Register for our second Virtual Open House coming up on November 25, 2024 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the draft policy and share your thoughts with the project team.

Municipal Service and Financing Agreements (MSFA), also known as “front-ending” agreements, are a finance tool that can help advance development in our city. MSFAs allow local governments and developers to work together to get roads, water services, and wastewater services built faster. This will help bring new housing and jobs to our city more quickly.

The City of Guelph is developing a MSFA policy to guide how these agreements are created. Our focus is to not impact taxes and rates while supporting the needs of our growing community.

For some helpful background on the City of Guelph’s MSFA policy, you can read the “Municipal Service and Financing Agreement Consultant Report.” This report reviews and analyzes different ways to finance the upfront costs of building infrastructure for new development.

On September 13, 2024, we held the first Virtual Public Open House for developers and the broader community. Hemson Consulting shared an update, and then attendees had a chance to ask questions and provide comments.

Here is a summary of what we heard:

• The need for proper controls around agreement creation was clear. Attendees wanted to ensure that development under this tool happens efficiently and responsibly.
• Interest in how this policy might address housing affordability.
• Questions around how projects supported by this agreement will be prioritized.
• A need for processes for the City to ensure that infrastructure built by developers will meet the City’s standards.
• Questions about the mandatory development charge exemptions and how discounts will impact the City through these agreements.
• Concerns about how advancing growth could impact demand on ground water supply and healthcare resources.

These topics are being considered as we development the MSFA policy. You can find more details in the document “Municipal Service and Financing Agreements Update – 2024.” It includes:

• Benefits, risks, and impacts of Municipal Servicing and Financing Agreements
• Insights from our first round of engagement

How to get involved

Use the “Stay Informed” button on this page to be notified when the draft policy is posted for review. We plan to post it on November 18, 2024.

Attend a virtual open House

We want developers, homebuilders, and members of the Guelph community to share your thoughts and feedback with us!

Join us at a Virtual Open House to learn more and provide your input:

• When: Monday, November 25, 2024 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
• How to register: Please register in advance through Zoom to receive a meeting link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kdOiqqDkrH9zwTMyY20tuWrDowPrMTg7H

Can't attend? You can email kevin.yaraskavitch@guelph.ca or call 519-822-1260 ext. 3986 to provide your comments on the MSFA policy until December 1.