Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee

0:02As we gather, let us take time to reflect on our privilege to live in work in Guelph,

0:10a city built over rich Indigenous histories. We are guests here. We should reflect upon the

0:16responsibility to care for this land, the people who live here today, and the generations to come.

0:23If our actions today can move us towards reconciliation, we should take pause and

0:28make those decisions with intention and gratitude. This place we call Guelph served as traditional

0:33lands and a place of refuge for many peoples over time, but more specifically, the Attawanderang

0:40and the Haudenosaunee. This land is held as the treaty lands and territory with the Mississaugas

0:46of the Credit First Nation. Guelph lies directly adjacent to the Haldeman Tract and is part of

0:52a long-established traditional hunting ground for the six nations of the Grand River. Many

0:57First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have come across Turtle Island called Guelph-Holm today.

1:09So the next thing is there any disclosure of pecuniary interests in general nature there of

1:22silence as a no? Approval of the minutes, recommendation that the minutes from September

1:299th 2025 meeting of the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee be approved. Do I have

1:37somebody to second the motion? Move and second. Move. Okay. So do I have somebody to move the

1:43motion to approve the minutes? Thank you Anu. Do I have somebody to second the motion or the

1:49approval of a minutes from last month's? Yeah, excellent. Thank you very much Dennis.

1:57So we have a couple presentations today. I believe I have the right order here. The first one.

2:05Sorry Chargers, Dan to Rep. After the moving and second, we need just a confirmation that the vote

2:10has carried. Okay. So anyone against the vote you could call and if we don't see any against then

2:16we would assume it's carried because I want to approve. Anybody. Thank you very much. I

2:19appreciate the lead on that. Anybody. Um. As any issue or relevant group of the minutes speak

2:28now forever. Hold your peace. We're good. Thank you for that clarification. Uh items for discussion.

2:35The first one water and wastewater allocation policy presented by Wayne. Yeah. Great. Good

2:47afternoon everyone and thank you again for allowing me to be on today's agenda.

2:54My name is Wayne Gallagher. I am division manager of the city's water services department.

3:01And project manager for the water and wastewater servicing allocation policy development. So

3:10in the fact that this did touch economic development, did want to bring this to you. So thank you again

3:16for your time. Um, perhaps just wait till any questions. I have a brief presentation to share

3:21some background and we'd love to discuss this with any questions you may have after the fact.

3:28Okay. So just as some background, uh, as part of bill 185, uh, mid last year, the province of

3:33Ontario introduced changes to the Missile Act, uh, which allowed municipalities to create servicing

3:39allocation policies and bylaws, including what are use it or lose it provisions. Um,

3:45I guess many of these policies were called use it or lose it and essentially, uh, had a lot of

3:49focus at the time. Uh, essentially what a user or lose it provision is, uh, would allow a

3:54municipality with, you know, an approved bylaw to reclaim servicing approvals from planned projects

4:00that, uh, come to laps or, uh, don't progress in time and reallocate the water and wastewater

4:06servicing capacity, uh, associated with those projects to the more shovel ready projects.

4:13Again, this was under the focus of more housing sooner. Um, furthermore, uh, the posting in

4:21support of bill 185 had told us that, um, user lose it decisions, uh, made under such bylaws

4:27were not appealable, um, if approved by a municipal council. Um, just as some background, uh,

4:36essentially, you know, both water and wastewater are very comod, are very, uh, important commodities

4:43as far as looking at the growth and prosperity of our community. Um, at this time, both the

4:50servicing capacity that we have on both water and wastewater is finite in nature. So important

4:55that we manage it as we work to develop new, um, servicing capacity to support growth in our community.

5:02Um, essentially, again, there's a respective master plan for both water and wastewater

5:08treatment that is defining projects that we're implementing right now to increase

5:12servicing capacity for anticipated growth. Uh, at this time, the city does not have a formal

5:18policy that essentially talks about how we allocate water and wastewater, uh, to new construction of

5:24all forms or, uh, renovations at homes as such. We want to have a process that's clear and transparent,

5:30such that all parties understand the process and it's followed consistently.

5:36As part of the process to date, um, work started with internal teams here at the city last fall,

5:42uh, discussing the tracking processes that we use as part of our ongoing business,

5:47um, to measure capacity available both within the system to service something locally,

5:54as well as the treatment plants for water and wastewater. Uh, that work wrapped up this spring

5:59from there. The team had transitioned into what was development of an allocation policy

6:04and, uh, had started our first public facing engagements of May of this year with phase one,

6:10through Have Your Stay Here at the City. Um, phase one essentially saw us number, asking a number of

6:17questions to local stakeholders, um, seeking to understand their thoughts on the, uh, the need for

6:24a policy, common elements of the policy, uh, as well as seeking insights as to are there, um,

6:31essentially best in class policies, uh, with, you know, home builders or developers working

6:35with other communities, but the city should be looking at, uh, as we work to develop our own policy.

6:43Um, common terms of these policies you can see below, um, the terms of allocation. So the process

6:48you're using, um, generally first come, first serve is what we see, um, as far as those seeking,

6:54uh, building or development approvals, um, lapsing periods, so a defined period of time in which

7:00you would have the capacity approved, uh, terms by which you may seek an extension of that capacity.

7:08Um, and we'll move on. As part of phase one, we had saw 15 responses in total. Uh, I know a bit

7:16of a challenging subject, but wanting to get, uh, impact from the community, uh, input from the

7:21community, pardon me. Um, generally we saw support for formation of a policy. However, there was some

7:27differences in opinion on whether first come, first serve was the, um, the process we should be

7:33taking as far as allocating water and wastewater service and capacity. Um, key to the process,

7:40is that we're engaging applicants early to understand what their proposal is, how much

7:45water and wastewater service and capacity they'll need. Uh, 75% of respondents were very favorable

7:50of being engaged early to understand and confirm their needs. Uh, as far as lapsing periods, um,

8:00we had saw essentially support from 37%, uh, percent, um, and 18 saying that they were in favor,

8:08but in all cases, a lot of what we were asking here, there was a request for more information

8:13such to understand how the individual elements of the policy work together and the overall, um,

8:21given proposal. Um, one key item here was extension. So again, if you were a builder,

8:28you had an approval to build and a capacity approval, which essentially lasted for three years.

8:34Um, essentially we saw, I guess, a difference in view here where, you know, 37% were saying

8:41they should be considered, um, 18% or 19 saying they should not. Um, and, you know, some mild,

8:49uh, support otherwise. Um, we didn't get any examples as far as best in class policies. Um,

8:56and essentially coming from this, we formed a report, um, which you can find on the website here.

9:01Have your say, uh, for future reference.

9:06Coming from, uh, request during phase one of the engagement for more information,

9:12phase two of the engagement actually launched on Monday, September the 22nd.

9:17This brought ahead what was a plain language policy, um, for a 30 day public review period.

9:23And coming from this, we've, um, come to the local home builders association. We've engaged the

9:28university and some other stakeholders in the community, uh, to gain their insights on the draft

9:33policy. Um, the policy is available in full on our website right now. Um, however, I guess key terms

9:45just for your awareness is, uh, again, early consultation with proponents to understand,

9:50what their needs are and ensuring that the city's in a place to support servicing of the proposed

9:55development or home at the end of the day. Uh, through the process, this is like, I guess the

10:01actual capacity hold is held through what is a formal capacity check. So it's common as part of

10:07site plan. If someone's building something to come in and, uh, essentially ensure that there is

10:13necessary servicing for this. So, uh, this process remains the same. Um, however, it's done both on

10:20a system basis for water and wastewater as well as the individual plants. Once that check is

10:25completed, it would hold that capacity for 48 months. Um, while the applicant essentially

10:30continues, uh, design and approvals, uh, of their site plan and moves to construction over time.

10:37The policy also talks to what our informal capacity checks and these would be, uh, you know,

10:42parties who may be seeking to buy a property and want to understand, could it be serviced in time?

10:48Uh, informal checks in turn don't hold capacity, uh, because it's more of a, uh, exploratory measure

10:54opposed to, um, again, what is, uh, a firm application moving ahead and plans for servicing in the near

11:01term. Of specific interest to this group, I'm sure, uh, you'll see in the buy are the proposed

11:07policy, what our community economic development investment proposals. Um, and basically these

11:13may, are proposals specific to economic development that may be requested by the GM of economic

11:18development and tourism. Um, while the city is pursuing business locally, um, we understand

11:25these are quite competitive processes sometimes, uh, with other Ontario entities or throughout the

11:30world. And it's important to have this information, uh, under quick, uh, uh, a quick transfer and be in a

11:38place to say, yes, we can support so to continue to actually move through the process. So, uh, again,

11:44we'll hold those until the time in which we know that the business has chosen wealth, hopefully. Uh,

11:50if they're not choosing wealth, we would have then let that capacity go and be available for

11:54future allocation. Um, essentially then there's a second hold period that comes once you have a

12:02planned or sorry, an approved planning approval, such as site plan or subdivision agreement.

12:08Um, essentially once that's approvals in place, you would then have 36 months to move ahead and

12:12construct and maintain, uh, those approvals. Uh, again, through this process, there's the ability

12:19for, you know, home builders business to request extensions. Um, you know, in situations like we

12:25see now with, uh, some economic challenges, it's understood why it may not make sense to construct

12:30at this time. Uh, if there are other hardships or, uh, you know, availability of, of skilled

12:37laborers being challenges, again, all these things would be, uh, justifications that parties could

12:42put ahead to support a longer period by which to complete their, um, their given development.

12:49And essentially hold that capacity, um, to ensure all servicing needs are met. Um, if capacity were

12:56to come and again expire, there is the ability to appeal this, uh, both to the GM of planning

13:02services at the first level and counsel as a second. Um, and essentially through this, there

13:08would be regular reporting to counsel as well as the decision maker around planning applications

13:12such that they understand how much water and wastewater capacity, uh, is available for local

13:19growth. Um, so as mentioned, uh, the policy itself is live on have your say, uh, the document you see

13:27below, you can scroll through highlight content, uh, make your comments. Um, and you can, if you were

13:33to go there now, you'd see, I know there's some comments from the local home builders association

13:37that are already in there, uh, but a great tool to kind of consolidate all comments and see what

13:42other parties are saying about individual components of the policy. Uh, this is again

13:47available on have your say, uh, it should pop up if you enter the site, but if you're not seeing it,

13:52please search allocation. It should come up, uh, in the near future.

13:58As far as project timelines, uh, again, the phase two comment period will end on October the 22nd.

14:07Um, from there, we will be doing some work internally, uh, to start to work in the comments

14:12and consider the comments is coming from the community. Um, thereafter, I am hoping to come

14:18back to both this committee and the planning environment and water advisory committee, uh,

14:24to share what would be the draft final policy, uh, for your feedback and input at that time.

14:30Uh, thereafter, um, and having gained, uh, support and input from the committees, we would

14:36look then to bring this to council, uh, tentatively within February of 2026. That comes to the end

14:45of my presentation. Um, I hope again, this was informative and certainly would open up the

14:51floor to any questions the committee may have. Thank you again for this opportunity.

15:03Anybody have any questions for Wayne either here in person or from our online attendees?

15:15Thank you, Wayne. Thank you.

15:18This question on procedure for this next part of, um, what do we do? So the,

15:27so you have a motion there to receive that which just receives the information that you

15:31haven't no formal feedback or anything like that. Uh, the committee can move and second it vote on

15:37that. Or if there's a desire to pass any formal motion on comments, feedback or anything like

15:42that, we can help process that as well. Do I have someone to put forward a motion to receive the

15:48presentation? Thank you very much. Uh, I do have somebody to second that motion. Nicole, thank you

16:00very much. So then sorry. Now you just, you would ask if everyone's in favor or you take some sort

16:09of vote. So you all have. Oh, um, uh, anyone opposed to accepting of that presentation?

16:18All minds good in person is good. Thank you very much. Um, the second item today, the 2025 I see

16:28I stock take on climate change, uh, presentation from Brian Holien, uh, manager of energy and climate

16:37change. Oh, it's like, if you would like to, or I can do that, whatever works best for you, Brian.

16:45Uh, how are you? Yeah, sure. Since you're, I'm not on the meeting. I'm going to stand up for

16:54folks online. I'll be pointing at screens, but I'll make sure that I kind of describe what I'm

16:59pointing at. Tender just kind of get a little antsy at this time and date. Uh, well, Garrett's

17:06bringing up. So yeah, so I, um, thanks for, for, um, having me, uh, let me be here to speak with

17:16you folks. Let me give you a bit of background. Uh, so yeah, I, I managed the energy and climate

17:20change team. Um, and so the topic that we're talking about is our local stock take on climate. So the

17:27ICI summit. So it's to show commercial industrial. Um, I'll dive into what's, we have slides of

17:36charge. Yeah, noise. So as that's coming up, so one of my mandates, I guess, so I've got a

17:57couple. So, um, the energy and climate change team, there's about five project managers myself.

18:04Um, what we're doing is, is we're really looking at two things in a nutshell, like kind of categorize

18:11it as our corporate, um, emissions. So looking at what we do for all of our municipal operations,

18:18buildings, rolling stock, how we're using energy, how we're saving on utility prices or utility costs,

18:24and then reducing emissions from our municipal operations. We're a single-tier municipality,

18:30so we look at things from, you know, small parks, washrooms all the way up through to the West End

18:36Community Center, through to the wastewater treatment plant or the Water Resource Recovery Center.

18:40So real array, uh, diversity in the portfolio. The other side of it is what I categorize as the

18:47community, uh, portfolio. So the community is really everything that's within the boundaries,

18:52the geographic boundaries of well. So, uh, you folks are, uh, well, you guys would be part of that.

19:00So that would look at the residential sector, the industrial sector, institutional sector,

19:04and even in through to the way that we manage our waste and the future emissions for waste.

19:10We can just go to the next, uh, page there. So this one is, is really looking at that community

19:17event. So we have something called the Guelphs Race to Zero. So this is a UN-led program, um,

19:23and it's really set emissions targets so that we contribute through up to our province, to our federal

19:29government, through to the global commitment to pay our screen. And really what our community

19:34emissions reduction target is, is 63, 63% reduction against what we were emitting in 2018 by 2030,

19:43and that's on a per capita basis. So it does factor in growth, um, as, as the community is

19:49growing and getting bigger. Looking over to the top right where you see a green, green bar draft,

19:56those are the emissions that we're seeing. So one of the work that we do is we look at that community

20:02scale and we take the inventory for everything. So, you know, the Linnemarers, uh, see Lucas is

20:08not SEBAs, you know, like all those, the University of Guelph, and then also included within that is

20:14the Corporation of the City of Guelph. My house is also in there. So the green bars are showing

20:21what our actual emissions are, our green bars are showing where we ought to be. And you can see as we

20:272018, 2019, we're kind of, we're tracking along, we dipped down in COVID during 2020, but then we're

20:33starting to climb back up through to 2023. So we're going the wrong way, because essentially what's

20:39going on here. So what we really need to do is we really need to think about how we're having the

20:45conversations, climate change, and really bring everybody into the, into the tent, right? So

20:52looking at the different sectors, we take that same data and we look at it, and I'm talking about the

20:57bottom right where you see, um, kind of the green, blue, gray, purple, and brown bars there, and

21:03looking at them by sector breakdown. So that residential, institutional, industrial, transportation,

21:07and waste. The purpose of why I'm here today is really on that ICI stocktake, taking stock of

21:15industrial, commercial, institutional emissions. So we're looking at where the red, where the red,

21:21I don't even know what shape that is, rounded rectangle, where it circles around the institutional,

21:27commercial, and the industrial. We're talking about 45, 45% of wealth's community emissions.

21:35The corporation of the city of Guelph, the municipality can't do it alone, right?

21:40So we really need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our industrial, commercial, and institutional

21:44folks. I'll start saying ICI, our ICI folks, and really think about how we're going to do this together.

21:52And there's a lot of great work going on in the ICI sector. So I think we need to shine a light

21:55on that too, so that they can share from a peer to peer perspective. So our stocktake,

22:01we had this happen last year. I'll go to the next slide if you can't get it.

22:09What we had was this, this is the second one running. So we had our first one last year,

22:13we had about 30 to 40 people each day. We broke them up specifically, you know, the

22:21the discussions and the focus of the discussions on an industrial day versus an institutional

22:28commercial. We're talking different things. We don't run plastic extruders or we don't have

22:35lab fume hoods necessarily in both of those areas, right? So the university is talking

22:41differently than the cooperators is talking differently from the MRs, right? So this is

22:46we're trying to get the people in the room talking on those same things.

22:52And really looking at, you know, putting out there, what is those environmental commitments

22:58that these corporations are having, having the safe space so that people can chat, talk,

23:04and really learn off of each other and not necessarily just puff our chests, but really

23:09share the battle scars and the work that we're doing. And then we're looking at also in terms of

23:15money, right? So budget is always an issue for industry and for the municipality for that matter.

23:22So really bringing in our utility partners and really shining light on what is the available

23:26money's rebates and all that stuff so we can help motivate a lot of this work. I mentioned about

23:32that peer to peer learning, but really getting down to, you know, what are the things that the

23:37ICI sector is doing? Where are those barriers? And then how do we come together and think about it

23:43and crack those down? So that's really what the discussion was last year.

23:48Gary, you can go to the next slide, please. So the event, as I mentioned, it's the second

23:54we're building on our last one. Again, last year we had a lot of representation from the food and

24:01beverage automotive, so Polycon, Linoir, Sleiman, Burri, Galeigh, all those folks were all there.

24:09We're hoping to build on that. So let's get that going further abroad. There's a lot of industrial

24:14companies. We had a lot of big ones. Let's get some of the small, medium sized ones as well.

24:19And then on the institutional commercial, so we had a lot of those institutional partners,

24:23University of Guelph, the city itself, the county of Wellington, Operator and District School Board,

24:28Wellington Catholic District School Board. A lot of institutional, I'll be honest, the commercial

24:33side is very diverse and very hard to put your finger on. So how we wrap around and get those

24:41folks in there. We had Skyline come along. We're going to have cooperators joined in this year.

24:50But what happens to those Walmart's that have bricks and mortar and wealth, but they've got

24:56broader headquarters in, I don't know, say the Ontario headquarters in Mississauga or something

25:00like that. How does that play? And then how does that compare to the dental office or the small

25:06business? So that is something that we're working on as we kind of go through and trying to establish

25:12that audience and make sure that they're finding a place where they belong. This year we're having it.

25:19I'm saying events facing Guelph. We've locked down the cotton fields. That's where we had it last year.

25:24November 4th is the industrial day. November 5th is the institutional day. And our timing is

25:31really in the morning, both of those days. The agendas we're bringing in are utilities, again,

25:38really having a panel discussion, digging in deep in terms of what financial

25:46supports are out there. They're going through a bit of a change in terms of their programs and

25:51trying to have better engagement with particular regions. Actually, even our region, so the Kitchener

26:00Warden, Cambridge Guelph region in particular for the electrical because there's such an

26:04infrastructure, an electrical infrastructure constraint. So they are very keen on talking to

26:10the welding industry. And then I mentioned about those working sessions. So really rolling up our

26:16sleeves, getting people to really share what they're doing and then really trying to make it

26:22more contagious. If I'm working on variable speed drives on our erasure blowers, the ways

26:29we're treatment plan, guess what? There's variable speed drives that are going on at

26:37Slaymansbury. And there are things that we can really share. Even though that I'm doing wastewater

26:43and they're brewing beer, there's a lot of sharing that can happen there. So that's the intention.

26:49The audience again, so the ICI sector. So we're talking anywhere from executive to the environmental

26:54geeks, but even to the finance folks, we have to unlock those business cases and getting that money

27:01out and making sure that we can continue to move towards those sustainable corporate targets.

27:08And then our target size, you know, I'm saying about 40 to 50. I'd love to see that even higher

27:13and food, right? We got to make sure that we've got enough energy to work on energy management.

27:19Next slide, Gary. So the ask to the group here. So thanks again for letting me introduce this to

27:26you folks. You being the economic development and tourist advisory committee, I'm asking if you

27:33guys can work your networks or if there are folks that are interested. If there are, please

27:39feel through to Christine and to Alex and let me know and I can show some information.

27:45And then also in terms of getting the word out to other ICI sectors, so I'm sure people speak and

27:50have their, have their peer networks. And then that, that perspective, you know, are we offline?

27:57Are we having good conversation? Is there value in this? We don't want to be wasting people's time.

28:04I see value in it. There was really good feedback actually from our last and we do have a lot of

28:09returning folks that are going to be joining. But, you know, always hoping to continue some

28:15improvement in how we do that. And then of course, in terms of thoughts and advice or third questions,

28:20because that'll help for events as well. So that's all I got. I'll open it up to the

28:28actually I'm going to let you guys run.

28:30I have an online or in person have any questions for Brian?

28:40I have a question. Just wondering if you have like counterparts in other municipalities that

28:51have been seeing success, bringing their targets in line, like if they're also participating

28:59in this and like what kinds of things they found effective?

29:07In terms of community emissions, I think we're in very similar boats with other municipalities,

29:15unfortunately, in terms of our emissions going up. We're seeing that provincially and federally.

29:23That said, in terms of initiatives like this, there are municipalities, other municipalities

29:28that are engaging with the ICI counterparts. Same but different. Like I know that the region

29:39Waterloo goes through and actually we're engaged with the sustainable Waterloo region.

29:47An offer profit that is helping us organize this event this year. But they do have kind of

29:55networks. I remember when I was in consulting, there were, shoot, what is it, the partners and

30:03I forget the name. But out down by the Pearson airport area where they were looking at,

30:15you know, the large industrial that's around there having that industrial network kind of talk and

30:21they would meet regularly as well. Partners for something great, PPG or something.

30:27But yeah, so there are engagements. I would say the discussions that we've had,

30:36not only at the VED last year, but the one-on-one discussions that we have

30:44with companies like CBK or Denso or whatnot, you know, they're showing great work.

30:52They have their corporate targets that they're doing their measurements that are happening within

30:56their factories and operations and in tracking and reporting up to their corporate requirements.

31:06So I think there's really, there are engagement opportunities and ways that we can work together.

31:14So I guess what I'm happening. So it's happening at different scales. So on those kind of one-to-one

31:19individuals, but then also kind of getting everybody in. I hope that answers your question.

31:27Thanks. Anybody else? Dennis.

31:37Growing, seeing that gray bug going up again. What is the main contribution? Is it people

31:43driving more or is it growing communities? He said it's by capital. So where have you seen

31:51the biggest impact that it's going up again? So it's difficult to say given COVID and how that

32:03really put a dent in things in a positive way, which is hard to believe, but really forcing

32:10some things to shut down and showing that emissions can be reduced. As we've been reopening,

32:17that's what's causing a lot of that upper trend. So I would say across the different sectors,

32:21we are moving about a lot more. So the transportation has been increasing. Industrial

32:26commercial, we have been seeing increases here to year as well. The residential has dropped

32:34in the last year. That said though, because we're working with such a short timeline,

32:42I guess from 2018 to now, and with that really massive change in behavior that we're now

32:51navigating out through, although it was five years ago, it's hard to say. I think that there's a lot

33:00of technological improvements that are happening and a lot of financial supports for the residential

33:09sector that have allowed for drops in that. The adoption of electric vehicles hasn't been as

33:16quick as we would have liked. And then also the reopening and then now as we're starting to see

33:24requirements to be five days work, we'll likely see the transportation sector probably go back up again.

33:31And then in terms of the industrial, I don't know if unfortunately we don't have anything better to do

33:41this, but it's per capita the best to be looking at that, at least in a wealth scale. Considering

33:47that wealth is such an industrial powerhouse, should it be looking at the number of widgets

33:55that are sent out or something like that, we wouldn't necessarily be able to do that at that

34:00neighborhood scale. But again, so I would imagine that as we're having conversations with the

34:05industrials at their factory site, they're looking at that. That's where a lot of the work that I

34:10did before would go into that. So to your question again, the industrial is going up, but is that a

34:18fair read from a productivity perspective? So in a nutshell, everything is going.

34:30I think it's going up and everything is contributing. So we do need to be smarter about it

34:38and look at some of the data that we can pull from our utility partners,

34:43see in terms of are there an increased number of rebate programs that they're giving out to

34:49folks and seeing projects getting done. And that's where I think a lot of this discussion

34:55or this event can help with. Or even, sorry, one thing I didn't quite mention,

35:02we also have presentations from folks in the field. So last year we had CPK and PDI present and

35:11sharing those things. So then through that, they're sharing a lot of their projects and seeing,

35:17on a production per unit production scale, they can't show that introduction.

35:24So sharing that. They do include free there.

35:30After your event, you shared best practices or awards or something of the community.

35:40That's something that we're definitely wanting to work on. So last year we did have a closeout

35:44survey. We did share the information, we did share the presentations. Is there something that we

35:49can be a little bit more specific and focused on, I think is necessary. The other thing that we're

35:54also looking to do is, although this is a big annual, so-called big annual event,

36:00are there ways to keep those networks warm throughout? So if there are informal conversations or

36:07even, I did say a platform or something, I don't know if I want to go there, but we want to ensure

36:12that it's not just see you later until next year. We want to see momentum keep going.

36:19But definitely a good point, something that we're having in the future. Thank you.

36:27Anybody else with any questions? I have a question. You said that you're looking for help with

36:36networking and I was just wondering if you're already in touch with the Chamber of Commerce.

36:41Yep. Yes, we have reached out to the Chamber. They are working for us.

36:57Good. A comment. We were involved in a project. Recently, not that recently, funded by SICAN,

37:06which is a college funding agency for a living lab. And that was a really great model in our

37:13experience because we were, everyone had their own topic, but they were only sharing back what

37:18they learned because things aren't going to work necessarily the first time. So being able to

37:24share that information with each other to learn from each other, to not sort of be like you're

37:28inside of yourself trying to solve an impossible problem. So that was a really great model. There

37:33was funding though, so that was difficult sometimes to find, but just the community

37:40part of it too was great, without funding. And we would be monthly to share.

37:47Yeah, so one of our conversation points that we're going to be having this year is

37:52so-called table conversations and really just asking, hey, so what have you done,

37:58Pastor? What are you working on? What are you interested in? And having that feed into and

38:03putting utilities on the spot, hey, we're thinking about these types of approaches and just types

38:06of initiatives. Where's the support? And then also around the table as well, hey, what have you

38:12done? How do you get this going? There are a lot of good programs through the utility where they

38:19do establish, so it's like the Strategic Energy Manager program that we're participating in as

38:26the corporation does have cohorts where they can share some information at that level.

38:33It's just keeping it going, I think is the real challenge, but yeah, that's helpful.

38:42I think the network and the community part is key. I mean, ultimately, industry is not going to

38:51listen to the city. I am very aware of that. So that's where I'm trying to have people who are

39:02really working on these things talk to people who are working on these things and then have it kind

39:08of build that contagion. I mean, there's a there's a fear bid that I can contribute, I think I'm

39:15smarter than I actually am, but people have to, you know, they're not going to listen, like an

39:21automotive company is not going to listen to what I do, right? So let's have them have those

39:26conversations. I respect that. That's a good way as long as we're getting things done.

39:36Anybody else with any questions for Brian? Okay. So the recommendation is that the

39:48Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee receive the 2025 ICI stock take on

39:56climate change presentation presented today, October 14th, 2025. Do I have someone to

40:04move the motion, please? Thank you, Nicole. And do we have someone to second the motion

40:17to receive the presentation? Lucas, thank you very much. Is there anyone in opposition to us

40:29in opposition to this recommendation? For two for two. Thank you very much. Thank you, Brian.

40:40It is to the real fun. Thank you very much, Brian.

40:48The next presentation, the Wayfinding Strategies presented by Alex right here with us now.

40:57That's me. Thank you. And okay, so I am also joined here by my lovely colleague, Sarah Doyle.

41:06She joins us from Cygnus, who is our consultant that has been hired to help support our city

41:12wide Wayfinding Strategy. So, hi, Sarah. And so a little bit of background on the Wayfinding

41:21Strategy. This was something that was identified in both our Economic Development and Tourism

41:26Strategy as something that is really important to what we call destination hygiene and creating a

41:32super visitor friendly destination and helping people navigate. And then it was later reaffirmed,

41:39so by a destination assessment where we actually did some research on the ground. We asked folks

41:46who are in the tourism industry, but we also asked visitors, you know, what are the challenges that

41:52you face in as a visitor to Wolf? And one of the big things that came forward was navigation and

41:58knowing how to get places and where things are once you're there. So that led us on about a year

42:06long. By the time we kind of wrap it up, it will be about exactly a year of this work. So I'm going

42:14to kind of go over this a little bit, and then we will chat recommendations. So first things first,

42:22what is Wayfinding? A lot of this I have stolen from Cygnus because they're the experts. So thank

42:27you to Sarah and the team over there for being so great. But Wayfinding as an activity is knowing

42:35where you are, where you want to go, and figuring out how to get there. But in a municipal setting,

42:42when we talk about Wayfinding, it's about trying to make that process as simple and intuitive as

42:47possible for people. And then that really means that Wayfinding becomes a system of signs and

42:55digital tools that help anyone locate where they are, determine where they're going, and then making

43:01it easy for them to get there, or at least knowing how to get there. So we might be familiar with

43:10Google Maps and using Google Maps to get to places that we already know about. But this is kind of

43:16helping create that really seamless experience, particularly like in the event that we park,

43:22and then we now need to find where we're going from the parking lot. So that's kind of how it

43:28shows up in real life a little bit. But why Wayfinding? So what was Wayfinding? But why Wayfinding?

43:34Why prioritize it? Well, cohesive Wayfinding can really foster a city's identity and sense of place,

43:39and we're trying to lead to positive impressions and trust in the city itself when we provide

43:45really effective wayfinding to help people get around. It helps with supporting navigation

43:52to where you want to go, but also to find things that you were not aware of close by. And I'll go

43:57through a real-world example in a second. And it also helps to keep people engaged longer in a

44:03community and brings in more foot traffic, especially in dense economic areas, to help people find

44:10things that they didn't know were close by. And when you see something on a Wayfinding sign that

44:15you didn't know was close, maybe you go visit that place, even though you weren't intending to be there

44:20before. And of course, it supports customer service and accessibility for, and I really try to share

44:26the stress. It's for residents, visitors, and newcomers, really in the context of those non-routine

44:32trips. So I'm sure most of us, or a lot of us, are wealth residents, and maybe we work in wealth,

44:39maybe we work in other places. But typically, we create patterns, right? So we know how to get to

44:44work, we know how to get to school, we know how to get to our local grocery store, we need to,

44:48we know how to get to our doctor. But if we're visiting a space for the first time,

44:54whether it be like a park or that sort of thing, it can still help residents find out

44:59what's close by or how to get somewhere, particularly in the active transportation

45:05sense. When we're on pathways, it can be really helpful to know, you know, if we take this way,

45:10there's a hill, but it's paved, and if we take this way, there's less of a hill, but it's gravel,

45:16you know, so those kinds of things can help our residents. And then when it comes to visitors and

45:20newcomers who are very unfamiliar with the city, it helps them navigate around super unfamiliar

45:26territory and find their way around. So that's why we're here. But in context, so we are in

45:36downtown wealth in these images. So the first image on the left is we have just visited Walth

45:42Central Station, and now we are standing at the corner of Cardin and Wyndham Street, and we are

45:48looking at downtown going northbound. And then on the right hand image, we have just exited Old

45:57Quebec Street Mall, and we are looking into St. George's Square through the new heart that was

46:03installed late last year. And I share these examples, because if you are familiar with wealth,

46:14you generally know what's around. If you are unfamiliar with wealth, you have no idea that

46:21the university is back up this way. If you need parking, and that might be that might be bike

46:27parking, if you're coming off of Walth Central Station. And then if you're coming out of Old

46:31Quebec Street Mall, you might have missed the fact that you parked over by there, and now

46:36you're trying to find your parking spot again. Of course, we have City Hall and the Civic Museum,

46:41the Civic Museum being our primary point of visitor information. Down Quebec Street, you have a

46:48real strong density of retail. We also, in the green arrows, we have more of our trail connections

46:54and our active transportation linkages that way. So let's see, you get off the GO train in the,

47:02hopefully not too distant future when we have two-way all-day GO, and you've brought your bike,

47:07and you're going to hit up the G to G, and you're going to head to Godridge for the weekend.

47:12You have no idea how to get there without wayfinding. So this is just an example, and it's a real

47:18world example. When we hosted the, well, sorry, when we hosted the Curling Grand Slam in January

47:26this past year, I was very fortunate to stand with some of the organizers of that event, and

47:31particularly those offering visitor information. And the number one thing we got was, it's so hard to

47:39find how to get out of here and how to get to the Sleeman Center once you've ended up downtown,

47:46and now you're like, how do I get back? And then it's also very hard to find the parking garages

47:51that are next to the Quebec Street Mall, that sort of thing, and especially after 6 pm on a Sunday

47:58when those doors are closed. So these are real world examples that we're trying to help shape the

48:04context of why wayfinding is so important. It helps you know where you are, it helps you know where

48:08you're going, but also helps you find things you didn't know were there, like a public washroom.

48:14That would be great to know. So that's why wayfinding. So project timely. So as I said, by the end of this

48:22we'll have been working on our wayfinding strategy for about a year. When we first brought

48:26Cygnus on with Project Initiation, they learned about us, and then they did a background review

48:32where they learned about growth and how we have been implementing wayfinding, let's say over the

48:38past 30 years, because we have signs that were implemented 40 years. We have signs that started

48:44in existing in the 80s that are still installed, and right off to you know this year we've installed

48:50certain wayfinding projects. So they did a background review and we learned that we don't have a

48:56coordinated wayfinding system. So from the project, we've done several rounds of community engagement,

49:04both online surveys in person and some direct outreach. Then we've developed, Cygnus has developed

49:13some recommendations of how we can improve wayfinding. Now we're in the fun part, which I

49:19will share with you guys next, is the detailed design. So what do these signs actually look

49:24like and how do they communicate the golf story? And then as we kind of head into our council meeting

49:31in February of 2026, we will actually have the full strategy that includes how we implement

49:36wayfinding, what our wayfinding system looks like, and the really fun stuff, which is how do we govern

49:42wayfinding internally and budget for wayfinding internally. So that's what we'll be kind of working

49:48on over the next little bit. But the strategy focus. So the strategy's focus is really going to be

49:55how to implement wayfinding across the city, as well as in micro destinations and amenities like

50:01downtown and on trails. So we're going through a downtown revitalization project over the next

50:0910 to 12-ish years. And so part of that is really going to be implementing some of this wayfinding

50:14to help people navigate around downtown as we go through that construction to help people find

50:19local businesses, but also amenities. And then of course on trails, which I gave an example of

50:24earlier, and also how to support what's in the wayfinding world and the design world is called

50:32progressive disclosure and clear destination of hierarchy. So basically that means that when

50:38you first enter golf, you've come in on a roadway, there's a gateway, and it says welcome to golf.

50:43And then the next sign you see is large destination assets. So that might be downtown

50:50more broadly, but then as you come closer to downtown, well, then you start seeing more specific

50:56destinations like the Sleeman Center, like City Hall, like River Run. And then maybe as you get to

51:03into downtown, you've now parked and you come out of a parking garage. Now you're seeing a

51:08pedestrian-oriented kiosk, and that kiosk might include a map that helps you really understand

51:15what is around. So that's progressive disclosure. You're giving the person the right information

51:20at the right time, depending on their mode of transportation. Now they're walking, what is around,

51:25how do they get there, how do they get back, you know, those kinds of things. So moving from that

51:30car to pedestrian-oriented navigation really easily. And then the governance recommendations for

51:37ensuring that the strategy is implemented with core principles in mind, and the core principles being

51:43that wayfinding should have a consistent look and feel that is easily recognized as a part of the

51:48system. When you see the sign, you should know you're involved, and you should know that you can

51:52trust that the City of Guelph is getting you where you need to go. We want to be user-focused and

51:59designed to meet all regulatory guidelines and encourage access to information. So that's really

52:04prioritizing the Accessibility for Ontario's with Disabilities Act, as well as the City's

52:09Facility Accessibility Design Manual to make wayfinding and visitor information and customer

52:14service as friendly and user and inclusive as possible. We want to be interconnected with

52:21several sign types that work together. So when you enter Guelph and you see the Gateway sign,

52:25and then you're on a trail and you see a smaller sign, all of these things work together so that

52:30you know that you're a part of a system. We want to be simplified so that only information that is

52:35required is on a sign. We have the rabbit of front-loading text on signs and making it really

52:43challenging to sort through the information. So we want to use icons and images as well as arrows

52:49and text only when required so that things are simplified. And you know even folks who can't

52:55read like little kids can see that a playground is this way, you know, those kinds of things.

53:00And then progressive disclosure is prioritized to give users just enough information to get them

53:05to the next wayfinding signal or their destination, as I explained. And now I present to you

53:13the concepts. Yay! So yeah, so this is the part one. So these are the vehicular navigation signs.

53:23So you'll see the car there. So first the city of Guelph sign, that's a bit more of a gateway.

53:28And then we move into park and facility IDs. So those would be the signs that are, you know,

53:34at the larger parks and recreation centers, that sort of thing to say this is a city of Guelph.

53:39And here's how to find your way. And then we'll also have a vehicular directional, whether that is

53:47on the ground, at the ground level. So let's say as you're going up a driveway and you're trying to

53:52navigate towards a parking area, that sort of thing. And then we have vehicular directionals,

53:57which would be more up on posts. If you have driven around Guelph and you have never ever

54:01noticed our blue and red signs that were installed in 2002, these will replace those

54:07and really modernize it. And then these are harder to see. If you would like me to zoom in on these,

54:13I can actually zoom in on these in a separate document once I'm finished with the presentation.

54:17We can talk a little bit more. But here we're looking at more of the pedestrian-oriented

54:23navigation. So on the left hand side, more of the urban context, downtown context,

54:29that sort of thing. So we have our pedestrian directionals to help you navigate. So imagine

54:34that one's going to stand outside of Old Quebec Street shops to help you navigate. Whereas when

54:41we go down to the pedestrian kiosk, maybe that one's closer to Guelph Central Station, where it's

54:45really trying to situate you within the city, especially since you might be coming to the

54:49university, that sort of thing. And then further down, where you see the stone transition into

54:55more of a natural wood, that's where we're going to see more in the parks and on the trail system.

55:02So really trying to be a place that context specific. And I will say our consultants,

55:08Sarah and her team have done a really great job engaging our community and asking them what's

55:12special about Guelph. And what we heard over and over is that historical limestone stone

55:17architecture and the beauty of Guelph that comes from that, but also our love of nature and outdoor

55:24spaces and how proud we are of those spaces. So we've done a really great job of trying to capture

55:30that our river systems and our love of the outdoors, as well as our history and that sort of

55:35thing and integrate it that way. So those are the concepts I can get, I can zoom in more so you

55:42can see them if you'd like to see particularly the kiosks up more close. But yeah, these are

55:51recommendations that we are looking for. I'm mostly looking for the first one. But if you have

55:59stuff for us to consider in the final strategy and implementation planning, as always, happy

56:06to include that as well as we kind of move towards the last couple months of our project.

56:18Should I put up the signs a little bit closer and show you what's on the kiosks a little bit more

56:23intimately? Okay. We're moving ahead of schedule today. So, Paul, Alex has taken that out of the

56:34city, whether you're online or in person, have any questions regarding weed finding strategy?

56:41Just wondering, what size of landmark are going to be included? Is it only the really

56:48major ones like the Sleiman Center and the Riverrun Center? Or is there going to be smaller

56:55locations as well? And is this only primarily for the downtown?

57:01So, I'm just trying to find, okay. So, when it comes to landmarks, so we are largely focused on

57:15public, publicly accessible destinations on the way finding system, things that typically

57:23don't move and like the city owns and that we can gesture to. Individual private businesses will

57:31not necessarily be included in this signage system because things do move and there's hierarchy

57:39and that sort of thing. And then it comes down to, well, who gets included? Who doesn't get included?

57:43And how do we set those parameters without these signs becoming 12 feet long when they're up on

57:51a post? But what I will say is there is still opportunity to gesture towards concentrations

58:00of business. So, for things like retail, for things like restaurants or food, those kinds of

58:07things when they are highly concentrated, that would be something that we would prioritize.

58:16So, I wouldn't say that it's just for downtown in that context because when we think of

58:22the ward or certain industrial areas that do have high concentrations of restaurants and retail

58:28spaces that are particularly closer to things like our recreation centers and those things that

58:34are more on the outskirts of the city, when we talk about sports tournaments, folks still need

58:40to know how to get around when they're leaving a rec center. Where can I grab a bite to eat?

58:44So, those kinds of gestures. But we won't be including individual businesses because it does

58:50complicate who gets to be on signs and that sort of thing. Does that help? Answer?

59:00Yep. Okay. And I had a second question. Is this being paired with any kind of digital

59:10wayfinding strategies? Like how much does the city kind of update city property listings on

59:17Google to include if there's parking available at those properties or other amenities? Is there

59:24a digital component that goes along with this? Yes. So, I will say we are receiving some digital

59:33recommendations from the consultant on how we can integrate certain apps and certain well-used

59:40applications into or how we can, let's say, maybe Sarah, correct me if I'm wrong,

59:46how we can leverage well-used digital apps like Google Maps as we consider wayfinding, right?

59:53So, and implementing this project. But also, what's going to kind of come out is we're trying to

1:00:02reduce the amount of content and simplify what's on signs, which means we are going to be using

1:00:07things like QR codes to direct over to the gulf.ca website that will have implications

1:00:18implications on how frequently we need to update or what kind of websites. So, I guess I would say

1:00:31every park and wealth has its own webpage. So, when you're at a park ID or you're at a park sign,

1:00:39that QR code should shoot you over to the park webpage that will have information about parking

1:00:46and those kinds of things. And recreation centers are a good example as well. But then if you're

1:00:51downtown and you shoot to a QR code that should bring you to the downtown page where parking

1:00:59information is also linked to, but also you get more resources in that way.

1:01:05Sarah, do you have anything to add on digital wayfinding integration?

1:01:09No, I think that was our general strategy of incorporating QR codes that could link to your

1:01:14existing resources. So, we don't have to create a lot of clutter on your website or more maintenance.

1:01:21I think that's kind of the primary goal of using existing webpages. But again, we also know that

1:01:29in this example, we have a QR code for accessibility formatted information and that will take the

1:01:35priority as to not confuse people of where they're getting their accessible information versus

1:01:41further information on parks or trails. I'm curious, there was a consideration

1:01:54made including any Indigenous languages on the side. Oh, yeah, great question. So, as part of the

1:02:00project we did, we were able to engage with the Six Nations of the Grand River. And what has

1:02:08what we are largely focusing on is there are going to remain spots and ways that we include.

1:02:15So, there will be an Indigenous inclusion section of the strategy and how we can include Indigenous,

1:02:22not just histories, but contemporary stories as well and icons and that sort of thing that

1:02:27represent. So, we are considering things like what really came out is how we can best include

1:02:36Indigenous perspectives. And so, those Six Nations was really interested in places like trails and

1:02:44parks and using Indigenous place names or Indigenous symbols to create a system perhaps

1:02:52through a trail or through a park that really speaks to the land history and the flora and fauna

1:02:58that are to gwell from that perspective. And also, not necessarily highlighting or calling out

1:03:08sites like the sacred fire because that's a really protected and important space that isn't

1:03:13necessarily open to visitors. It's really for the community. But acknowledging where the rivers meet

1:03:20as an important gathering place traditionally for Indigenous nations over time and even now,

1:03:28so recommendations will come out or will be a part of the strategy to say, look, when the city

1:03:36is creating a wayfinding system for that is trying to tell a story of the land through, you know,

1:03:42parks and trails and those kinds of things, engaging with Indigenous communities and presenting

1:03:48these kinds of opportunities to reflect are important. And it also resonates with the city's

1:03:56Indigenous relations framework where inclusions on things like signs and we call them interpretive

1:04:07signage. So, opportunities where we can actually tell a story, integrating those into navigational

1:04:12signage or as a part of the navigational signage project helps kind of build those relationships

1:04:20and trust. I'm very happy about the colors because I'm colorblind. Let me shoot so that's very

1:04:32perspective. But sometimes cities are when they work with green and red. And yeah, that's part.

1:04:40Green and red. Okay. Please don't. Please don't. Okay. That was nice. Yeah. Sarah, this is good

1:04:47information for us after trying to work with purple for a little bit, which I also understand

1:04:52could be a hard color. So anything? In your prior slide, I used icons and symbols. Is that

1:05:04these are all very text? Yeah. Is that we just want to have examples of that here? We don't have

1:05:12examples of that here right now, but there is space to include. Sarah, I don't know. This is,

1:05:19I also do want to clarify, we're at like the 90% design phase here, so there still is a bit more

1:05:24of an iteration. Sarah, did you want to comment on symbols or icons? Yeah. We're primarily using

1:05:31symbols or pictograms for pedestrian level signage, directional signage, like that second page or

1:05:40something like this. We generally try to avoid them on our vehicular signs just for

1:05:48the level of cognition and how fast you are moving. But these are the pictograms. This is the

1:05:55pictogram set that is currently in the works. So we're showing a lot of movement. We got some

1:06:00feedback on some pictograms that need to be adjusted. We are currently working on like an

1:06:06iteration of what pictograms look like with text, keeping in mind accessibility and text sizing.

1:06:13So yeah, right now, I'm not sure if you have open Alex, but on that pedestrian like overview page

1:06:20is where we have pictograms and we are, the feedback we got is maybe exploring, adding them to

1:06:26facility IDs and park IDs as well. But if those are related to accessibility, so where benches are

1:06:37or facilities that are available, that is currently under the work. So right now we're showing

1:06:44both of like regulatory trail users and accessibility features like what the trail width is,

1:06:52what the slope is like, what the surface or ground covering is.

1:06:58Does that kind of answer your question? Yeah, that's great.

1:07:06Any other questions online or in person? Okay. So you just find out for a recommendation, is there

1:07:17to them a recommendation or receive the presentation and then maybe your recommendation?

1:07:22Yeah, I think I can help with this here. We'll separate them just for ease. Yeah.

1:07:29But here's the first recommendation supporting the direction of design concept as presented.

1:07:35Okay, so we can start with that one and if you want to take a mover, second or vote on that,

1:07:39and then we can get into the feedback one. Dude, we'll take you very much care. Do we have someone

1:07:43to an imperfect? Read it. And someone to second that motion. Dennis, thank you very kindly.

1:07:52But then just need to take the vote on that. Oh, sorry. And all those in favor?

1:08:04Okay. Anyone opposed? And then very quickly here, I'll get up the outline of the second

1:08:15recommendation, which is just looking for feedback on the final strategy. And at this point, we can

1:08:23have a discussion if anyone has any feedback. I can pull this down. I'll start capturing it,

1:08:27and we can put it back up and see if it captures what everyone has to say, and then we can move

1:08:31second that if there is any feedback at all. So is there any feedback to be recorded before

1:08:39moving to a motion to accept the presentation? In a person, nobody here? Then may I? I'm not

1:08:55saying actually you don't even need to receive because you've already announced some more to it.

1:08:58Yeah, so you can finalize that item if you wish, Chair. So all those in favor or anyone opposed?

1:09:06Person or online? Looks like we went three for three.

1:09:14Garrett, thanks for your help, and I appreciate that. Okay, Chair and staff announcements,

1:09:19we have a couple new faces. So surprised we're going to call on you to introduce yourself. Say

1:09:24hello. We have two new economic development tourism advisory committee members, one in person and one

1:09:34online, and we'll start with in person if that's all right. I'd like to introduce Nicole. Nicole,

1:09:39if you could just say a quick little line about who you are, what would you do? Sure. So I would

1:09:46think well since 1997, I have two boys that are in our public school system, so we are engaged in

1:09:54the community in many different ways, and I work at Conestoga College in applied research. So I work

1:10:00with small and medium-sized businesses and lots of entrepreneurs in the region helping them achieve

1:10:05their goals in terms of launching products into the market. So food, packaging, and biotechnology

1:10:11are the areas that I focused on. I'm 410, I've been representing industry for 20 years before joining

1:10:17the college. And I can all the highlights, Damian. Oh, that works. Excellent. Thank you very much,

1:10:23and welcome to the Economic Development Tourism Advisory Committee. Chelsea's joining us online,

1:10:31but she just messaged Alex here that her mic's not working, so in my best Chelsea voice, hello,

1:10:38I am Chelsea. I work with Bee Hospitality as a senior catering sales manager. I also do a lot

1:10:44of community work in Guelph, so a very warm welcome to both new members to this committee.

1:10:53Is there anything else before we move to adjournment? Yes. I do have an announcement.

1:10:59There is, so FedDev Ontario, which is a funding partner of ours, they have just made recently

1:11:06made some changes to their regional tariff response initiative. So this is for any businesses that

1:11:12are seeing impacts as it relates to tariffs. It is now, it was focused on automotive and steel,

1:11:21sorry, sorry, steel and aluminum. It has now opened up to all sectors. So please, if you are

1:11:28speaking to your networks, do let them know. They are matching grants up to a million dollars,

1:11:36so it's on the table. It's there for wealth businesses. Please take advantage. We're very

1:11:42quickly putting together a webinar with FedDev Ontario that will be on the 21st. So we will send

1:11:49that information out to everybody here, but we will also be posting it on our socials. So please

1:11:54feel free to, to share that amongst your, amongst your networks because we'd really like to see

1:12:00wealth businesses taking advantage of this money that's on the table. Thanks. Thank you.

1:12:08So for those in the room who are or know a tourism business slash organization, we have our

1:12:17annual funding stream applications are opening up on November 3rd. Those will be available until

1:12:23the end of November. We have two identical programs two years previously, our destination

1:12:30animation fund, which is up to $5,000 with 10% matching and our gather here sponsorship fund,

1:12:36which is more for event attraction for things that don't already exist in wealth, but it could come

1:12:40to wealth. But new this year, we are launching an accessible destination fund, which organizations

1:12:49can apply and have their either business, physical business or their event. We will call it verified,

1:12:59not audited, but we will have a someone with lived experience coming to that business or event to

1:13:06kind of take stock of the accessible features of those places. The business owner or the event

1:13:13operator will receive a report on what is accessible about their event slash business,

1:13:19but they will also receive recommendations on what how they can improve in certain areas to

1:13:26address some accessibility needs for folks across the accessibility spectrum. And then from there,

1:13:34there is a small grant stipend that can go towards helping to implement some of those

1:13:39recommendations and will work with the business slash event operator to identify the best one.

1:13:46We are going to the accessibility advisory committee next week to just socialize that with

1:13:52them and receive their feedback, but that will launch November 3rd as well. So once again,

1:13:58there will be social media posts. Feel free to take a look and amplify if your networks are

1:14:06interested in such a thing. Excellent. Thank you. Any other announcements? Okay. So the recommendation

1:14:15that the Economic Development Tourism Advisory Committee be insured, do I have someone

1:14:21to move the motion? And thank you and somebody to second that.

1:14:32Maria Lucas. Excellent. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, right? Or no, sorry, we're moving

1:14:40into Wednesday. That's right. November 12th to 2025 and 3 p.m. We are going a day later because

1:14:46of Remembrance Day on the Tuesday. And with that, thank you, everybody.

1:14:52Thanks, everyone. I'm Greta. Have a good day. Bye-bye. Here's to the parents' money at work.

1:15:01Look at that!