It’s that time of time of year when I gaze into my crystal ball and make fearless forecasts for the upcoming year. Some should be no-brainers, but in this whacky yet wonderful world of Guelph you never know.
I foresee the demise of the Wilson Farmhouse on Simmonds Drive. Much to the chagrin of heritage buffs, its life will be deemed not worth saving. Yes, it houses part of Guelph’s history. And yes, if you blur your eyes and win the lottery it could be turned into a magnificent edifice. Unfortunately, it’s too late. It is another example of demolition by neglect where the end is nigh.
Guelph Transit users as well as bus drivers are up in arms over new routes and the staggered frequencies. This, too, shall pass. Nobody likes change, and transit changes have been quite overwhelming. The good news is there will be some tweaking, bus riders and drivers will make the adjustment and there will be peace in the land. That is, until the next uproar when the transit hub opens in May. More change, more adjustments and then all will be tickety-boo in the world of Guelph Transit and ridership.
Both overdue, the transit hub and the Guelph Civic Museum in the former Loretto Convent will at long last be completed. For various reasons, they failed to meet original deadlines. Can’t imagine the latest deadlines not being met, but they will be up and running this year. Despite the trials and tribulations, they will be a source of civic pride, especially the new museum. Like the city hall skating rink, it will be another reason for people to come downtown.
The City of Guelph won’t take anybody to court this year, I don’t think . . . maybe. The past few years have been rather litigious, but this year city hall will pull in its talons. Speaking of which, the health ministry will meet city officials about Guelph concerns about the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the district public health unit. The province will take these concerns “under advisement,” never to be heard from again.
Ward 4 councillor Gam Guthrie will become more accountable, in that he will more frequently update his website’s Accountability Benchmark System.  It’s a good forum, but the last posting was Nov. 20.
Also on this year’s upcoming agenda are condominium towers in the downtown, student high-rises on the corner of Gordon Street and Stone Road and the long-dreaded arrival of a three-bin waste collection system in the fall. Condos will get the green light, but not without a fight. Some sort of student housing is going to end up opposite the University of Guelph, but not without a fight. As for the bin system, it’s a given, but there will still be a fight.
Just like current transit woes, though, we will learn to live with these decisions. There will be peace in the land until the next issue flares up. What that will be, my crystal ball isn’t saying, but this is Guelph – there are always issues about change. Once made, though, we adapt rather  nicely.