City of Guelph – City Clerk’s Office – Guelph, ON

City of Guelph – City Clerk’s Office

Municipal Administration and Records

The City Clerk’s Office is the administrative heart of Guelph’s municipal government, located within Guelph City Hall at 1 Carden Street. This department is the official keeper of the city’s records and provides essential services to residents, businesses, and the City Council. It ensures the transparency and accountability of local governance by managing legislative processes, including Council meetings and by-laws. For the general public, the Clerk’s Office is the primary destination for obtaining official licenses and accessing municipal information.

Public Services

Residents visit this office for a variety of administrative needs:

• Marriage Services: The office issues marriage licenses to eligible couples. Civil marriage ceremonies can also be booked and performed in the Council Chambers or other locations by a registered officiant.
• Commissioning of Oaths: Staff can act as Commissioners of Oaths to witness signatures on affidavits and statutory declarations for use within Ontario (by appointment).
• Freedom of Information (FOI): Processing requests for access to municipal records under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
• Council Services: Managing the calendar of Council and committee meetings, and making agendas and minutes available to the public.
• Death Registration: Processing burial permits and registering deaths that occur within the city limits.

Location and Access

The office is situated on the main floor of the modern City Hall building in downtown Guelph, adjacent to the Market Square skating rink and splash pad. The facility is fully accessible.

• Appointments: Many services, particularly marriage licenses and commissioning documents, require an appointment to ensure staff availability.
• Hours: ServiceGuelph counters generally operate on weekdays, but it is advisable to check for holiday closures before visiting.