THE SEARCH FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT IN GUELPH
by Ross W. Irwin

Population 5,000

1856 - January 1, Incorporated village of Guelph becomes the Town of Guelph with 4 wards - East, West, North and South. Three Councillors elected in each ward. Mayor, Reeve and Deputy Reeve chosen by the Council. Note;- The Reeve and Deputy Reeve attended County Council but were not part of the Town Council. Town Council of 12.

1859 - Same as 1856 but the Mayor elected by the people. Reeve and Deputy Reeve chosen by Council. Town Council of 13.

1867 - Mayor, Reeve, 1^st Deputy Reeve, 2^nd Deputy Reeve elected by the people. Town Council of 13.

1876 - Guelph permitted a 3^rd Deputy Reeve for County Council elected by the people.

Population 10,000

1879 - Guelph becomes a city with 6 wards - St. George, St. Patrick, St.Andrew, St, David, St. James and St. John..

1880 - Mayor and three Councillors for each ward elected by the people. City council of 19.

1902 - Mayor and 11 Councillors elected at large. City Council of 13.

1907 - Mayor and 18 Councillors elected by ward. City Council of 19.

1910 - Mayor and 11 Councillors elected at large. City Council of 12.

1919 - Mayor elected by Council and 18 Councillors elected by general vote. However, it was a rotational three-year term and only six were voted on annually. City Council of 19.

1924 - Mayor elected by the people and 18 Councillors elected at large. City Council of 19.

1930 - Mayor and 11 Councillors elected at large. City Council of 12.

1966 - Mayor and 11 Councillors elected at large. City Council of 12 - 2 year term.

1983 - Mayor and 11 Councillors elected at large. City Council of 12 - 3 year term.

1992 - Mayor and 12 Councillors elected by ward. City Council of 13.

2008 - Mayor and 12 Councillors elected at large. City Council of 13 - 4 year term.

City Administrator appointed between 1918 and 1926 and after 1965.

Home