Mayor Cam Guthrie Visits the Foundations of Planning Practice Class

On October 6, 2025, graduate students in the Rural Planning and Development (RPD) program’s Foundations of Planning Practice (RPD*6250) course (taught by Prof. Mollie Kuchma) had the opportunity to meet with the City of Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie, for an engaging discussion on municipal planning and decision-making in Guelph. Mayor Guthrie, now serving his third consecutive term and twelfth year as mayor, brought valuable insights from his extensive experience in municipal politics, having also served previously as a city councillor.

The conversation explored several key themes, including the recent pace of provincial planning legislation changes, the evolving role of politics in local decision-making, and his vision for Guelph’s future growth and development. Mayor Guthrie reflected on the unprecedented number of legislative changes introduced by the Province in recent years, noting the challenges these pose for municipalities trying to adapt while continuing to meet housing and infrastructure goals. He emphasized the importance of consultation between levels of government to ensure smoother implementation and better outcomes for communities.

Mayor Guthrie also shared his perspective on the introduction of Strong Mayor Powers, outlining both their opportunities and limitations.  Drawing on his own experience implementing the policy, he described his commitment to transparency and collaboration, highlighting his approach to maintain democratic decision-making and to keep municipal administration independent from political influence.

Throughout the discussion, drawing on his years of experience, Mayor Guthrie offered practical advice for emerging planners. He encouraged RPD students to remain adaptable in their work, reminding them that planning decisions are not personal and are shaped by many intersecting factors, as elected officials must balance planners’ recommendations with local politics and broader community considerations. The Mayor concluded by emphasizing the need for planners, decision-makers, and community members to think long-term and creatively as Guelph continues to grow.

This visit provided RPD students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning of planning legislation to the realities of municipal governance and to gain first-hand insights into the complex nature of decision-making and planning practice at the municipal level.