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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    History for the Future

    almost 2 years ago

    This story was submitted by

    Connie Shaw, Retired Chaplain from Guelph Correctional Centre.


    Yes, there are many places at the Reformatory property that should be designated heritage site. This land represents 100 years of Guelph’s history. Hundreds of Guelphites provided services to the Guelph Correctional Centre and the people within.

    There were many firsts and unique happenings on this land. There are many articles and books on the history of this property. It is important that we act responsibly designate, maintain and record for future generations.

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    The former Guelph Correctional Centre was constructed in the 1910s on a large property assembled by the Province of Ontario for that purpose. It was known as the Ontario Reformatory, Guelph. The initial building program, consisting of a complex of buildings for administration, accommodation, medical treatment, recreation, dining, industrial activity and farm production, was directed by W. L. Hanna, Provincial Secretary. Hanna was committed to creating a correctional facility and program that could reduce the rate of recidivism and improve the likelihood that the convicted would eventually become contributing members of society... Continue reading

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Page last updated: 09 Aug 2023, 11:23 AM