In Grief and Solidarity:

Honouring Two Lives Lost on Guelph’s Streets

Over the past several weeks, our community has been impacted by two heartbreaking tragedies involving people simply trying to get where they needed to go by walking and biking through our city.

On September 19th, a 38-year-old Guelph woman was struck and killed while crossing at the intersection of Paisley Road and Alma Street North. She was walking with her husband and their three-year-old daughter in a stroller. Her daughter and husband also suffered injuries.

Just a few weeks earlier on August 29th, a 37-year-old man died after a collision with a garbage truck while riding his bicycle at the intersection of Elmira Road North and Massey Road.

These losses are devastating. They are also deeply personal. Each person who walks or bikes in Guelph, and every loved one waiting for them to get home safely, feels the weight of these tragedies.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and all those affected by these tragic events. No one should have to experience this kind of loss. We grieve with you, and we commit to honouring these lives by continuing to advocate for safer streets. 

This is a profoundly difficult time, and our thoughts are with everyone who is grieving and coming to terms with this loss. As we await further details and learn the wishes of the families about how to honour their loved ones, it is important that we all respect their need for privacy and the space to grieve.

This Is Not the City We Want

These incidents are not isolated. They are a direct reflection of a transportation system that still prioritizes motor vehicle users over the safety of people walking, biking, and rolling. Although progress is being made, the fact that we continue to see such tragedies underscores how much remains to be done. We must continue working together to create a city where safety and accessibility are at the heart of how we move.

Our organization exists because we believe in a different vision for Guelph. One where people of all ages and abilities can move through their neighbourhoods in safety. Where the infrastructure is more than paint on the road, and where walking or biking to school is not a risk but a right. Where active transportation is both encouraged and prioritized.

Standing Together in Care

In moments like these, words can feel small. But we also know that grief can be a call to care, a reminder of our shared responsibility to one another. To those affected, we offer our support – you are not alone. We mourn with you.

To our community: let’s hold space for each other. Check in on your neighbours. Leave flowers. Take a moment to talk on the sidewalk. These small acts matter. We are stronger when we support each other.

This is also a reminder that taking care of our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical safety. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the resources below or to those around you:

• Ontario Mental Health Helpline: Provides information about mental health services in your area. Call 1-866-531-2600 or visit mentalhealthhelpline.ca.
• Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 national support service that offers professional counseling, information, and referrals for young people aged 5-25,. Call 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868, or visit kidshelpphone.ca.
• Distress Centres of Ontario: Provides emotional support and crisis intervention. Visit dcontario.org to find a distress center in your area.
• Good2Talk: A helpline for post-secondary students in Ontario, offering free, confidential support 24/7. Call 1-866-925-5454 or visit good2talk.ca.

Remembering and Honouring Through Action

In the weeks and months ahead, there will be time to talk about what must change, and there is a lot that must. Better infrastructure. Better policies. Greater accountability. A stronger culture of care on our roads.

But for now, we pause. We honour. We remember.

And when we are ready, we will continue the work of building a safer, more connected, and more compassionate Guelph: one where walking, biking, and rolling are not only possible, but joyful and safe.

Please stay connected with us as we move forward. We are committed to working together to create a safer, more compassionate environment for everyone, and we value your continued commitment and support to achieve this work.

In continued solidarity and support for a safer community,
Virginia Andersen, on behalf of the GCAT Board


The news articles reporting the two incidents: 
https://www.guelphtoday.com/police/cyclist-dies-following-collision-with-garbage-truck-11147262
https://www.guelphtoday.com/police/guelph-woman-dies-after-pickup-truck-hits-family-in-crosswalk-11244307

Junction Neighbourhood Group Petition – Closing on Oct. 3rd

The Junction Neighbourhood Group has put together a petition calling for a traffic safety review and pedestrian infrastructure improvements on Paisley Road (Alma to Silvercreek).

You can read and opt to sign onto the petition here.

Ghost Bike Memorial Ride

GCAT is in the process of planning a ghost bike ride in memory of the loss of the cyclist at Elmira and Massey. 

Further details will be forthcoming.