Build Guelph
Together.
Meet Ken Yee Chew
City Councillor. Urban Designer. Community Builder.
Since being elected to Guelph City Council in 2022, Ken has worked to bring people together around practical solutions, responsible decision-making, and a shared vision for the future of our city.
With experience in municipal government, urban design, housing, and private sector consulting, Ken understands how cities work—and how they can work better for the people they serve. He has spent enough time inside institutions to understand them, while maintaining the independence needed to challenge assumptions, improve processes, and deliver results.
More than a decade ago, Ken and his wife first came to Guelph as students. They chose to stay because of the people, the opportunities, and the strong sense of community that makes Guelph special.
Today, Ken serves the community as a City Councillor and urban designer, while his wife serves local families and pets as a veterinarian. Together, they are committed to building a Guelph where people can afford to put down roots, find housing that meets their needs, and build a future with confidence.
As Mayor, Ken will lead a responsible government focused on strong core services, fiscal discipline, and a practical, community-first approach to growth.
His goal is simple: to Build Guelph Together and ensure our city remains a place where people can find opportunity, build a home, grow a business, and thrive at every stage of life.
Guelph is a thriving city with untapped potential.
A single-tier City on a Hill, outside the GTHA and a shining gateway to Southwestern Ontario.
The Priorities
Build Guelph Together means:
Responsible Government
Respect every tax dollar.
Deliver excellent customer service.
Plan confidently for the future.
Focused on the Basics
Make housing more attainable.
Help people move from crisis to recovery, stability, and opportunity.
Keep neighbourhoods safe, welcoming, and connected.
Rooted in Community
Support local businesses and community organizations.
Make the planning and approvals process easier to navigate.
Build on what makes Guelph unique.
Our Commitment
As Guelph grows beyond 150,000 residents, we face important choices about the future we want to build together. Our approach is grounded in responsible government, strong core services, and a realistic community-first approach to growth. We believe City Hall should respect taxpayers, focus on results, and ensure every neighbourhood has the opportunity to thrive.
Core Values
Humility
Listen first, seek understanding, and lead with respect.
Collaboration
Consensus around practical solutions.
Integrity
Keep our word and own our decisions.
Excellence
Strive for better and deliver results.
Transparency and Accountability
As a City Councillor, Ken has made it a priority to translate complex issues into clear and accessible updates through annual reports, quarterly reports, and monthly field notes. Click here to read and access.