City Council, in accordance with Section 41 of the Ontario Heritage Act, designate by by-law the area shown on Attachment-1 to this report…

2:32:07Heritage conservation is not only about memory and community celebration

2:32:11But as a practice it's forward-looking and provides a framework for conversations about the city's economic

2:32:17environmental resilience and smart sustainable growth while respecting the community's story

2:32:22Initiation of the heritage conservation district study for the downtown was identified as a priority in the city's

2:32:272020 cultural heritage action plan to support the steward stewardship and maintenance of the area's heritage character

2:32:35Phase one of the project began in june 2023 with the study and boundary presented to and supported by council in september 2024

2:32:43In phase two through research and extensive engagement

2:32:46A draft plan was completed and made available to the public in september 2025

2:32:51And a statutory meeting was held in october to provide the opportunity for public review and comment on the plan

2:32:57Which brings us to today's meeting which provides

2:33:01Again an opportunity to adopt a thoughtful plan that gets to the core of what makes gulf's downtown special

2:33:07What the community has identified as important to them?

2:33:10and excuse me

2:33:19And to pass a protective bylaw for the proposed downtown gulf heritage conservation district

2:33:24A heritage conservation district and its associated plan would provide clarity and certainty

2:33:29It sets out clear consistent guidelines for how redevelopment reinvestment and adaptation can occur

2:33:35While respecting the character that makes downtown a place that people want to visit live and do business

2:33:41I'm pleased to be joined today by two members of the consulting team. I have with me rebecca chara

2:33:46principal in charge and consultant project manager with asi

2:33:49And I have matt reid principal planning and policy and managing director

2:33:55Excuse me with photon planning and design

2:33:58I thank you for your consideration today and here's rebecca

2:34:14Thank you image and good evening

2:34:17mayor gathrian council

2:34:19Last time when we met in october we focused on presenting policies and guidelines from the plan

2:34:25So council and the public could see how it would work on the ground

2:34:30As a tool that will help shape growth and change in the downtown into the future

2:34:36Today our presentation steps back and up a bit

2:34:40I will first review the planning process that has occurred over the last two years and its key results

2:34:46I will then reflect on the why of this entire project

2:34:50To understand why a conservation district is being recommended

2:34:54We must reflect on what is in the downtown why it's important today

2:34:59And for future generations and in turn what's at stake if a plan is not implemented to help manage it

2:35:06I will then move on to the what and how of the district plan

2:35:12What are we trying to achieve and how we are going to do it?

2:35:16I will then conclude with a brief overview of key next procedural steps

2:35:24To refresh the plan focuses on the area shown here

2:35:29It covers the original historic downtown and the network of streets that were first laid out in 1827

2:35:36This area has a collection

2:35:38An impressive collection of historic buildings some of the city's most important

2:35:43That tell the story of the downtown's beginnings and its ongoing and current importance as the commercial core of the city

2:35:51Those features are shown in green here and called contributing properties within the plan document

2:35:57Most of these date to between 1827 and 1935

2:36:01They share important commonalities connections

2:36:06Associations interconnections and relationships making this a distinct historical place

2:36:12It is not just simply a small disconnected smattering of a few old individual buildings

2:36:21The buildings located in this area are stitched together by a robust network of parks and public realm features like market square

2:36:29The trails along the water and the streets themselves

2:36:32Arranged to radiate out from the bend in the speed river

2:36:38The results of historical research documentation

2:36:42analysis and engagement completed during the study phase

2:36:46Confirmed that downtown Guelph meets the requirements for designation as a heritage conservation district

2:36:53The area contains a rich collection of heritage features that together create a compelling

2:36:58historical setting and character for the city's commercial and civic core

2:37:04The study also recommended a slightly expanded boundary for the district

2:37:08Consideration for an expanded boundary came out of engagement and consultation sessions that occurred with multiple groups

2:37:15Including the public the heritage advisory committee and indigenous communities

2:37:20The consultant team did the necessary research

2:37:23documentation and analysis of features and patterns to assess whether an expanded boundary was necessary sound and supported

2:37:31The expanded boundary drew in features such as the speed river itself between Aramosa road and McDonnell street

2:37:38The full extent of market square's original layout and frontages onto the former square along Cardin street and Farcar street

2:37:46It also included the intersection of McDonnell street and Woolwich street

2:37:51The technical work completed by the team confirmed that this expanded boundary and inclusion of these features was an important recommendation to carry forward

2:38:02The hcd plan has been prepared to implement the district and it contains five key components shown here

2:38:09Together they document what is valued about the district the vision for change here

2:38:14And direction for what changes will require a heritage permit

2:38:18The plan also provides policies which set requirements to be followed when making changes to properties and guidelines

2:38:25Which provide practical guidance on how to achieve policies

2:38:45Thank you

2:38:46Over the last two years this project has had a robust engagement program during the study phase in 2023 and 2024

2:38:54A series of open houses meetings and workshops were held with the heritage advisory committee the public

2:39:00Interested indigenous communities a project specific focus group and the downtown gulf business association

2:39:08Over the past year while working on the plan phase of the project

2:39:11We have continued to work with and engage various groups

2:39:14We have held two public open houses had workshops with project specific focus group

2:39:19met with the downtown gulf business association and presented at a statutory public meeting of council this past october

2:39:27At these sessions we have shared content and information

2:39:30received input and feedback and we have used inputs

2:39:34From these sessions to shape the content that is presented in the downtown gulf hcd plan that is before you today

2:39:43I will now touch briefly on the key elements of the downtown

2:39:47that are important

2:39:49And important to steward as it changes into the future

2:39:54These elements are described in the statement of district significance in the plan

2:39:58This section of the plan identifies the heritage values and heritage attributes that come together in downtown gulf

2:40:05To make it a special place that merits a specialized planning framework

2:40:11first

2:40:12The siting of downtown gulf on a plateau within a natural bend of the speed river is one of the district's defining characteristics

2:40:20The speed river is a defining feature within gulf that has shaped human

2:40:25habitation and occupation

2:40:28Alongside it for centuries and has also shaped the unique layout of downtown gulf that emerged in the 1800s

2:40:34And which strongly characterizes the area today

2:40:38The district retains the unique radial street pattern originally designed by john galt in the 1820s

2:40:44This layout continues to be reflected by the arrangement and shapes of its blocks lots and buildings

2:40:53The district also contains an extremely impressive collection of high quality and well preserved historical buildings

2:40:59From commercial blocks and hotels to civic buildings

2:41:02They tell the story of how gulf grew from a small settlement starting in the 1820s

2:41:06Into an important agricultural commercial industrial and civic center within wellington county

2:41:14These buildings streetscapes and landscape features express design historical and contextual value

2:41:20Many of which are interrelated and in my professional opinion are best protected with a specialized framework provided by the hcd plan

2:41:30I will now discuss the vision and objectives for the district

2:41:36The overall objective for the district is to balance conservation of the heritage fabric that gives downtown gulf its special historical character

2:41:44With the growth and new development that has anticipated in coming years

2:41:49Growth has the potential and opportunity to reinvigorate and enhance the downtown

2:41:54And its heritage fabric in this sense both the old and the new are seen as important and necessary parts of the downtown future

2:42:02within the planning document itself

2:42:07The plan also contains additional objectives that flow from the from this overall objective

2:42:12And these objectives have been shaped by the engagement process that has occurred

2:42:17For example, the public and stakeholders communicated an interest

2:42:21That the area's historical features should be maintained

2:42:24But in a way that invites investment growth and density an objective described in the first bullet here

2:42:32We also heard important feedback from indigenous communities that this plan should support enhancement and celebration of the speed river

2:42:39As an important artery that has shaped human activity for thousands of years

2:42:43We also heard that preserving historical features should be done in a way that invites and doesn't frustrate improvements to buildings

2:42:51That introduce sustainability and accessibility enhancements

2:42:55In sum the plan has been developed to bring together a wide range of views and objectives

2:43:02balancing a range of public interests

2:43:09Over the last year we had a series of engagement events and received very good feedback

2:43:13And from those discussions we heard that everyone wants clarity on any new requirements that property owners should expect from the district plan

2:43:22To that end we have ensured that the planning document clarifies several really important

2:43:28Elements that are key for property owners

2:43:30The plan clarifies that there is no application fee for a heritage permit and specifies the expected turnaround times for those permits

2:43:38The plan also clarifies and confirms important information to insurance providers

2:43:44The plan assures property owners and their insurers

2:43:47That replacement and reconstruction of buildings and their heritage features is not required in the event of total loss

2:43:55And this clarification has been received with positive feedback from selected insurers that staff have been consulting with throughout this process on this topic

2:44:06The plan has also been designed to avoid policies with blanket restrictions

2:44:11Recognizing that a degree of flexibility balance and creativity is needed here and desirable

2:44:17For a district with a variety of building forms and types located in a downtown urban growth center

2:44:24The final version of the plan features some really important additions that came out of the october statutory public meeting

2:44:31It clarifies that the plan welcomes sustainability improvements to buildings and enhanced accessibility measures

2:44:38Conservation requirements in the plan will not hinder those kinds of really important investments and enhancements

2:44:46The final plan also clarifies upfront that it dovetails with other city-led planning processes that have been under a way

2:44:53over the last several years

2:44:55For example, the plan builds on the updated heights that were released in the downtown in 2025

2:45:03In some the downtown's conservation district plan works together with cities the city's other initiatives not against them

2:45:11And finally the plan through the substance of its policies its illustrative examples and guidelines

2:45:18And clarifications to property owners and insurance providers

2:45:22Promotes long-term predictability about expectations to mitigate risk and to reduce financial burden

2:45:32Today's meeting is the final step in a comprehensive planning process that started in 2023

2:45:37Next steps would include if council votes to designate

2:45:44The area as a heritage conservation district to then pass a designating bylaw and adopt the hcd plan

2:45:51The bylaw would then be registered on title for all properties within the boundary

2:45:55And the hcd plan would then move forward to implementation once fully enforced

2:46:01The goal of the planning process that has occurred was to understand what makes downtown Guelph

2:46:06A special heritage place and how best to manage it

2:46:10The goal of this district is to create a made in Guelph heritage sensitive planning framework to guide the future development that is expected in the downtown

2:46:20Simply put the district plan recognizes and is embracing the growth that will come and presents opportunities to guide

2:46:27And anchor new development by maintaining the area's historical ambience

2:46:33The downtown has been recognized for many years decades

2:46:37For its rich collection of interrelated historical features patterns and fabric

2:46:43The area is a jewel in southwest ontario and within the broader grand river watershed

2:46:49The creation of a formal district in the downtown will help to ensure that in 10

2:46:53Or 20 years time the downtown is thriving and denser, but also fully recognizable and defined by its historical ambience and character

2:47:02Thank you for your time today and the opportunity to be part of this very important planning process

2:47:10Thank you very much for for this anything further from staff that you want to say other than the presentation

2:47:18No, we're good

2:47:19Okay, and we have no uh delegations

2:47:24Which means everyone loves it

2:47:26so

2:47:29I'll bring it back to us

2:47:32Counselor downer already said that she'd be willing to move it. I bet you counselor. Koran would love to second it

2:47:38Shocker. Okay, perfect. So it's been moved and seconded

2:47:41and then how about

2:47:43You know, we'll just join up the questions in the comments at the same time if you want to okay

2:47:48Do I see a hand over here first? No over here. Yes

2:47:52Klassen and then on the screen anybody

2:47:55Koran

2:47:56Okay, Klassen then koran

2:47:59Thank you through you mr. Mayor

2:48:02I'll be short and sweet. I'm really proud of all of the work that staff has done on this heritage conservation district

2:48:09I've seen

2:48:10Many of you out and and participating in so many of these different public engagement opportunities

2:48:15And I want to thank you for all of the work that you've done. I've seen

2:48:19Almost every single question addressed as part of the plan

2:48:22I also agree that our downtown is a jewel and I just appreciate

2:48:29That this report also reflects that

2:48:32I think it's one of my favorite reports that I've received as a as a city counselor

2:48:38As much as it's a it's a jewel

2:48:40We also I like the report because it also allows reflexibility for growth and development, which we we need we need density

2:48:46We need growth

2:48:48And so thank you for bringing this forward. I've heard positive comments in the community

2:48:53And I know as far as residents afford to go

2:48:57There's excitement

2:48:59around this

2:49:01Great. Thank you and councillor Caron, please

2:49:04Yes, thank you

2:49:06I think it's fortuitous

2:49:08That the community permitting plan came forward at the same time as this tonight

2:49:14this meeting

2:49:15because there is a lot of

2:49:18About adding density adding height adding new development to the downtown and this provides the counter balance because

2:49:26In my experience with this council and our staff and our community is that we all want more density

2:49:31We want more housing. We want more affordability

2:49:34We want more people downtown to support businesses

2:49:37But we want to preserve the things that we value the most and I think that gives us this counter balance

2:49:44So I uh, I just my comment is just that it's nothing to be afraid of

2:49:49I know there were some questions with some of our designations about insurance

2:49:53And I just want to add some of my own personal experiences that our heritage planners have a letter

2:49:59That they offer to insurance companies that they as is making a huge difference

2:50:04educating the insurance industry about

2:50:07the

2:50:09What heritage designation is and was not

2:50:13And I uh, I also want to thank the heritage planning

2:50:17So because this was a major product project standing

2:50:20four years now, I think and

2:50:22And so the body of work

2:50:25Incredible the consultation that the community incredible and the impact

2:50:30Uh, incredible. So thank you to staff for

2:50:33I'll move it up forward. It is being passed tonight. Yes

2:50:39Great. Thank you

2:50:41Oh, sir. Uh, I'll go out and then kate it. Okay

2:50:45Thank you very much. Mayor Guthrie. Uh, it is just comments. I would like to thank staff and actually I'd like to thank the community as well

2:50:52for this

2:50:53I had breakfast with chuck nasch last week and we talked extensively about this in downtown

2:51:00Revitalization including infrastructure redevelopment. He pointed out how incredibly successful the christmas market was and the christmas market would not be without this kind of

2:51:09attachment to our our heritage

2:51:12Um, and I think of anchors like the riverrun center along with the speedside rink

2:51:16And and even the sleam and center that provide anchors for people to come in but they're not enough

2:51:21The downtown guile heritage is something that needs to be both celebrated and promoted along with

2:51:27Our new modern shining infrastructure. Thank you

2:51:32Thank you and and kate and please and then I'll go to downer

2:51:36Thanks to you mr. Mayor. Um, I just have comments as well

2:51:39Um to kind of echo what counselor alt said, you know our hallmark downtown kind of holiday

2:51:47Uh, was really really successful. I hardly move

2:51:51inside the correct street mall and

2:51:54I think that our heritage is a big part of the character

2:51:57And I love that you kind of called out that accessibility and innovation

2:52:03Are not at risk. There's not nothing at odds

2:52:07All of these things can work together and I think that this plan really really outlines that well. Thank you

2:52:15Thank you and downer, please

2:52:17now just to reiterate two thanking staff for um

2:52:21um

2:52:22Working through this and getting it done pretty efficiently because we we had deadlines, right and and it was a great that

2:52:29That you grabbed that ball when it was offered to you to get as many of these done as we could as well as designations

2:52:36With the funding that was provided. So I really want to put out that appreciation to you and I just remember when

2:52:42uh, the the tourism consultants that were here destination next how they just raved about our downtown and what an incredible

2:52:51platform it was for

2:52:53cultural events not just to attract people here, but for our own community and

2:52:58um, it was that it was probably one of the best that they'd seen in Ontario

2:53:03So I I just want to say it's it's the work we're done tonight

2:53:07um, I think on this and on the previous

2:53:11Item as well, but it's all a really important work setting our downtown up for great success. Thank you

2:53:17Yes, and thank you

2:53:21Uh, lucky everybody, uh, you won't get a lot from me because a lot of just has just been said. Um

2:53:28Trying to remember I think I'm right on this counselor downer. Didn't you use

2:53:35Is that what was it surplus that you used? Yes. Yeah

2:53:40I remember so just I think I'm right

2:53:43Yeah, I think I'm right right in the context like the province was changing a bunch of rules a few years ago

2:53:49They still do it now by the way, but they were changing a bunch rules a few years ago

2:53:53And I think counselor downer you mentioned like, you know, if we're not gonna

2:53:58If we're not going to act on doing this project sort of now that we could see other changes that might conflict in the future

2:54:04and remember counselor downer

2:54:07Uniquely kind of strategized around being able to fund a lot of this work

2:54:13at the time and

2:54:14I remember I was a little bit iffy, but then I liked what you did with the finances

2:54:17So I was like, okay, let's do it and I think I think counselor karan is is good to point out to

2:54:24This the timing of this issue. I I thought of it a little bit but not to the to the to the point that she did about

2:54:32Uh

2:54:33If we're going to have this kind of revival of the downtown

2:54:35We have to make sure that we're protecting that sort of the core heritage that we have there

2:54:41and so, um

2:54:44Yeah, I think I think this is good and the final thing I will just say to staff is that

2:54:49Just you know, just like the previous report that we had on the cpps

2:54:54We give our feedback you listen you take it away

2:54:57You like you clearly did that here listening to us but also to the community

2:55:03Equally as well like it's very noticeable in the report and your presentation about addressing the things that came forward

2:55:10So I cannot thank you enough just how well laid out it is any concerns

2:55:15That you know sometimes come up in these types of narratives like oh, it's anti development or things like I mean it's all been addressed

2:55:21It's there and uh, I'm I'm so glad this is actually done

2:55:26This is this is important to to do for our our downtown

2:55:30Maybe we should have done this one first other than the other ones, but I'm glad it's done

2:55:34All right. Well with that if there's nothing else, I'll just call the vote. Yeah, is that good? Okay. So is anyone against?

2:55:42All right, unanimous. Thank you very much for your help again. Appreciate it. All right. Um, councillor hauser

2:55:49I got you on my list to uh

2:55:52To yell out the bylaws for us. Would you do that for us, please?