Strong mayor powers in Guelph used on taxes, housing, homelessness

The Mayor of Guelph is wielding his ‘strong mayor’ powers to keep the tax increase as low as possible in the royal city’s budget.

Cam Guthrie said he in fact issued three directives under his strong mayor powers.

One is to establish a 2025 confirmation budget with a property tax increase under four per cent.

He points out the proposed increase was almost ten per cent.

He also wants to see some information about free transit for high school students.

Guthrie also ordered staff to identify city-owned real estate that’s being underutilized, including parking lots, for possible housing sites.

That report is due by the end of the city’s second fiscal quarter.

The third order tells staff to report to Guelph council on the costs, processes, and logistics of setting up a temporary structured encampment site for those living with homelessness.

A council document from Guthrie says “due to the urgency of the homelessness crisis” he wants that report as soon as possible.

Guthrie said the three orders “explore creative solutions to create much-needed housing, address homelessness and present a more affordable outlook on property taxes for our residents and businesses.”