Recently, One of the Mayoral candidates has called for a Pro Development Council. I completely reject this. We don’t need a pro nor an anti-development Council. We need a thoughtful council that is willing to engage in Smart Development. 

What does this comprise?

Smart development encourages Inclusive zoning, appropriate land use, and brownfield development.

It also considers Guelph’s dependence on Ground Water and what growing to 208,000 by 2050 means.

Smart Development must focus on 100% renewable energy in both the short term and the long term; solar panels, home energy storage units, and other elements of renewably produced energy can and must be included when we build to the provincial mandates.

Smart Development must include social housing, cooperative housing, and lower-cost purchasable housing much like we had in the aftermath of World War II when we had the “Homes For Heroes” movement and in the 1970’s when the federal social and affordable housing programs were developed. Cities can consider relief for development charges and parkland dedication for truly affordable housing projects but must also ensure that parkland and recreational facilities are equitably available in all areas of Guelph.