Reformatory district

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Project Overview

The City of Guelph is developing a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study and Plan for the Ontario Reformatory area.

The Ontario Reformatory opened in 1911 and served as a correctional facility for the first half of the 20th century. From 1970 through to its decommissioning in 2001, parts of the Reformatory site were repurposed and operated as the provincially run Guelph Correctional Centre. In 2016, Infrastructure Ontario indicated its intention to sell the property and completed the required environmental remediation at that time. The lands are now used by the public for passive recreation and environmental education.

The Ontario Reformatory lands, also known as the Guelph Correctional Centre, are at 785 York Road in Guelph’s east end, south of York Road and west of Watson Parkway South.

This project is divided into two phases. Each will include a mix of technical and engagement tasks:

Update

On March 21, the findings and recommendations of the Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study Phase 1 report will be presented to Council. The Study recommends that the Ontario Reformatory area, which consists of a unique collection of built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscape features be considered for designation as a heritage conservation district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act and that a heritage conservation district plan and guidelines be prepared.

The staff report is available on guelph.ca/agendas. To access the agenda on the council calendar click on the March 21, 2023 meeting and the link for the agenda will pop up. The report starts on page 82 of the council agenda.

Phase 1: Heritage Conservation District Study

We will assess the historical, design, and contextual value of the study area; identify contributing and non-contributing properties and resources; review the existing policy framework in the area, and define boundaries for the cultural heritage landscape. Phase 1 also includes community engagement to help the project team further understand the community’s experience of the area and to inform the proposed HCD boundaries.

Phase 2: Heritage Conservation District Plan

Based on the outcomes of Phase 1 and the Council’s approval, we will build on the recommendations of the study. The plan will provide guidelines for managing change in ways that highlight the distinctive character of the area.


Project Overview

The City of Guelph is developing a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study and Plan for the Ontario Reformatory area.

The Ontario Reformatory opened in 1911 and served as a correctional facility for the first half of the 20th century. From 1970 through to its decommissioning in 2001, parts of the Reformatory site were repurposed and operated as the provincially run Guelph Correctional Centre. In 2016, Infrastructure Ontario indicated its intention to sell the property and completed the required environmental remediation at that time. The lands are now used by the public for passive recreation and environmental education.

The Ontario Reformatory lands, also known as the Guelph Correctional Centre, are at 785 York Road in Guelph’s east end, south of York Road and west of Watson Parkway South.

This project is divided into two phases. Each will include a mix of technical and engagement tasks:

Update

On March 21, the findings and recommendations of the Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study Phase 1 report will be presented to Council. The Study recommends that the Ontario Reformatory area, which consists of a unique collection of built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscape features be considered for designation as a heritage conservation district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act and that a heritage conservation district plan and guidelines be prepared.

The staff report is available on guelph.ca/agendas. To access the agenda on the council calendar click on the March 21, 2023 meeting and the link for the agenda will pop up. The report starts on page 82 of the council agenda.

Phase 1: Heritage Conservation District Study

We will assess the historical, design, and contextual value of the study area; identify contributing and non-contributing properties and resources; review the existing policy framework in the area, and define boundaries for the cultural heritage landscape. Phase 1 also includes community engagement to help the project team further understand the community’s experience of the area and to inform the proposed HCD boundaries.

Phase 2: Heritage Conservation District Plan

Based on the outcomes of Phase 1 and the Council’s approval, we will build on the recommendations of the study. The plan will provide guidelines for managing change in ways that highlight the distinctive character of the area.


Tell us about your connection to the Reformatory Lands

The history of the Reformatory Lands is complicated. From its beginnings as a space where imprisoned individuals could learn new skills to a place where a more traditional form of incarceration was practiced to its present where it supports recreation, education and access to nature, these lands are filled with stories. As part of this project, we want to gain a stronger understanding of the stories associated with the Reformatory Lands - both the good and the bad. If you have a connection to these lands, we invite you to share it here. Anonymous responses are welcome, and if you would like to share your story privately, please contact a member of the project team to share your story via email or set up a phone call where you can share your story with one of our staff members in confidence. These stories are integral to the historical significance of these lands, and will form a significant part of our HCD Study. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We look forward to including it in our Heritage Conservation District Study.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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    Nature and History combined

    by Liz G, almost 2 years ago
    I have walked the grounds with my dog and now with my children for many years. The grounds offer an amazing mix of nature and history. I have always enjoyed walking around the old property and envisioning what it used to be like. My children enjoy walking around the ponds and seeing the wildlife. I would love to have more opportunities to learn about the history of the property and see the buildings used more.
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    Zen in nature on the East end of Guelph

    by L.A.S, almost 2 years ago
    My family loves walking these lands each day with our dog. This is a space where we have made friends with other community members and our dog looks forward to seeing her pup friends.
    The many trails to hike and the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking and peaceful. There’s so much space and fun for everyone offering the simplicity of what a green space should be without the added touches of commercialization. It’s amazing to see the stone walls that the inmates built and the history the land offers. We love our daily walks here.
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    Preservation for future generations

    by Sharyn Seibert, almost 2 years ago

    As we approach the current public consultation phase for the Ontario Reformatory Lands, I’d like to provide some input about my experience with this unique and vital property. First of all, my memories of the OR go back to when I was a small child, growing up in Cambridge. Our family would travel to Guelph and have summer picnics on the lovely lawns gracing the banks of Clythe Creek. It is a valuable resource in our community that needs to be preserved. I would like to see this property protected for future generations, allow for the creation of an ecological... Continue reading

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    Nature in the middle of town

    by Fernanda, almost 2 years ago

    The Ontario Reformatory Lands has been a destination for our family. I will take my young boys to walk on the fields and see the geese ( which it has plenty of them!). We will try to recognize plants as we walk or simply play tag or hide and seek. Guelph is lucky to have such a wonder piece of land with a variety of vegetation, wild life and even water! This land should be keep as natural as possible and make it accessible to all.

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    The importance of the OR site

    by BLB, almost 2 years ago
    The first time I saw this beautiful property I was watching my niece run in OFSAA 5 km race. That must have been in the early to mid 2000s. I remember it clearly because I had never been there before although had lived in Guelph for several years by that time. I noticed how unique and special the place was. After that I occasionally went there with my children to walk the trails and enjoy the view of the ponds. More recently as my children have now grown and I have had a chance to travel abroad to France I... Continue reading
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    A wonderful space

    by dailywalker, almost 2 years ago

    Yorklands Green Hub is a beautiful space that can provide a huge amount of value to the Guelph community. There are already so many grassroots programs and events happening, with small investments from the city or partners, it can be turned into a real attraction in guelph. Not just something for the neighborhood but for all of Guelph and those from out of town as well. I have enjoyed many hikes there and would like to conitnue to see this space preserved. In addition, there is immense historic value and it should be preserved as a historic site - think... Continue reading

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    Important ecosystem

    by Vlpz, almost 2 years ago
    I have been to the Reformatory Lands many times with my family and by myself, I enjoy the diversity of the vegetation here and I have encountered many different types of wildlife on my visits. I love how serene this place is, I love the different trails to explore and how it is a great opportunity to come say hi to the Community. As a city, I believe Guelph’s ecosystem and society benefits immensely from the Reformatory lands and it saddens me to think future generations may not get to enjoy its beauty.
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    Green Oasis - Heart of Guelph

    by Green Oasis, almost 2 years ago
    What a gift to have this Green Oasis as the Heart of Guelph.


    I walk here frequently with my Golden Retriever and have enjoyed learning about the nature and fauna on naturalist-led walks.

    This land needs to be preserved for present and future generations of Guelphites and visitors.

    To have walking trails, outdoor learning centres, perhaps an outdoor theatre,community gardens, a cafe that helped fund some environmental education initiatives, increase the tree canopy.....SO much benefit for all ages to see and understand this precious gem right IN Guelph

    This is my hope ---for a continued green expanding of this natural... Continue reading

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    Concerned

    by waterst, almost 2 years ago
    Driving into Guelph to visit my son at university the Reformation lands always impressed me.Since moving here over 20yrs ago they are part of what makes Guelph such a great place to live.I have spent many wonderful times there.It is part of Guelph history & was a great idea to teach unfortunate people the love of nature & instil a purpose.Lets keep that alive by using this property for all to benefit.Part to be used a nature reserve,part for education of nature & history,part for affordable housing,part for community benefit.Lets keep the Guelph spirit alive by helping everyone enjoy its... Continue reading
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    Keep It In The Family

    by Diane G., almost 2 years ago
    In years past our family used this parkland to walk the dog, or play baseball, and that was it. In the last several years we have discovered that we were only using a small part of this inner-city gem. There are many trails and areas we still have yet to explore. As of late we have spent time painting and enjoying photography, noticing the birds and wildlife (wow, the biggest turtle I have ever seen outside of a zoo!), and basking in nature. This is a site that absolutely needs to be developed/owned for the population of Guelph to enjoy... Continue reading
Page last updated: 09 Aug 2023, 11:23 AM