Coming Up On Royal City Rag… An End Of Term Report From Councillor Vicki Beard And Citizen Engagement And The Planning Student

Councillor Vicki Beard

We are pleased to welcome Ward 2 councillor Vicki Beard to CFRU93.3fm‘s Royal City Rag this coming Saturday, August 14. Councillor Beard will be joining us during our first hour, 8-9 a.m.

As part of our pre-election coverage, we have invited all of the current city council, including the Mayor, to join us on the show for an end of term report. An opportunity for council to discuss the main issues they see facing the city, it also gives us a chance to ask some important questions of them. Check out our previous interviews with Councillor Lise Burcher, Councillor Leanne Piper, Councillor Maggie Laidlaw and Mayor Karen Farbridge.

Guelph Downtown - Planning For Growth?

In the second hour, Kent Hakull will be joining us in the studio. Kent  is a graduate student in Planning at the University of Waterloo. For his thesis work, Kent decided to focus on Guelph as an urban growth centre, and, in particular, on how planned growth under the provincial growth plan Places to Grow will impact Guelph’s downtown. He is also interested in how citizens and planners values and attitudes to growth and development differ.

…I am curious to research citizen and planner values concerning the physical and social dimensions of public space/realm (Downtown Guelph, Ontario, Canada), and how public space is valued in the City of Guelph’s forthcoming Downtown Secondary Plan. There is much to be said about public spaces. There is much to be said about Urban Growth Centres. There is much to be said about urban equity.

What is valued? How do we plan? For whom are we planning? What role do public spaces play?

What is happening in Guelph is naturally part of a larger transformation.  This summer I’m conducting interviews to learn what is difficult about implementing Smart Growth, Places to Grow and Active Transportation. Many of the concerns raised in Guelph at the public meetings are echoed around the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The issues are real and relevant, and to me it is a matter of understanding what is going on, what are the challenges, and, based on this, address the issues and recommend a path forward. If I look at Guelph, as a case, I may offer a unique insight to further improve the policies directing cities in their effort to balance population growth, economic uncertainty, environmental pressures and socio-cultural sensitivity.

It should be a fascinating conversation. You won’t want to miss it.

You can check out Kent’s blog regarding his studies here.

As always, we’ll wrap it all up with some great music.

Royal City Rag, Saturdays 8-10 a.m. on CFRU93.3fm in Guelph. Remember if you don’t catch Royal City Rag live, you can always pick it up later that day via the CFRU archive or here, on the blog, a day or so later.

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Art On The Street, Downtown Guelph – July 17

Art On The Street takes place in downtown Guelph on Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Art on the street turns the spotlight on some of the fabulous talent within the local visual arts community. Over 70 artists will showcase their works in temporary, open-air studios which will line both sides of Quebec Street.

Changes for 2010 include a new partnership between the Downtown Guelph Business Association and Guelph Arts Council to host this year’s event, and the generous presence of Guelph School of Art in the children’s area.

To see a list of this year’s artists, visit downtownguelph.com.

Also check out Friday noon’s downtown musical artist Nabi in St George’s Square. You’ll not be disappointed!

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Woods Site 1 Redevelopment Public Input Workshop – June 29

There is a follow-up session on the proposed condo development planned for the WC Woods site 1 at the Sacred Heart Gym,  98 Alice St. on Tuesday June 29 from 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.

In February 2010, Kilmer Brownfield Equity Fund acquired the 9-acre site and is planning to redevelop the site with a mix of high-rise, mid-rise and townhouse residential units.

Downtown's Big Dreams... 16 Floor Condos on the WC Woods Site

The site is important to the City of Guelph as it supports its plan to revitalize the downtown area while still meeting the objectives of Ontario’s Places To Grow Smart Growth intensification initiatives. The site (in Ward 1) but now also included within Guelph’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) area is eligible for various financial incentives to assist in its redevelopment.

Kilmer’s plans for the site will include brownfield remediation and site-planning before selling the site to a builder.

The City has recently stated that it will not finalise plans for the Downtown Secondary Plan until after the municipal election in October however it is still very important for community members to make their voices heard regarding the proposals for this site.

As the pace of change is likely to be rapid, it is important to have your say now.

Downtown/Woods Site 1 – Public Input Workshop
Defining the Principles of the Future Development
Sacred Heart Gym,  98 Alice St.
Tuesday June 29, 2010, 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.
(519) 837-5616 or downtownplan@guelph.ca

About the Downtown Secondary Plan
The City of Guelph is preparing a new Secondary Plan for downtown Guelph as shown on the map. The area is a provincially designated Urban Growth Centre and includes lands in the Ward neighbourhood. The Plan will govern residential and commercial development, natural and heritage conservation, and the city’s transportation and energy systems in downtown Guelph.

Check out the Downtown Secondary Plan FAQ HERE.

You can view all the components of the downtown secondary plan HERE.

For more information:
David de Groot, Urban Designer
Community Design and Development Services
T 519-837-5616 x 2358
E david.degroot@guelph.ca
guelph.ca/downtownplan

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Royal City Rag, June 12 – Guelph’s Big Dreams, Downtown Growth And The Guelph Enabling Garden

The first hour of CFRU’s Royal City Rag on June 12 (8-9 a.m.) was dedicated to the City of Guelph’s plans for downtown growth. The City of Guelph has scheduled another community meeting at the Italian Canadian Club on June 17 to discuss the proposed Downtown Guelph growth plan, and more specifically the proposed condo development planned for the WC Woods site 1.

In February 2010, Kilmer Brownfield Equity Fund acquired the 9-acre site and is planning to redevelop the site with a mix of high-rise, mid-rise and townhouse residential units.

Downtown's Big Dreams... 16 Floor Condos on the WC Woods Site

The site is important to the City of Guelph as it supports its plan to revitalize the downtown area while still meeting the objectives of Ontario’s Places To Grow Smart Growth intensification initiatives. The site (in Ward 1) but now also included with Guelph’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) area is eligible for various financial incentives to assist in its redevelopment.

Kilmer’s plans for the site will include brownfield remediation and site-planning before selling the site to a builder.

Maria Pazzano’s family have lived on Arthur Street South opposite the Wood’s plant for over 50 years. Maria will join us in the studio with Daisy Fedyna to discuss the plans for the condo development and the potential impact on her neighborhood.

The City has recently stated that it will not finalise plans for the Downtown Secondary Plan until after the municipal election in October however it is still very important for community members to make their voices heard regarding the proposals for this site.

As the pace of change is likely to be rapid, it is important to have your say now.

Listen to Hour 1:

Thursday, June 17 from 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.
Italian Canadian Club
135 Ferguson St.

About the Downtown Secondary Plan
The City of Guelph is preparing a new Secondary Plan for downtown Guelph as shown on the map. The area is a provincially designated Urban Growth Centre and includes lands in the Ward neighbourhood. The Plan will govern residential and commercial development, natural and heritage conservation, and the city’s transportation and energy systems in downtown Guelph.

You can view the components of the downtown secondary plan HERE.

For more information:
David de Groot, Urban Designer
Community Design and Development Services
T 519-837-5616 x 2358
E david.degroot@guelph.ca
guelph.ca/downtownplan

We started off hour 2 of Royal City Rag with an interview from 2006 with downtown resident Jennifer Sumner regarding Places To Grow and plans for downtown growth. Jennifer raised some very important issues regarding the myths of growth. If anything, this interview is more pertinent now than it was at the time.

Few people in Guelph seem to understand how much growth the city is expected to absorb over the coming years. By 2031, under Places To Grow, Guelph’s population will grow from 105,000 to a staggering 165,000. Places to Grow mandates intensification within current limits which is why the downtown is particularly targeted for growth.

The city claims that this huge amount of growth will be sustainable. Unfortunately we will have to wait until the growth has taken place to know whether they were right or not.

Listen to Jennifer Sumner’s comments on Growth and Places to Grow:

As a complete change contrast, in the last quarter of the show we caught up with horticultural therapist Lea Tran on activities at the Guelph Enabling Garden.

The Enabling garden has a lot of interesting events coming up this summer including:

• June 14 from 7-8  p.m. Flower Pressing Workshop with Marilyn Swaby – Make your own pretty and professional greeting cards.
• June 15 from 7-8 p.m. Organic Gardening with Cathy Hanson – Learn about soil testing and how to grow healthy food and bodies!
• June 17 from 10-11 a.m. Kids Garden Workshop – There’s will also be another children’s workshop on Thursday July 15.
• June 23 at 6.30 p.m. Knit Knite – Bring your knitting or crocheting projects and a mug for fresh garden tea.
• July 2 from 10.30 – 11.30 a.m.  Tea and Tales with Guelph Guild of Storytellers. A very popular event last year. Please bring your own cup and lawn chair if you can (there are extras available for those who forget). Iced tea will be served.  Continues on Friday mornings until August 27.

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Ryan Bingham, The Weary Kind from Crazy Heart Original Soundtrack
Laura Marling, Rambling Man from I Speak Because I Can
Alex Glasgow, Mary Baker City Mix from Songs of Alex Glasgow Vol 1 and 2
Sam Turton, I’m Gonna Go Downtown (Demo)
Pretenders, My City Was Gone from Learning To Crawl
Philip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi from Koyannisqatsi: Life In The Balance
Cat Stevens, Where Do The Children Play from Tea For The Tillerman
Talking Heads, Nothing But Flowers from Naked

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Community Concerns Regarding Condo Development Promote Open House – June 17

The City of Guelph has scheduled another community meeting on June 17 to discuss the proposed Downtown Guelph growth plan.

The stated goal is to develop a community where people can live, work and enjoy the beauty and culture in the centre of the city.

The question will be whether that can possibly be a reality with the amount of growth the city and, in particular, the downtown will be expected to accept under the provincial growth plan, Places To Grow.

According to the press release, the areas of focus will include the portions of the Ward neighbourhood included in the Downtown Secondary Plan study area and the proposed urban design principles to be incorporated into the plan for future developments including the W.C. Woods 1 site. e.g. protected views, heritage and historic features etc.

It seems that the community concerns about the size of the two condominium buildings (16 floors) planned for the WC Woods site at the corner of Arthur and Elizabeth are getting the planners attention.

The city would like participants to register by June 10, if possible. Don’t let that date deter you from attending, though.

Call 519-837-5616 or e-mail downtownplan@guelph.ca to register.

You can view the components of the downtown plan HERE.

As the City has now stated that it will not make a decision on the Woods Condominium project until after the municipal election in October ( i.e. councillors cannot be turfed out for four years if you dislike their decision!) it is very important to make your voice heard NOW. You should also find out where all candidates in the coming election stand on this issue.

Few people in Guelph seem to understand how much growth the city is expected to absorb over the coming years. By 2031, under Places To Grow, Guelph’s population will grow from 105,000 to a staggering 165,000. Places to Grow mandates intensification within current limits which is why the downtown is particularly targeted for growth.

The city claims that this huge amount of growth will be sustainable. Unfortunately we will have to wait until the growth has taken place to know whether they were right or not.

As the pace of change is likely to be rapid, it is important to have your say now.

Tuesday, June 17 from 6.30-8.30 p.m.
Italian Canadian Club
135 Ferguson St.

About the Downtown Secondary Plan
The City of Guelph is preparing a new Secondary Plan for downtown Guelph as shown on the map. The area is a provincially designated Urban Growth Centre and includes lands in the Ward neighbourhood.

The Plan will govern residential and commercial development, natural and heritage conservation, and the city’s transportation and energy systems in downtown Guelph.

For more information:
David de Groot, Urban Designer
Community Design and Development Services
T 519-837-5616 x 2358
E david.degroot@guelph.ca
guelph.ca/downtownplan

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Downtown Guelph, Planned Community Or No Go Zone? – April 27

The City of Guelph is inviting community members to attend an open house on April 27 to share ideas about how Downtown Guelph should grow and change.

The stated goal is to develop a community where people can live, work and enjoy the beauty and culture in the centre of the city.

The question will be whether that can possibly be a reality with the amount of growth the city and, in particular, the downtown will be expected to accept under the provincial growth plan, Places To Grow.

Few people in Guelph seem to understand how much growth the city is expected to absorb over the coming years. By 2031, under Places To Grow, Guelph’s population will grow from 105,000 to a staggering 165,000. Places to Grow mandates intensification within current limits which is why the downtown is particularly targeted for growth.

The city claims that this huge amount of growth will be sustainable. Unfortunately we will have to wait until the growth has taken place to know whether they were right or not.

As the pace of change is likely to be rapid, it is important to have your say now.

The Envision Guelph Downtown open house will focus, in particular, on the Ward neighbourhood east of Speed River as part of the City’s Downtown Secondary Plan. After a presentation participants will be invited to review and comment on the draft directions for the plan.

Tuesday, April 27
6.30-8.30 p.m. (presentation at 7 p.m.)
Italian Canadian Club
135 Ferguson St.

About the Downtown Secondary Plan
The City of Guelph is preparing a new Secondary Plan for downtown Guelph as shown on the map. The area is a provincially designated Urban Growth Centre and includes lands in the Ward neighbourhood.

The Plan will govern residential and commercial development, natural and heritage conservation, and the city’s transportation and energy systems in downtown Guelph.

For more information:
David de Groot, Urban Designer
Community Design and Development Services
T 519-837-5616 x 2358
E david.degroot@guelph.ca
guelph.ca/downtownplan

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Returning To Main Street, Busyness Means Business – September 8

There is a growing movement to ensure that our downtown remains the vibrant heart of our city.  Long may it continue.  We’ll try and get an interview with Lorenz Calcagno from the Downtown Guelph Business Association on Royal City Rag in the very near future.

Returning To Main Street, Busyness Means Business!

Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA) Board Member, Lorenz Calcagno, has studied many of the historical factors that have brought downtown Guelph to where it is today.

After 15 gatherings of individuals and groups, business and property owners, past and present City Councilors, City staff, the Civic Museum, local organizations, Board members and private citizens, these findings have been compiled into a 30 minute presentation.

“When solving a problem, we must not choose theoretical solutions.  So much is at stake in downtown Guelph , we must choose tried and true measures that have been successful elsewhere in Ontario under similar conditions.”

The project is focused on two simple initiatives that will encourage the City of Guelph to adopt a practice that is currently working in several other Ontario downtowns.

Your input is needed to ensure these initiatives move forward.  Please attend to help secure a vibrant future for downtown Guelph .

Presented by: Lorenz Calcagno, DGBA Board Member
When: Tuesday, September 8 at 7.30 p.m.
Location: Alma Gallery, 133 Wyndham Street North
Cost: Free Admission

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Royal City Rag – July 8

The Culture Vultures were back on Royal City Rag on July 8 for our monthly trip around the Guelph art scene. Culture Vulture Lynn focused on upcoming events in the downtown core including the Friday Noon Concert Series, Art On The Street and John Galt Day which takes place on the civic holiday, August 3.

As we are well into summer festival season, Culture Vulture Marie discussed the Elora Festival which starts this coming weekend, and, in particular, the performance by Serena Ryder in the Elora Quarry on July 23 at 8.30 p.m.

We also talked about two exciting developments in the local arts community; the campaign for a Guelph Community Arts Centre and the announcement by Guelph Arts Council about their Artist Relief Fund.

Music:
Robbie Hancock, Have A Little Faith In Dreams from Stories From The Soul
Kelly And The Kelly Girls, Better Times from Modernism
Nathalie MacMaster, Catharsis from The Collection
Serena Ryder, Weak In The Knees from If Your Memory Serves You Well

Listen to the show:

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Art On The Street – July 18

Art On The Street
Quebec Street, Downtown Guelph

The Downtown Guelph Business Association will be hosting its 7th annual Art On The Street open air exhibition and sale on Saturday, July 18 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

This free event features artists from across Ontario showcasing their works in a broad range of media to audiences estimated at 5,000 last year alone!

Amble the historic downtown streets, meet the artists and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere that art on the street offers. Engage in Acts of Art with live music, magical performances, and so much more. This is a family friendly event celebrating downtown Guelph.

For more information, please visit www.downtownguelph.com.

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Friday Noon Hour Concerts, Downtown Guelph – June 12

There’s no better way to kick off the weekend in Guelph during the summer than catch one of the noon time concerts downtown.

Each Year Downtown Guelph puts on a series of concerts from  noon until 1:00 p.m. every Friday from June 12 through September 18 in St. George’s Square. 

This is a great way to get introduced to some cool music and support upandcoming local and regional artists.

The other important thing to mention is that all of these concerts are FREE!

CONCERT LINE-UP

• June 12 – Rebel Rhythm (Multicultural Festival Showcase)
• June 19 – Ian Reid
• June 26 – James Gordon
• July 3    – Brenda Lewis & John Zadro
• July 10  – Robbie Hancock
• July 17  – Prince Bamidele with Olaiwola Sakara Band
• July 24  – Jason Sheffield
• July 31  – Malachi & The Music
• August 7   – Jason Raso
• August 14 – Dusty Bodhan
• August 21 – David Leask
• August 28 – Sam Turton & Jane Lewis
• September 4   – Adrian Jones
• September 11 – Playford Players
• September 18 – The Penny Whistle Group

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Carolling in St George’s Square, A Guelph Tradition – December 18

Carolling in St George’s Square is a Guelph tradition that began in memory of Henry Koch.

Join James Gordon, Sam Turton and other musicians to celebrate the season while remembering those less fortunate than ourselves.  December 18 from 7-8 p.m.

All donations will support the work of Sister Christine. Last year the collection raised almost $300.
 
Carol sheets and candles provided, courtesy of the Guelph Museum and Downtown Guelph Business Association.

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15th Annual Winter Lights and Music, Downtown Guelph – December 6

The start of the holiday season in Guelph.

Check out the appearance of The Monster Show too, Royal City Rag favourites!

The great tradition of lighting the Tree of Hope continues for its 15th year in St. George’s Square, Downtown Guelph this Saturday, December 6.

Join us downtown for a winter wonderland celebration

To kick off the festivities, enjoy a FREE family skate in the Sleeman Centre from 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Catch a ride between 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on one of our two Horse & Trolleys from Home for Hearts Ranch, leaving Douglas Street every 15 minutes.

Dress warmly for the 5:00 p.m. stage show in St. George’s Square.  Come cheer on Elementary School Choirs as they sing their hearts out to win the Caroler’s Cup in this inaugural competition.

At 6:00 p.m. we light the Tree of Hope with a little help from our friend Santa; shortly thereafter to be serenaded with seasonal tunes by local indie darlings, The Monster Show.

Visit www.downtownguelph.com Winter Lights details and other events Downtown in December.

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Royal City Rag – October 8

Our pre-election Royal City Rag, we started the show with the Canadian Artists Climate Change Awareness song “You have a choice” followed by Hawksley Workman’s wonderful comments from the U of G Student Town Hall about why it is important to vote in the coming federal general election.

Listen to Hawksley’s comments here:

Get Informed and get engaged! Make sure you vote on October 14th.

Lynn Broughton from the Downtown Guelph Business Association joined us to talk about Dig-in Downtown, their downtown restaurant promotion.

Prix fixe meals are available every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout October from thirteen of Downtown Guelph’s finest kitchens. Lunches are in the $10-$15 range and dinners, $20-$30 per person. Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are highly recommended.

According to Lynn, “This annual harvest celebration will fully satisfy the public’s appetite for a sumptuous yet affordable meal – flavoured locally.”

 

The participating restaurants are:

• The Albion Hotel
• Artisanale Café & Bistro
• Atmosphere Café + etc.
• Babel Fish Bistro
• Bin 23
• Bollywood Bistro
• The Bookshelf Greenroom & Ebar
• Carden Street Café
• Diana Downtown
• Friends in Our Kitchen
• Georgian Creed’s
• Wild Organic Way (WOW)
• The Woolwich Arms & Arrow

Visit http://www.downtownguelph.com for the Dig-In Brochure online today!

On next week’s show we will be previewing The 23rd Guelph Studio Tour.

Listen to the show here:

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Dig-in Downtown is Back

Dig-In Downtown is back!

Building on the success of the past two years, Dig-In Downtown returns with gusto every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout October from thirteen of Downtown Guelph’s finest kitchens.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have such an abundant and diverse restaurant community downtown,” says Lynn Broughton, the Downtown Guelph Business Association’s Promotions Coordinator.

“This annual harvest celebration will fully satisfy the public’s appetite for a sumptuous yet affordable meal – flavoured locally.”

The thirteen venues will offer prix fixe lunches in the $10-$15 range and dinners for a mere $20-$30. Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are highly recommended.

The participating restaurants are:

• The Albion Hotel
• Artisanale Café & Bistro
• Atmosphere Café + etc.
• Babel Fish Bistro
• Bin 23
• Bollywood Bistro
• The Bookshelf Greenroom & Ebar
• Carden Street Café
• Diana Downtown
• Friends in Our Kitchen
• Georgian Creed’s
• Wild Organic Way (WOW)
• The Woolwich Arms & Arrow

Visit http://www.downtownguelph.com for the Dig-In Brochure online today!

Lynn Broughton will be joining us on Royal City Rag, October 9 to chat about upcoming downtown events.

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Royal City Rag, July 9 2008 – Downtown Guelph And Art On The Street

On Monday evening, Guelph City Council rejected Wal-Mart’s application to expand their store in the north end to put in a grocery. In honour of this momentous decision we played an interview I recorded with local musician and activist, Sam Turton, on the day of the Wal-Mart launch in Guelph in November 2006.

In this interview, Sam, a stalwart of the multifaith initiative that tried to stop Wal-Mart building their store next to the St Ignatius Jesuit Centre and close to two cemetries, talks about why he will be spending his dollars downtown. Its a fabulous interview and well-worth repeating.

In keeping with a downtown theme, Lynn and Claire from the Downtown Guelph Business Association joined us in the studio in the second half of the show to talk about the upcoming Art on the Street, taking place on July 19 and other Downtown Guelph events including the Friday Noon concert series.

The audio for this show is no longer available on the website.  If however you wish to hear it again, please contact us at info@royalcityrag.ca. Thank You.

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Downtown Community Improvement Plan Open House – May 22

This sounds pretty important for anyone interested in the health of our downtown. Especially, when we are comtemplating infill development to satisfy the needs of the province legislation, Places to Grow.

You may also want to re-read this piece.

These events are not unconnected.

One way or another the city has to get on board with the province’s recommendations even if we want to debate how much growth Guelph can cope with.

A good turnout from the community is essential.

 

Downtown Community Improvement Plan
Open House
Thursday, May 22, 2008 4 to 7 p.m.
City Hall, 59 Carden St, Council Committee Room C

Hear information and provide comments on plans to designate downtown Guelph as a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) area.

The establishment of a Downtown CIP will assist with the implementation of community priorities as outlined in Guelph’s Strategic Plan, the Downtown Action Plan and Official Plan. A CIP would provide Council with the statutory authority to sell, lease or dispose of downtown lands and buildings acquired or held by the municipality for economic development reasons.

The plan would also give Council the ability to provide loans, grants and tax assistance to private owners to assist with rehabilitating lands and buildings.

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Royal City Rag, May 7 2008 – Pesticides And Community Protection

Considering the health issues I’m struggling with, I’m calling this one “The Lazarus show”. Not because I feel like I’ve turned the corner but because, like Lazarus, I’m determined to get my life back.

Appropriately we started off with “Dig, Lazarus, Dig” from the wonderful new Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album of the same name.

In the first half of the show Oxanna Adams, from Guelph Environmental Network (left) joined us to talk about Guelph’s new pesticide bylaw.

A lot of people have worked hard to develop a bylaw that protects the community. Hopefully it won’t be derailed by a weaker provincial law because of intense lobbying by lawn care companies. As pesticide products have started to disappear off the shelves at major retailers its hard to imagine that the clock will be turned back again.

Oxanna indicated it is very important that people send comments in to the Environmental Registry to ensure that the legislation and regulations will most effectively protect human and environmental health. The form can be completed online here. For more information on what to write, read this post.

We also had a short interview with the mayor, Karen Farbridge, that I recorded at the youth charette put on by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal this past Saturday in downtown Guelph. Fifteen Guelph high school students have been involved in the urban design exercise over the past three months. It was great to see our young people so thoughtfully engaged in planning for community. For more information on the charette, take a look at this post. I have interviews with students and ministry personnel that I’ll play on a future show.

Which reminds me, what a great name for a ministry; “The Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal”? In honour of the Lazarus show, I’m going to kick off the “Jan Hall Personal Infrastructure Renewal Project”!

Brian Holstein joined us in the second half for his monthly review of goings on around City Hall finding time to cover the pesticide bylaw, overnight street parking, the success of both Doors-Open Guelph and Jane’s Walk, the controversial proposed improvements to the Hanlon expressway and Storytelling at the Boathouse with Tom King. 

Brian delivered one of his trademark rants but sounded curiously mellow this time around, focusing on Spring flowers, trash, car alarms and, oh yes, corporate bullies at the Ontario Municipal Board. He even accepted that the municipal election is finally over now we have a responsible and community oriented council in place. Well, that is, until the next time!

What will next month’s rant bring? More ranting about jay-walking in the downtown, people who drive Hummers, and those who wear white before Victoria Day? You can’t keep a good man down. Tune in next month to find out

Music:
Nick Cave: “Dig, Lazarus, Dig” from “Dig, Lazurus, Dig”
Ryan Adams: “To be young (is to be sad, is to be high)” from “Heartbreaker”
The Seekers: “One step forward, two steps back” from “The Best of the Seekers Today”

The audio for this show is no longer available on the website.  If however you wish to hear it again, please contact us at info@royalcityrag.ca. Thank You.

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Places to Grow Youth Engagement Project 2008

As part of Ontario’s Places to Grow initiative, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (MPIR) have been going out into the province to engage young people in planning charettes. Guelph was one of nine cities to be included in this project. 

Over the past three months, 15 high school students from Guelph have been meeting with a facilitator to come up with their own vision for our downtown, specifically the area bounded by Wellington, Wyndham and McDonnell . The students made use of aerial photographs, elevation drawings and scaled images to develop their ideas.

Mayor Karen Farbridge joined the group of young people, and representatives from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, at a press conference on Saturday to discuss downtown revitalization and how to design communities that allow people to work and play close to where they live. I was able to be there to interview Mayor Farbridge and the students for Royal City Rag.

Listen to the interview:

Although this project is somewhat self serving in that it allows MPIR to get out their message about the need for downtown intensification, I was particularly encouraged by the way the students took to their task. One thing is clear, they understand the need for planning for community, not the automobile.

 

As Places to Grow supports the development of complete communities where people can live work and play we really need to embrace it. We just need to make sure the end result the planners give us is what we as a community want.

Studies have shown that complete communities are better for human health and are more environmentally-friendly because they support walking, biking and transit use while reducing gridlock-related smog. 

Its great to see our young people thinking this way. There is hope for the future. Time will tell whether it really makes a difference in how our city is planned.

Wouldn’t it be great if the Ministry of Transport invited the youth to weigh in on what they think about the proposed improvements to the Hanlon Expressway?

 

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