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)
2025 highlights
Investing in community initiatives
The City continues to invest in community well-being through its annual Community Grant Program. In 2025, more than $500,000 was awarded to 74 local not-for-profit organizations to support initiatives that improve access, inclusion, and quality of life in Guelph. Funding supported a range of activities, including: Arts and culture programming Improved access to recreation and…
Advancing Downtown renewal
Work began in 2025 on the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, marking a major step forward in renewing core infrastructure and supporting future growth. The initial phase focused on the Wyndham-Wellington Water and Wastewater Capacity Improvement project. Completed in fall 2025, this work addressed capacity constraints in existing infrastructure and supports new development opportunities in Downtown…
Supporting housing to address youth homelessness
Guelph is making significant progress in reducing chronic youth homelessness. A new supportive housing project led by Wyndham House, with support from the City, is part of this effort. In 2025, the City provided $320,000 in grant funding to Wyndham House through its Vacant Unit Renewal Grant, supported by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. This…
Supporting equity-focused community initiatives
The City invested $125,000 through the Equity in Action Fund to support five community-led projects focused on equity, inclusion, and access. This one-time program supported local not-for-profit organizations delivering initiatives aligned with Future Guelph and A United Vision: Guelph’s Community Plan. Funded projects included: Family and Children’s Services hosted culturally inclusive feasts for First Nations,…