
Downtown Height Study
Here we grow!
In response to the need to meet our new population density target of 200 people and jobs per hectare in the Downtown by 2051, we must revisit the current maximum building heights for Downtown as set out by the Downtown Secondary Plan (2015). This study aims to understand where and how new, taller buildings can be permitted in the downtown and what design considerations will be required.
We've been exploring the answers to some simple questions with complicated impacts:
- What is tall in the context of Downtown Guelph?
- Should the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate influence the height limits in Downtown Guelph?
- What are the positive or negative impacts of additional building height in different locations throughout Downtown?
We are using feedback from the community, combined with information from experts in the field and best practices from other communities to make a necessary amendment to the Official Plan and create updates to the downtown built form standards.
Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.

Who's Listening


Tracy Suerich, Community Engagement Advisor, City of Guelph
Phases
Phase 3 - Council OPA approval
The Official Plan Amendment as been approved
We revised the Official Plan Amendments (OPA) based on feedback from community and council earlier this year. The proposed OPA was presented to City council and approved on April 8, 2025. More details can be found in the Notice of the adoption of an amendment to the Official Plan and By-law Number (2025)-21066 Official Plan Amendment No.106.
Check out the Council agenda where you can review the report and watch the council meeting on our website.
The team will be back to discuss Built form standards with the community in a few months.
Be sure to follow this project to stay up to date, followers from prior to April 28, 2025 will need to click to follow again
Upcoming and ongoing events
Past events

Event date: February 4th, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Guelph City Hall
