. 4 years ago, I embraced the one-month bus challenge and found it tricky to get around. I would use my bike too, putting it on the front of the bus and thereby used a hybrid Transit system. Council must do more to ensure our Transit system meets the current and future needs of our community. Staff are working well with the resources we provide yet we simply can’t ignore the fact that transit is a money issue and a public good. If we don’t provide the cash the Transit system and the riders suffer. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">7) What needs to be done to improve Regional Transit? (This includes intercity buses, two-way all-day GO trains, and high-speed rail? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many things need to be done. First and foremost, two way, all day GO needs to be priority above high-speed rail. Fact: an electrified conventional rail system on an improved track bed can get commuters to Toronto in just a bit more than 7 minutes beyond what high speed rail promises and at substantially lower costs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Regional Transit is tricky. We need to develop transit with the Region of Waterloo and with Hamilton but that requires provincial support and significant collaboration. We cannot do it alone but if we wish to assist to get people out of cars and develop the Technology Corridor, it is imperative that we replace the private buses that get workers to KW with publicly supported buses that get people to KW, Cambridge, Hamilton and as far away as Owen Sound. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">8) If there’s one power that’s currently the jurisdiction of the province or the federal governments, but should be transferred to municipalities, what would it be and why?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Good question: I truly believe that municipalities (local government) is the most responsive and accountable level of government because we work every day in person with those who elected us. If you look at the division of power between all three levels of government here in Canada, I don’t believe we’d be equipped with taking national or provincial issues. I DO however, believe that municipalities must be equal partners with the Federal and Provincial government – and we are not. While we may be consulted on some matters, we are often simply given a responsibility and told how to deliver it to our community. That must change. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">9) How do you define a taxpayer? What is the responsibility of a councilor when it comes to budgeting? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A taxpayer is anyone who pays taxes. Income Tax, HST, Property Taxes are all important. That is why we need to explore how to tax differently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">With regard to budgeting, a Councillors responsibility is to make decisions that consider both the current and future wellbeing of all members of our community. We must really listen to a wide range of opinions from across the city when considering what public goods and services will be delivered in Guelph. And we need to be open to reviewing what and how we are spending tax dollars. I also believe that budgeting must be strongly connected to our community plans and that these must be plans that our residents have been actively engaged in and support. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">10) Hypothetical: The City’s in a budget crunch, and a substantial tax increase is cost prohibitive for the average Guelphite, so a cut *has* to be made. What City of Guelph service do you look at and why? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our budget is tight. Looking over budget files for the last 12 years, there has been a steady stream of efficiencies found which have helped City Hall to keep tax increases within reason. We also have gained the ability to undertake internal audits to ensure ‘how’ we are spending dollars is efficient and effective. While there may still be some gains in reducing expenditure, I believe a greater focus needs to be on exploring alternative sources of revenue that would permit us to sustain or improve services. Simply taking from the right hand and giving to the left is not forward thinking and is often regressive. I also would like to see management continuing their focus on involving our front line staff in how we deliver services. We have such great skills in our front line teams and they have shown time and time again that they might be the best envoys for making changes that continually improve citizen services. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">11) Describe a time you had to make a tough decision, and the thought process you went through in order to reach that decision? (Doesn’t have to be political)</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tough question: I recently had to decide if I should donate one of my kidneys to my brother. I admit I was squeamish but I have a brother who without a transplant could likely have died. 10 years ago the decision to donate to him would have been simpler but fast forward to 2016, I discovered I have an enlarged aorta. It was a danger to my health – one we had not expected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So…my wife Liz and I had to sit down in one night and calmly make this decision because we were given less than 24 hours. Life, death and potential danger all entered into it. I consulted with heart, kidney and other specialists; I talked to my doctor and I thanked my brother for letting me off the hook. But…Liz and I realized that I while I could die, it was unlikely and it was worth the risk. When it came time for the operation, I was calm but I won’t say fearless. When I awoke I did have a serious complication from a collapsed lung and I had to face my maker. But it turned out well and I’m here now. I know that I made the right decision.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">12) Is there a municipal issue that you don’t think gets enough attention? What is it and why should it get more attention? </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes, recreational facilities and their development. I am very proud of what we are doing to revive parks like Exhibition. I am very proud of moving forward on the South End Rec Centre and completing the Victor Davis Pool refurbishment. I am also proud of our decision on the library and our continued support for its services. I think much more can be done to plan for areas like the Shelldale Centre and Willow Road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A good example of this, done with the support of staff, was me being able to find a surplus skateboard park in the city’s portfolio. By working with the Kindle Foundation, we were able to install it and provide area kids with another recreational opportunity. Why that skate park was stored in a warehouse for so long is beyond me but I’ll keep working with staff and Council to unearth more opportunities.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">13) Where can people learn more about you, or your campaign, and how can they get in touch with you?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can be reached by email at phil@philallt.ca</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My campaign phone number is 226.486.2436 while my number for city issues not related to the campaign is 519 827 6579</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">People can always meet me for a coffee at the coffee shop of their choice. I have enjoyed meeting with a multitude of people over the past 4 years. If a person is incapacitated or has mobility issues, I am only too happy to meet at her or his home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can be followed on social media:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Re-Elect-Phil-Allt-Councillor-Ward-3-Guelph-1423513607918883/">https://www.facebook.com/Re-Elect-Phil-Allt-Councillor-Ward-3-Guelph-1423513607918883/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">At <a href="http://www.philallt.ca/">http://www.philallt.ca</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can be followed on Twitter too but I will not engage in debate. 280 characters in not enough to develop complex issues. </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-15929383066106682482018-08-02T13:25:00.000-04:002018-08-13T10:20:27.681-04:00Local Poverty Advocates Concerned About Ontario Gov's Move on Basic Income Pilot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yesterday's announcement that the Progressive Conservative government was reforming social assistance, while ending the Basic Guaranteed Income pilot started by the previous government, caught those combating poverty by surprise. In a word, the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination is "dismayed."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The Poverty Task Force is incredibly dismayed by these announcements," read an e-blast sent yesterday after the announcement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The PTF believes that a basic income is required as part of any coherent strategy to eliminate poverty. Ending the basic income pilot before participants are prepared and before results could be measured, effectively cancels the dignity, independence, and health offered to participants and limits future possibilities."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yesterday's announcement in Toronto not only ended the Basic Income pilot, which is not even in the middle of a three-year study, but it cut a previously announced increase in social assistance from 3 per cent to 1.5 per cent, and promised to announce a reform of social assistance in the next 100 days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“We need to do more than just help people remain mired in poverty,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, in announcing the reform plan. “We’re going to hit the pause button on the previous government’s patchwork system and replace it with a system that helps stabilize people in need and support them to succeed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Task Force is less than certain of that last point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The PTF is concerned about the Government of Ontario's intention to reform social assistance in the next 100 days. This will be the 3rd review in 7-years. We need to build on work already done and move toward adequate rates and supports," they wrote.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Adding insult to injury is that on the campaign trail, the PCs said that they would allow the pilot program to proceed. “Nope, as mentioned we look forward to seeing the results,” said spokesperson Melissa Lantsman <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/24/ontarios-basic-income-experiment-would-continue-under-doug-ford.html">back in April</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was in April that the pilot finally secured all 6,000 participants between the ages of 18 and 65 in Hamilton-Brant, Thunder Bay and Lindsay that the pilot needed to begin. So essentially, the PC government is pulling the plug just as the three-year review has barely got started. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You know who else doesn't like this announcement? Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and MPP for Guelph</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“The Conservative government’s leadership style is to cut first and think later. They are more interested in tearing things down than building Ontario up,” said Schreiner in the Legislature yesterday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“To wipe this program off the books before collecting any information about it tells us that this government doesn’t care about the facts. They are driven by ideology, not what is good for people.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">According to Homeless Hub, there are 2,102 households in Guelph-Wellington on social assistance, and the average dispensation per month for a single person is $706. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Guelph, if you can find one, is $952 per month. </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-74973596769744123392018-08-01T09:00:00.000-04:002018-08-01T09:00:12.691-04:00Schreiner's Surprised That Question Period's Not Better on the Inside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It seems that dreams don't come true in quite the way you think. After a rough month in the legislature where the new Ford government has cancelled cap and trade, ended green energy contracts, and generally thrown a monkey wrench into the best laid plans of Ontario's progressives, Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner rose in the legislature yesterday to smack everyone down for their partisan tendencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The partisan heckling and political insults at Queen’s Park need to stop," Schreiner said. "We were elected to serve the people of Ontario, not to engage in the kind of shouting match I just witnessed between the Premier and the Leader of the Official Opposition this morning."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The usual Question Period rancor has been even more rancorous the past few days because of last Friday's decision by Premier Doug Ford to introduce legislation to cancel the election of four regional chairs and to reduce the size of Toronto city council by almost half. YouTube captured the trading of verbal blows for posterity. </span></div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="253" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kgjd4NA9NiY" width="450"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I was elected on a promise to do politics differently, to put serving people above political self-interest. Respect for the Legislature and for other elected members, even those who I disagree with on policy, is essential because it shows respect for the people who elected us," Schreiner explained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Unfortunately, the Progressive Conservative and NDP caucuses seem more interested in hurtling partisan insults and tearing each other down than in building Ontario up."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Schreiner encouraged both the Government and the Opposition to cool it with the rhetoric and focus on helping the people that elected them instead of finely crafting their zingers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course, this isn't the first time a Guelph politician has taken exception to the level of decorum during Question Period. <a href="http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.com/2010/10/valeriote-chong-superteam-strike-again.html">Back in 2010</a>, then Liberal MP Frank Valeriote supported Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong in his endeavour to reform the rules of Question Period. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"We need to attack problems, not people," Valeriote said in the House at the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"In so doing it is hoped that Canadians will become reengaged in parliamentary affairs, and less cynical about our ability to be meaningfully engaged with one another, the result – discussions and policy that better serve Canadians and Canadians who are more deeply engaged in our democratic process."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Obviously, not much has changed at the federal level, but time will tell if our provincial representatives take Schreiner's message to heart. </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-7757302937246148682018-07-31T09:30:00.000-04:002018-07-31T09:30:23.862-04:00MANGEZ! Dine Safe Guide for July 16-31, 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9NozqnDvIY3oRtKsOGEkZtyQJ8E4jPR8bZ-iSIr4oD81Mbcf_ogeSV_DCgvDMahyphenhyphenQRMr6c0rR4Bm2u2zQVjM_br212198bHGrNDmFjQeRSG1uSY0dNXz8N6EPbtVz-HoN2kqDYfZOc/s1600/mangezgraf+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP9NozqnDvIY3oRtKsOGEkZtyQJ8E4jPR8bZ-iSIr4oD81Mbcf_ogeSV_DCgvDMahyphenhyphenQRMr6c0rR4Bm2u2zQVjM_br212198bHGrNDmFjQeRSG1uSY0dNXz8N6EPbtVz-HoN2kqDYfZOc/s400/mangezgraf+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Twice-monthly, Guelph Politico posts the latest inspection results from the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit inspection of local restaurants, hotels, cafes, grocery stores and other businesses that handle food. We call it "Mangez!", and this column highlights the latest inspections done by WDGPH, and the results they've posted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are the inspections done between July 16-31 according to the "Check Before You Choose" <a href="http://www.checkbeforeyouchoose.ca/Main">website</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>*No infractions found</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A & W Restaurant, 435 Stone Rd W</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bobby O'Brien's / Opus, 90 Macdonell St</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Boston Pizza, 35 Woodlawn Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Burger King, 200 Silvercreek Pky N </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">China Express, 10A-362 Speedvale Ave E</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Crabby Joe's Tap and Grill, 174 Clair Rd E </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Creekside Kitchen, 10-115 Downey Rd</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Cutting Board Sandwich Co., 5A-292 Stone Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Domino's Pizza, 304 Stone Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Domino's Pizza, 585 Eramosa Rd </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Einstein's Café, 2 Grant St</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Freshco, 20-330 Speedvale Ave E </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Shake, 435 Stone Rd W</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Insomnia Trattoria & Wine Bar, 1-649 Scottsdale Dr </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">New Age Health Food Store, C-112 Wyndham St N</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">New York Fries, 435 Stone Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Noel's Children's Centre, 468 Woodlawn Rd E </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pita Pit, 105 Clair Rd E </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pizza Nova, B2-5 Clair Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Platters Catering & Events, 3 Watson Rd S</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Quick Stop Variety, 204 Yorkshire St N </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Royal on Gordon, 1691 Gordon St</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Saide's Kitchen, 20 Woodlawn Rd E</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">St. Joseph's Health Centre - Out'n About Adult Day Program, 69 Huron St</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Soora Restaurant, 1B-45 Cork St E</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spice Roots and Indian Authenticity, 200 Kortright Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Springfield Golf & Country Club, 2054 Gordon St</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Subshack (Food Truck)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Subway, 4A-650 Woodlawn Rd W</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Subway, 72 Macdonell St</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sunset Grill, 101-105 Clair Rd E </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Super 8 Motel, 281 Woodlawn Rd W</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Turtle Jack's Muskoka Grill, 515 Woodlawn Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wendy's, 415 Woodlawn Rd W </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wellington Cakes, 9 Douglas St </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wimpy's Diner, 25 Wyndham St N</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Workside ECE Centre, 99 Woolwich St</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">YMCA-YWCA of Guelph - Rickson Ridge, 177 Rickson Ave </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">YMCA-YWCA of Guelph - Jean Little, 56 Youngman Dr</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm_2dCFLgEBI0hwJXCJ3S2ZVl14KAAGZe00YCg__VNcQWMtYdyfVwRiKSuNIaARZjRu9H0we9T4dKguxg8Z8oCYZhqxBMid1mde8i4W-nQiZJsgea3LCtJvNV_igEkRdLT5yhs5LlOa4/s1600/noncritique+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1000" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm_2dCFLgEBI0hwJXCJ3S2ZVl14KAAGZe00YCg__VNcQWMtYdyfVwRiKSuNIaARZjRu9H0we9T4dKguxg8Z8oCYZhqxBMid1mde8i4W-nQiZJsgea3LCtJvNV_igEkRdLT5yhs5LlOa4/s400/noncritique+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>*Non-critical infraction: An infraction (violation) that is not likely to lead to food-borne illness or infection (e.g., lighting is not bright enough for food preparation or work areas).</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A & W Restaurant, 20 Wellington St E (2 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized after each use and as often as is necessary to maintain such surfaces in a sanitary condition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ensure floors are kept clean and in good repair</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gino's Pizza, 370 Stone Rd W (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ensure all surfaces are easily cleanable and non-absorbent </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guelph Lake Commons, 520 Victoria Rd N (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized after each use and as often as is necessary to maintain such surfaces in a sanitary condition</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Holiday Inn Express, 540 Silvercreek Pky N (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Proper manual dishwashing procedure followed (wash, rinse, sanitize) </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kelsey's Restaurant, 26 Clair Rd W (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Daily housekeeping practices must be improved </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Manouche Express Mediterranean Grill, 88-84 Gordon St (2 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Easily readable, accurate indicating thermometers used to verify food preparation and storage temperatures </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Proper manual dishwashing procedure followed (wash, rinse, sanitize)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Marble Slab Creamery, 492 Edinburgh Rd S (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Frequency of garbage removal adequate to maintain the premises in a sanitary condition</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pho Kinh Do, 650 Woodlawn Rd W (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Provide tightly sealed entrances and / or screened entrances to prevent the entry of insects, birds, rodents, and other pests </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Preschool Canada, 322 Eastview Rd (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dispose of liquid waste in a sanitary manner </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Red Papaya Thai & Grill, 31-55 Wyndham St N (1 Non-Critical Infraction)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ventilation hood and/or filters require cleaning </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Swiss Chalet, 502 Edinburgh Rd S (2 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mechanical dishwashing: Wash / rinse water clean, water temperature, timing cycles, sanitizer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wild Wing, 995 Paisley Rd (4 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Equipment is of sound and tight construction, in good repair and easily cleaned and sanitized </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Adequate protection against the entrance of insects, birds, rodents, and other pests </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">General housekeeping is sufficient to maintain the premise in a clean and sanitary condition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Provide an easily readable, accurate indicating thermometer to check food storage temperatures </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>*Critical infraction: A violation found during an inspection that could be a health hazard</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dairy Queen, 9-995 Paisley Rd (1 Critical)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food protected from potential contamination and adulteration</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hungry Ninja, 134 Wyndham St N (2 Critical/3 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CRITICAL: Ensure employees wash hands after potential contamination </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CRITICAL: Store raw hazardous foods separate and below cooked / ready-to-eat foods </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Provide an easily readable, accurate indicating thermometer to check food storage temperatures </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Take precautions to ensure food is not contaminated by hair</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Provide soap in a dispenser at hand washing station in the food preparation area </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mandarin Restaurant, 565 Woodlawn Rd W (1 Critical/1 Non-Critical Infractions)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">CRITICAL: Re-heating: to original cooking temperature within 2 hours</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized after each use and as often as is necessary to maintain such surfaces in a sanitary condition</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Subway, 92 Gordon St (1 Critical)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or less</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>If you're curious about the restaurant or establishment you're going to, check out "Check Before You Choose" before you head out the door. </b></span> </div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-69376030150328072752018-07-30T16:27:00.000-04:002018-08-03T15:22:14.325-04:00Ford Decision on Regional Chairs Doesn't Let Waterloo Off the Hook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On Friday, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government was cancelling the elections for regional chair in York, Peel, Niagara, and Muskoka. But wait a minute, there are already regional chairs established in Halton, Durham, and one more... Where was that regional chair, again? Oh yeah, Waterloo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"The other more mature regional governments that were in place in Durham, Halton and Waterloo will not be impacted by these changes," Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark said in the announcement Friday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"What we are going to do during this pause is take a long look at regional government across the province — where things have worked and where things haven't — to figure out what we can do better," Clark added. "We'll start this review informally in our discussions at the upcoming AMO [Association of Municipalities of Ontario] conference and will follow up with something more formal in the fall."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Region of Waterloo was established in 1973 when three different counties were amalgamated with the County of Waterloo. This was the same year that the towns of Galt, Preston, and Hespeler were amalgamated with some smaller surrounding communities to become Cambridge. Amalgamation remains a sore spot in Cambridge even 45 years later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“People have attachment to their communities,” Cambridge Councillor Nick Ermeta told <a href="https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/doug-ford-s-decision-raises-questions-in-waterloo-region-1.4032151">CTV News</a>. “We still haven’t been able to unite the city as well as we should have.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Others are taking the Province's decision in stride. “If the province says that this conversation is going to happen, that is their right, and I’ll be at the table,” said Waterloo Mayor, Dave Jaworsky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Interestingly, it was the Waterloo City Council <a href="https://www.therecord.com/news-story/2575680-waterloo-formally-rejects-merger-talks-with-kitchener/">that killed</a> amalgamation consideration with Kitchener in 2011 with a unanimous vote to reject talks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The outgoing Chair of Waterloo Region, Ken Seiling, told <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/waterloo-region-ontario-regional-government-review-1.4764273">CBC</a> that he's confident that the regional government is already working the best way it can for the more than half-a-million citizens of the area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"During my time, there have been a number of reviews of regional governments or county governments across the province," Seiling explained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"What's come out of them is actually, every one of them virtually has strengthened the counties and the regions — the roles of the counties and the regions. Unless there's some political agenda afoot here, my guess is that … they might find the same sort of things," he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"More and more of the services that are important and are expensive are operated at the regional county level and I can't see the province dismantling that."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Time will tell... </span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-42641928483727503082018-07-28T09:30:00.000-04:002018-08-02T16:03:22.541-04:00ELECTION 2018: The Final Ballot of Mayor, Council, and Trustee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">66. After a spurt of new nominees over the last few days, there are 66 people running for mayor, city council, and school board trustee in Guelph. For your convenience, the complete list of candidates is below, incumbents are marked with an [X]. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">GUELPH CITY COUNCIL</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Candidates for Mayor</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cam Guthrie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Aggie Mlynarz</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Candidates for Ward 1</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bob Bell [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Charlene Downey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark Gernon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dan Gibson [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dave Heffernan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jamie Killingsworth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Barbara Mann</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jax Thornton</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Candidates for Ward 2</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dorothe Fair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rodrigo Goller</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">James Gordon [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jonathan Knowles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sudha Sharma</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mary Thring</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Candidates for Ward 3</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Phil Allt [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jason Dodge</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">June Hofland [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Steven Petric</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Patrick Sheridan</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Candidates for Ward 4</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Indu Arora</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Christine Billings [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Brendan Clark</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Peter Hamtak</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Eli Ridder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mike Salisbury [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Matthew Saunders</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Candidates for Ward 5</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cathy Downer [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Alex Green</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leanne Piper [X]</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Candidates for Ward 6</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Usha Arora</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lise Burcher</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Stacy Cooper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Anshu Khurana</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark MacKinnon [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dominique O’Rourke</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wards 1 and 5</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark Bailey [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Juanita Burnett</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Susan Carey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Joanne Enders</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jordan Lemcke</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Martha MacNeil [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ashlee McMillan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Luke Weiler</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wards 2, 3 and 4</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Linda Busuttil [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tina Danese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mike Foley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Susan Moziar [X]</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ward 6 and Puslinch</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jolly Bedi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Raquel Beitz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Kevin Bowman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Marty Fairbairn [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Aisha Jahangir</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">James Kerr</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bernard Kehler</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Seleena Reid</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">WELLINGTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Phil Andrews</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sebastian Dal Bo [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Victoria Dupuis [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Marino Gazzola [X]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bill Krusky</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Joe Tersigni [X]</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-44499043513577095142018-07-27T13:30:00.000-04:002018-07-27T15:01:46.830-04:00ELECTION 2018: Billings In, Van Hellemond Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hQlgk1pYC9FJUGJZeZ78ZRKgiplpq5im0A2FeU67SZzQafIpA4A98IPvtr-tws-59qAUYZTZLX_0QFqao5Xif1TGTkhdpneRs-tXl6oax6XEoMCD4b0RcyJloWLbzC5Rzlr23loTREw/s1600/andyvanhellemond_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="740" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hQlgk1pYC9FJUGJZeZ78ZRKgiplpq5im0A2FeU67SZzQafIpA4A98IPvtr-tws-59qAUYZTZLX_0QFqao5Xif1TGTkhdpneRs-tXl6oax6XEoMCD4b0RcyJloWLbzC5Rzlr23loTREw/s400/andyvanhellemond_crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the final hours of nominations for the 2018 Municipal Election, there was at least one surprise. While Christine Billings finally made official her intention to run for re-election, Andy Van Hellemond withdrew his name for consideration for one of the Ward 2 council seats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Billings was first elected to city council representing Ward 6 in 1997. She didn't run in 2000, but was re-elected to council in 2003 and again in 2006 before stepping away from council once again in 2010. Billings returned again to local politics when she was elected to represent Ward 4 in 2014. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Seven people are running in Ward 4 this year, including Billing's ward mate on council, Mike Salisbury.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Van Hellemond was first elected in 2010, and was re-elected handily in 2014. Often considered council's quiet man, Van Hellemond enjoyed a long career as an NHL referee before joining city council having officiated 20 Stanley Cup finals, being an inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and having the distinction of being the first NHL officiate to hear a helmet in 1984.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Van Hellemond's withdrawal leaves six people in the Ward 2 race, including his fellow incumbent James Gordon. </span></div>
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Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-68262877177172980442018-07-27T12:00:00.000-04:002018-07-27T14:03:58.300-04:00Wettstein Chooses Retirement Instead of Re-Election<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the nomination period races to a close, at least one city councillor will not be standing for re-election on October 22. Ward 6 Councillor Karl Wettstein has opted to take his leave of council at the end of November as opposed to trying for re-election for another term.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wettstein announced the news last night in a statement to CJOY/Global reporter Matt Carty. </span></div>
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JUST IN: Guelph’s Ward 6 councillor Karl Wettstein confirms he will not seek re-election. “It is time to support some new faces,” he says in an email to <a href="https://twitter.com/1460CJOY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@1460CJOY</a>. More to come.</div>
— Matt Carty (@MattCartyCJOY) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattCartyCJOY/status/1022634772839981064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">“I have really appreciated the opportunity to serve as Guelph City Councillor and was very much tempted to run again - but it is time to support some new faces and I look forward to doing just that,” Wettstein added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So far, five candidates have announced their intention to run in Ward 6 in this fall's election, including Wettstein's fellow incumbent, Mark MacKinnon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I consider Karl Wettstein a close and personal friend," said Ward 3 Councillor Phil Allt in a statement. "His wisdom and concern for following process and proper governorship will be missed by Council."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"I can honestly say our hours of discussions of over coffee before meetings made me a better councillor and Karl a poorer golfer," Allt added. "Honestly, his willingness to sacrifice his love of golf for the better good made him an exemplary colleague. All the best to his wife Carole. I am glad you have your golf buddy back but I am shedding a tear as I will miss my coffee mate." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wettstein has served multiple terms on council starting in 2000. Though he lost his seat in 2003 to current Ward 4 candidate Peter Hamtak, Wettstein returned to council in 2006, and has served Ward 6 ever since. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nominations for the municipal election close at 2 pm today. More to come...</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-72738411760983347622018-07-25T09:30:00.000-04:002018-07-25T09:30:15.486-04:00GUELPH POLITICAST #133 - Cathy Downer on AMO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">At city council this week, a resolution from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to support the North America Free Trade Agreement and stand with governments across Canada against Donald Trump's aggression on trade was passed unanimously. You may be asking, "What good does that do?" You may also be asking, "What the heck is AMO again?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week on the podcast, we dig into the deal with AMO, an organization with an important function and a long history. For the record, AMO describes itself as "a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments" that "supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada’s political system."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">That sounds rather dry, doesn't it? What we need is someone on the inside to translate that for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fortunately, we have the perfect person locally to talk about the benefits of AMO, and to lend insight on the what, why, and how of the organization. Earlier this month, Ward 5 City Councillor Cathy Downer was acclaimed to AMO's board of directors for a second term as a member of the Large Urban Caucus. She has a seat at one of AMO's biggest tables, and also knows a thing or two about governance given her council experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So with Councillor Downer's assistance this week, we talk about the ins and outs of AMO: How is it organized? What does it do? And how influential is its work on people in higher levels of government? We talk about AMO's past, it's present, and yes, it's future, including what might be a difficult four years with a new government in Queen's Park that might not want to hear from 444 cities and towns looking for more money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So let's get the 4-1-1 on the A-M-O on this week's Guelph Politicast!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can learn more about AMO and its various initiatives at its website <a href="http://amo.on.ca/">here</a>. The annual AMO conference will take place in Ottawa from August 19 to 22 and you can stay tuned for some likely news to come out of that gathering later next month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The theme music for the Guelph Politicast is from the KPM Klassics collection by Syd Dale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The host for the Guelph Politicast is Podbean. Find more episodes of the Politicast here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Remember that the Politicast Podbean channel is also the host for podcast versions of Open Sources Guelph. The previous Thursday's episode of Open Sources will be posted on Mondays.</span></div>
Adam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.com0