People and economy
People and Economy is about supporting the local economy, businesses and people to improve economic prosperity, safety and community wellbeing in and around the downtown area and across Guelph.
View our most recent progress on the strategic initiatives (SIs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) that make up the Future Guelph Strategic Plan. Our strategic initiatives each have an overall status based on the status of their scope, schedule, and budget. Under the strategic initiatives there are several key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure progress towards the overall goals.
Strategic Initiatives (SIs) Legend:
Green – On Track
Yellow – At Risk
Red – Off Track
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Legend:
Green – Met Target
Yellow – Near Target
Red – Did Not Meet Target
Key performance indicators
11. Grow Guelph's Economy
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
12. Make Downtown A Vibrant Place For Everyone
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
13. Support Community Well-being
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
2024 highlights
Helping small businesses open sooner in Downtown Guelph
In 2024, the City restarted its Small Business Building Permit Assistance Program. The program guides small business owners through the building permit approval process when they are preparing to renovate older buildings in Downtown Guelph, including opening a new location. Through this program, the City provides early feedback to help small businesses open sooner.
Empowering Guelph through the Activating Community Micro-grant program
In 2024, the City of Guelph’s Activating Community micro-grant program accepted applications from individuals, artists and groups to fund ideas that strengthened the community through innovation, art and action. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the City, the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, and the Guelph Arts Council.
Guelph set to further reduce single-use items
In 2024, Guelph took a major step towards sustainability by approving Phase 2 of its Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy. Part of the Solid Waste Management Master Plan, this initiative aims to cut single-use item waste through sustainable behaviour changes and business practices.
Guelph Shops launched updated website ahead of the holiday shopping season
Guelph Shops unveiled an updated and improved website, perfectly timed for the 2024 holiday shopping season. This new platform provides a user-friendly experience for residents to support locally-grown businesses.