Adam A. Donaldson

End Credits Show Notes for Wednesday October 29, 2025 (Episode #413) This week on End Credits, it’s time again to gather our friends for an annual festival marking the return of the ones who’ve passed before. Of course, we’re talking about the Hall…

Join me, @cinn48.bsky.social, @timothymark.bsky.social, @mrtowelrack.bsky.social, and @birdmanguelph.bsky.social for the Hellbound: Halloween Movie Draft Part II today at 3 pm on End Credits! CFRU 93.3 fm in #Guelph!!! endcreditsradioshow.com/2025/10/29/e...

End Credits Show Notes for Wednesday October 29, 2025 (Episode #413) This week on End Credits, it’s time again to gather our friends for an annual festival marking the return of the ones who’ve passed before. Of course, we’re talking about the Hall…

Our own @birdmanguelph.bsky.social & @adamadonaldson.bsky.social are on radio & podcast in #Guelph

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a cartoon character sitting on a table with the words " goodnight " below him ALT: a cartoon character sitting on a table with the words " goodnight " below him

That's a wrap for tonight!

Bylaws of the week approved.

Motions are approved.

Guthrie notes that OBCM and AMO has endorsed these measures, and this is directly related to misinfo and disinfo. He notes heightened disrespect and vitriol comes from those spreading misinformation on purpose. Guthrie says he's not perfect either. 🤨

Gibson says he's stepped back from his social media in recent years because he was getting a lot of negativity. He says he's not perfect, but he tries to keep in mind where people are coming from and tries not to meet their energy.

Caton says this is a great idea and complimentary to the new code of conduct. They say that they've seen things in other councils that has not be very complimentary, and they're glad that Guelph council is not like that.

Klassen moves and Hauser seconds:

-Help build a supportive culture where people of all backgrounds feel safe to run for and hold office,
-Call on relevant authorities to ensure the protection of elected officials who face abuse or threats and
-Model integrity and respect by holding one another to the highest standards of conduct.

There are six commitments, and anyone can take it:
-Treat others with respect in all spaces—public, private, and online,
-Reject and call out harassment, abuse, and personal attacks,
-Focus debate on ideas and policies, not personal attacks,
(1 of 2)

Elect Respect — A Pledge to Restore Civility in the Public Square

Last item: The Elect Respect pledge from Cllr Klassen. She says she's felt first hand the difficulties of facing negativity in our political culture and trying to create something more positive. This was an idea created by a group of female politicians from Halton Region. electrespect.ca

Vote on original recommendations:
1) Goller against
2) Allt, Guthrie against
3) 13-0

ALL APPROVED!

Back to the original recommendations. Guthrie notes that this is all complicated, and this discussion is proof of that. His tour on site was very illuminating and the need for the pedestrian bridge was apparent. They have a responsibility to maintain assets and this corner needs to be fixed.

Chew amendment fails 4-9 (Caron, Klassen, Chew and Goller)

Gibson says that if you want to reconsider this later, you have to vote in favour of the recommendation tonight. Otherwise, you have to go to another councillor to move the motion.

We're now reviewing how a motion of reconsideration works...

Baker: These are also projects that are very regulatory in nature, the reason they've gone so deep here is because of the public interest.

CAO Baker says it unnecessary to direct staff to report back. There's a risk management lens, and if there's proof that there's more risk given the chosen direction, that will come back to council. Also, this is a tier 1 capital project, so it will come with regular updates.

Guthrie says he would be more comfortable if the last part of the motion. Maybe it should read "if information deviates from the recommendation in the EA" or something to that effect.

Downer wonders if staff are bringing something forward, and there's no further risk identified, is that not a reconsideration? She says that she's comfortable that staff are committed to bringing something back if info changes. Guthrie agrees.

Chew says the the dam is no longer needed, and perhaps it's more advantageous to remove it once all the facts are in. This is a middle ground to provide council with an opportunity to look at this at least one more time. Klassen seconds.

New amendment from Chew, to have an info report come back to council with feedback on the dam and other structures.

Amendments fail 2-11 (Caron and Goller in favour)

Gayman says again if its determined through detailed design work that rehabilitating the dam opens another series of problems, they will come back.

Cllr Klassen says she has a complaint from some on Arthur whose yard was filled due to a blockage on the sluiceway. What's the damage if these homes are flooded? And if their analysis shows there's a danger keeping the dam, what then?

Goller says that without the support of these motions, staff will focus on remediation and not removal. Encourages councillors to approve.

Cllr Busuttil says that she's reviewed everything and agrees: Get it done and move on to detailed design.

Allt says he favours the elimination of the dam, but first principle is about replacing a bridge. So what are the consequences of delay? Gayman says that's valid, there. isa point in time when they might have load-restrict the bridge, and that would come with impacts.