Call to Action – Speak Out Against Cuts to Active Transportation in Guelph’s 2026 Budget
***UPDATE: The deadline to register to delegate has been extended to 10 a.m. on the 17th using the online delegate request form or by emailing the City Clerk’s office at clerks@guelph.ca.
The revised 2026 City of Guelph budget proposes cuts and deferrals to active transportation, cycling, and trails projects, including eliminating winter bike lane snow removal. These reductions represent only 0.2% in budget savings compared to the total revised 2026 city budget; a negligible amount that comes at the expense of affordability, safety, and sustainability for residents.
We need to send a strong message to the Mayor and City Council urging them to reverse these cuts. Active transportation is not a luxury; it is essential for affordability, climate action, and equitable mobility.
How You Can Help
1. Send a message to the Mayor and Council
You can use the suggested email response — click the blue button below for the email to load. Please add a personal story at the beginning of the message about how these cuts will affect you and your family. Personal experiences, such as how cycling reduces transportation costs, how trails make commuting safer, or how walking infrastructure supports seniors and children are the most impactful.
Button opens email application with pre-populated letter:
Here is PDF copy of the letter with email list, subject, and body drafted.
2. Contact Your Councillors Directly
Personal direct outreach to your ward councillors makes a difference. (Find your ward here.) Please take a moment to email or call them to share your concerns.
Mayor and Council Contact Information:
• Mayor Cam Guthrie – 519-837-5643 mayor@guelph.ca
• Ward 1: Erin Caton – 226-821-3200 erin.caton@guelph.ca
Dan Gibson – 519-827-6407 dan.gibson@guelph.ca
• Ward 2: Rodrigo Goller – 226-821-1146 rodrigo.goller@guelph.ca
Carly Klassen – 226-332-1673 carly.klassen@guelph.ca
• Ward 3: Phil Allt – 519-827-6579 phil.allt@guelph.ca
Michele Richardson – 226-332-4513 michele.richardson@guelph.ca
• Ward 4: Christine Billings – 519-826-0567 christine.billings@guelph.ca
Linda Busuttil – linda.busuttil@guelph.ca
• Ward 5: Leanne Caron – leanne.caron@guelph.ca
Cathy Downer – 519-827-8390 cathy.downer@guelph.ca
• Ward 6: Ken Yee Chew – 226-332-5406 ken.chew@guelph.ca
Katherine Hauser – katherine.hauser@guelph.ca
3. Delegate at the Special City Council Budget Meeting
UPDATE: The deadline to register to delegate has been extended to 10 a.m. Nov. 17 using the online delegate request form or by emailing the City Clerk’s office at clerks@guelph.ca.
• The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
• To delegate, you must register before 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14th.
• Register here: guelph.ca/delegate
This is a critical moment. If we don’t speak up, Guelph risks losing momentum on building a city where active transportation is safe, affordable, and accessible for all.
