In late 2023, Guelph joined more than 70 municipalities and regions across Ontario to declare gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic. Additionally, Council directed staff, where appropriate, to set out gender-based violence and intimate partner violence as named priorities within the Community Plan.

A telephone survey of 600 Guelph residents found that community cares about the environment and the well-being of each other, and that there is still work for us to do. View a geographic map or the open data set.

The City embarked on a year-long citizen engagement and listening process. Community members were invited to provide input at a variety of events and in diverse ways—surveys, focus groups, casual discussions, targeted workshops and on social media.

This process has included identifying and understanding existing goals and priorities across the community so that the Community Plan can reflect and build on what is already happening and clearly identify where the city can go next.

A Community Plan workshop with local business leaders to gain their perspective of business and the economic sector in Guelph.

A Community Plan workshop with community builders and local arts and culture leaders to gain their perspective on the importance and value of including arts and culture priorities in the development of Guelph’s Community Plan.

A Community Plan workshop with local environmentalist groups and leaders to gain their perspective on the importance of preserving and including the environment in the development of Guelph’s Community Plan.

A Community Plan workshop with leaders and community builders from social, health and education sectors to gain their perspective on the role their sectors will play in developing Guelph’s future.

A Community Plan workshop with local business leaders to gain their perspective of business and the economy in Guelph.