ISSUES This is the place to find up-to-date information about local issues.  If you are not able to find the information you are looking for here, please do not hesitate to contact me. 108 Forest Street - St. Paul's School Development An application has been submitted to redevelop the St. Paul's School Site to accommodate a three-story medical office building with 9 apartments, along with four additional townhouse blocks.  A public meeting was held February 22, 2007 to outline the plan.   At this time, the City will be engaging the immediate neighbourhood in a series of facilitated meetings to help move towards a mutually agreeable solution for all parties.  For information, contact melissa.castellan@guelph.ca. View the Zoning Application 31 Mary Street Development The severance for the lot at 31 Mary Street went to committee of adjustment on May 8, 2007.  The severance will result in a lot addition being added to 81 James Street, which will allow new owner of 31 Mary to build a new residence on the front half of the property.  For more information about the proposed new dwelling, contact TContact Jeremy Grant at Seaton Ridge Communities.    York District Land Use Study The City of Guelph has embarked on a progressive model of consultation with the Province to determine the best possible future use of the lands known as the "York District" (roughly bounded by Stone Road, Victoria Road, Watson Parkway and York Road).  Lots and lots of opportunity to hear from the public, landowners and stakeholders.   Click here for background reports and all the latest updates. Commercial Policy Review The CPR was approved by the previous term of Council.  There is one outstanding OMB hearing matter that has not yet concluded.  The appellant is Loblaws Inc. and the matter relates to the urban design of the store.  The Commercial Policy Review documents can be found here. Guelph Limestone - Blasting Schedule Guelph Limestone (formerly DoLime) has submitted an application to the Ministry to allow them to pump additional water from the site.  No approvals have been granted as of yet. Wet/Dry Status Update Organic waste (compost) is currently being shipped to a waste-from-enery facility in New York.  Our local composting facility requires a capital investment of approximately $5.5 million to return to operating condition.  Our recyclables (blue bag) continue to be sorted as usual.  Our non-recyclables (clear bag) are being shipped to a landfill site in St. Thomas, Ontario.  A long-term waste management study is underway to determine the best course of action for our organic, recyclable and non-recyclable streams.    Please continue to sort your household waste into three streams - especially the recyclables (blue bag) because these items are sold and contribute revenue to the City. Growth Management Study The City of Guelph is in the process of conducting a 25-year Growth Management Study.  A committee of citizens and stakeholders is working hard to create a vision of how we want our city to grow in a sustainable way.  The report will likely be presented to Council early in 2007.  More information. Loretto Convent Phase II of the Guelph Civic Museum study has concluded that the Loretto Convent will meet all of the short and long term needs of the museum.  The Diocese of Hamilton has agreed that a civic museum is a compatible use for the site, and have agreed to take no action to demolish the building while the museum is pursuing this option.  The next phase will involve community fundraising and applying for various grant programs to assist with the capital cost of renovation.  The renovation is expected to cost $5.3 million, with an additional $5 million for exhibits and furnishings.  In 2007, the City will likely be asked to commit to the project in principle.  The long-term timeline for the museum expansion is likely 2015.  Water Supply Master Plan The City of Guelph embarked on a comprehensive water supply master plan to ensure that quality and quantity of water for the next 50+ years.  The study concluded that Guelph is well positioned to have a safe and reliable supply of water to accommodate our growing population - with conservation and sustainable growth management in place.  Read more about the Water Master Plan.