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Downtown Guelph as seen from behind the spires of the Basilica.

Downtown Renewal - Project and construction planning

We've been assessing the needs and planning for the future of Downtown Guelph

We're replacing aging infrastructure and improving active transportation and pedestrian spaces throughout Downtown.

Downtown Renewal is the overall project that covers the various improvements and upgrades that will be made in Downtown Guelph.

One of the projects that lives under Downtown Renewal is Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program (DTIRP). As one part of the DTIRP process, we conducted the initial needs assessment and construction planning for the project overall. While that work is wrapping up, this page is always open to share information and listen to community needs when it comes to planning for a downtown that the people and businesses find livable, lovable, workable and playable.

The assessment and planning process laid the foundation for different sub-projects that will move us forward in the renewal program.

Scroll down to find the various phases of work involved in the assessment and planning part of the process. You can learn about engagement and decisions that happened along the way by clicking on individual phase numbers.

Navigating to the Downtown Renewal sub-projects.

To learn about the rest of the Downtown Renewal program, visit the various street-specific sub-projects to stay up to date and involved on the parts of Downtown that matter to you most.

Watch for the Macdonell and Quebec Street design process to begin soon.

Downtown Guelph is the heart of our city.

About the project:

An aerial map of the reconstruction and redesign area. At the top of the map Eramosa Road meets Woolich Street and at the bottom of the map Baker Street meets Quebec Street. . A dotted line shows the area of reconstruction from Woolwich Street to Baker Street and Park Lane and Chapel Lane surrounding the Baker Street parking facility.

Downtown revitalization area

We have a vibrant and thriving Downtown, and we want it to stay that way for years to come. We also have aging water and sewer pipes, roads and sidewalks that must be replaced; some of the underground pipes are over 100 years old! We’re replacing our aging infrastructure and upgrading utility services, and, before we put the roads back together, we’ll also have an opportunity to modernize the streetscape.

Improving this important Downtown infrastructure will allow us to provide better community-driven service and help support the economic vitality of our vibrant Downtown core.

However, work like this takes time. It takes years to research, engage with the community, create a dependable plan, and replace the infrastructure. This necessary renewal work will ultimately improve our Downtown for all businesses, residents, and visitors. Let’s work together to create a place for everyone in Downtown Guelph.

Who's Listening

Colleen Gammie, Manager of Capital Planning and growth, City of Guelph. colleen.gammie@guelph.ca

Andrew Miller, Project Engineer, City of Guelph. andrew.miller@guelph.ca

Tracy Suerich, Community Engagement Advisor, City of Guelph. tracy.suerich@guelph.ca

branded messaging for the Downtown Project. Lovable. Coming soon, even more reasons to love your downtown.

Downtown Renewal beyond the infrastructure project

The Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program is one of many exciting projects under the overarching Downtown Renewal efforts. The overall Downtown Renewal program will transform and revitalize how Downtown looks, feels and functions while still preserving its unique cultural heritage, which will make it future-ready to continue supporting growth to 2051 and beyond.

Other projects of note include:

Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.

Open for participation

Phases

Phases overview
Phase 1: Community priorities
Community priorities
Phase 2: Ideas, issues and opportunities
Ideas, issues and opportunities
Phase 3: Options and opportunities for Downtown
Options and opportunities for Downtown
Phase 4: Options for Allan's Dam Bridge
Options for Allan's Dam Bridge
Phase 5: The history of Downtown infrastructure
The history of Downtown infrastructure
Phase 6: Construction planning: public survey
Construction planning: public survey
Phase 7: Construction planning: Business consultation
Construction planning: Business consultation
Phase 8: Construction pace conversations
Construction pace conversations
Phase 9: Current updates
Current updates

Community priorities

August 1, 2022 4:00 AM - August 22, 2022 4:00 AM

Before digging into the study, planning and designs for Downtown, we went out into the community to learn about your priorities.

We attended events throughout the summer of 2022 and shared an online survey to ask what's most important to you when thinking about updates to the downtown area. We engaged with almost 400 people and:

  • Informed the public about the project (planning, environmental assessments and engagement opportunities)
  • Provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions
  • Gathered insight on the priorities for streetscape vision/principles, and
  • Received input on key issues, constraints, and possible construction mitigation measures

A meeting was held with the Downtown Guelph Business Association on September 20, 2022, to complement the feedback collected from the public.

Check out our engagement summary from the summer of 2022 for more information and what we heard.

Upcoming and ongoing events

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    Past events

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