Archive link: https://web.archive.org/web/20240814200030/https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/rainbow-walkway-installed-at-the-university-of-guelph-9349410

Rainbow walkway installed at the University of Guelph

Painted flag ‘sends a strong message' of inclusion on campus

In advance of arriving students, University of Guelph officials have overseen the installation of a rainbow walkway.

A Progress Pride flag was painted on the path from Winegard Walk to the McLaughlin Library. Its installation was announced in a post on the school’s website Wednesday morning.

“This pride flag sends a strong message that U of G is committed to the path to equality for everyone on our campus. The rainbow walkway is part of a broader strategy to continue making our campus more inclusive,” said Indira Naidoo-Harris, associate vice-president of diversity and human rights, in the post. “It’s a colourful reminder that LGBTQ2IA+ individuals are celebrated at U of G.

“The rainbow walkway says that we all have a part to play in creating a welcoming environment for everyone.”

Guelph was home to two rainbow crosswalks, but this is the first rainbow walkway. There’s a privately-owned one outside Stone Road Mall, and a municipal crosswalk at the intersection of Norfolk Street and Waterloo Avenue.

The university’s installation was funded by its ‘Highest Priority fund,’ through which individual donors contribute to things such as student assistance, activities and set strategic plan initiatives.

Archive link: https://web.archive.org/web/20240807211605/https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/skyline-wants-to-build-12-storey-building-across-from-city-hall-9322386

Skyline wants to build 14-storey building across from city hall

Project proposed to include no parking spaces for residents or commercial tenants

A dozen levels may be added to a two-storey building across from city hall, with zero parking for residents or commercial tenants.

That’s the plan put forward by Skyline Retail Asset Management Inc. for its properties at 26-40 Carden St. and 27-39 Macdonell St. – the red brick building that straddles the two downtown streets.

If approved, the building is to include 120 residential units or student housing with 211 beds and 595.1 square metres of ground floor commercial space.

Skyline previously sought approval from the city’s committee of adjustment to add four storeys to the building, but that application was withdrawn. That plan also sought approval for zero parking spaces to be required.

A public meeting is slated for Sept. 10, in order for council to hear comments on proposed official plan and zoning amendments needed for the project to go ahead as-is. 

As it stands, the city’s official plan caps the height there at six storeys.

Among the zoning bylaw amendments being sought is approval to include no parking in the project.

“It is anticipated that this development will be occupied by transit users, active transportation reliant individuals and those living, working or studying in the downtown area,” states a Skyline letter submitted to the city.

“The practice of allowing downtown developments with zero parking, is being adopted in a number of Ontario municipalities. For example, the municipalities of Kitchener, London and Ottawa allow downtown developments with zero parking for residential and non-residential uses,” adds a parking study report.  “The proposed development is consistent with this practice and with the City of Guelph’s emphasis on sustainable transportation policies and objectives.

“In addition, off-site parking facilities that offer long-term residential parking permits, as well as parking lots and on-street parking for short-term parking, are located within walking distance from the development.”

The Sept. 10 public meeting will be held at city hall, during council’s monthly planning session which begins at 6 p.m. 

City staff, which is in the process of reviewing the proposal, is slated to release a report Aug. 30, including its recommendation for city council to approve or reject the plan.

Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20240807132022/https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/palestinian-arts-and-culture-festival-in-guelph-this-weekend-9314290

Palestinian arts and culture festival in Guelph this weekend

Beside the Boathouse on Gordon Street Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A new festival celebrating Palestinian arts, culture and community is happening this Saturday.

Palestine in the Park will include a series of events, including an artists market, activities for kids, snacks, performances and an outdoor film screening.

There will also be a kite-making workshop, and drop-in activities like an arts and crafts table, a Palestine-themed nature scavenger hunt, a reading nook and more.

The festival will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. besides the Boathouse on Gordon Street. The admission fee is by donation. Registration for workshops is required. ___

Found this blog post and found it had more insight into the issues around the dev and the toxicity in FOSS

Owner says he plans on moving The Round Table to the second floor and still plans for a speakeasy on the main floor; but no timeline yet

https://web.archive.org/web/20240104143718/https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/heres-the-latest-on-the-albion-hotel-8051136

Hitesh and Kirtida Jagad will give out 150 meals on Dec. 25 from Kirtida Kitchen like they have done for the past few years

https://web.archive.org/web/20231221145027/https://www.guelphtoday.com/lets-eat/local-restaurant-again-set-to-provide-150-free-meals-on-christmas-day-8009213

An OPP officer detained a senior reporter with GuelphToday Wednesday morning at the scene of a fatal collision, and his memory card was seized by the coroner's office

https://web.archive.org/web/20231220184748/https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelphtoday-reporter-detained-camera-seized-while-covering-news-event-8009575

Goods Exchange Weekend in Guelph runs Friday through Monday