Grants and funding from other levels of government are essential for supporting affordability in local government. They allow cities like Guelph to finance critical infrastructure projects. These funds help with the repair and upgrade of essential services like roads, underground infrastructure, community facilities and much more. By providing the necessary financial support, grants ensure that we can continue to maintain and improve City infrastructure, benefiting the community and supporting sustainable growth.
In 2024, the City secured $60.9 million in grant funding from the federal and provincial governments. These grants are a testament to our effective advocacy and strong partnerships with other government levels, directly supporting our Future Guelph Strategic Plan.
Below are some important examples of successful grants secured in partnership with other levels of government, along with information on how the funds will be utilized.
Building Faster Fund
Funding approved in 2024: $4,680,000.
Purpose: The City was awarded this funding through the Government of Ontario’s Building Faster Fund for meeting provincial housing targets in 2023. In 2024, the City used this funding to resurface 8,990 meters of critical road infrastructure, which was highlighted as a priority in the City’s asset management plan. This included both local and collector roadways thereby supporting existing housing reliant on this infrastructure and to enable growth.
Green and Inclusive Communities
Funding approved in 2024: $13,500,000.
Purpose: This federal funding will help support the construction of the new central library. The new central library will be the first stand-alone library certified under the Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard. This project is funded by Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada through the Green and Inclusive Buildings program. It aims to support green and accessible upgrades to public buildings and help Canada achieve its net-zero goals by 2050.
Housing Accelerator Fund
Funding approved in 2024: $21,400,000.
Purpose: These federal funds will help the City incentivize the creation of 739 new housing units above the City average over the next three years. This work will reduce housing barriers and increase housing in Guelph while supporting the development of affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse communities.
Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund
Funding approved in 2024: $2,131,600.
Purpose: The Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund will support the Wyndham-Wellington Water and Wastewater Capacity Improvements project. This provincial funding, awarded through a competitive process, will facilitate the replacement and improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure on Wellington Street and on Wyndham Street South. This project will enable 150 shovel-ready housing units by 2027, helping the City meet its housing targets.
Canada Public Transit Fund – Baseline Funding
Funding approved in 2024: $15,733,910.
Purpose: This federal program, funded by Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada through the Canada Public Transit Fund, will provide enhanced funding stability by offering annual payments to support the delivery of capital plans with funding beginning to flow in 2026. Staff are currently preparing a capital plan application detailing how the City will use this annual $1,573,391 allocation over the next decade to continue to provide an accessible, competitive, convenient and reliable transit network that meets the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s population.
