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:
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
Reg Russwurm, Manager, Design and Construction, City of Guelph
Tracy Suerich, Community Engagement Advisor, City of Guelph
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
Ideas, issues and opportunities
Construction is still a few years away, but you can help us now by letting us know about potential issues or constraints in and around the downtown that may arise during construction.
Issues to consider may be any number of things including access to residences, businesses, services or locations, deliveries or activities that need to happen at certain times of day/week/month/year, services or locations that require construction noise considerations in order to continue regular operations.
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The front of the GO station seems like a missed opportunity with so much area dedicated to car drop offs.
It's nearly impossible to safely cross Norfolk at Cork street as a pedestrian. This is a popular spot to cross but the heavy traffic and timing of the lights at Paisley and Macdonnel make gaps infrequent.
The curb and turning radius at the entrance to the church makes it challenging for pedestrians to cross Dublin here.
The lack of a stop sign for drivers on Dublin at Cork means many cars speed here.
Rancid alley full of trash could be turned into a pedestrian walkway
the south side of Carden is difficult for pedestrians. There isn't really a single clear path due to the many temporary signs and the odd placement of the large garbage bins.
Dozens of pedestrians cross Norfolk from the medical building to the parking on Municipal street every day. Many are elderly or have mobility challenges. This street should be narrowed to one lane in each direction, the speed limit should be decreased to 30, and a pedestrian refuge needs to get built here immediately. It's amazing no one has been killed yet.
There are too many lanes and too much focus on cars here.
The crosswalk here seems to be designed for the parkade only. It's in an odd spot for anyone coming across the pedestrian bridge
Traffic signal timing between Paisley/Norfolk and Quebec/Baker is awkward here and results in traffic backing up for no reason and pedestrians crossing against the lights
This is a hostile pedestrian environment with very fast traffic and small unprotected sidewalks. It's also just hideous.
Turning left from Yarmouth onto Woolwich or onto Suffolk is challenging and awkward here.
This intersection is extremely overbuilt and very unsafe for pedestrians. There is far too much road surface and the abnormally large turning radii encourage vehicles to make turns at speed without being able to ensure it is safe. This intersection would benefit significantly from a radical redesign and diet.
Potholes and poorly filled in potholes have injured me more than once. What is the longevity of the pavement here? is there a better material for the heavy traffic/winter wear over this bridge
Potential for temporary secure bike parking rather than only yearly permit. I would love to have a safe spot to park my bike if I go out of town by VIA or GO for the day or weekend.
Heavy conflict zone from here North to Paisley Pedestrians crossing between traffic sometimes hidden by parked cars. Lifelabs van needs a proper loading zone instead of the bike lane or half on the bike lane and half on the sidewalk. Same goes for couriers (Fedex/Purolator) Enforcement needed for the accessible parking permit only. Potential for dooring cyclists with frequent drop offs at this location. Bike lane gets super dangerous with people heading onto Yarmouth and either not signaling and/or cutting cyclists off.
Opportunity
The imposing grey, concrete walls here are an opportunity to create a less oppressive streetscape and to add some beauty and whimsy using street art, colour, rotating artist displays, etc.
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mature trees on Wyndham
Upcoming and ongoing events
Past events
Event date: August 21st, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
2 Wyndham Street North
Event date: July 17th, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
8 Douglas Street
Event date: June 19th, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
82 Yarmouth St
1 registrant
Event date: May 15th, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Wimpy's Diner Guelph
Event date: May 1st, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Guelph City Hall
Event date: October 2nd, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Guelph City Hall
Event date: April 3rd, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Event date: March 27th, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
1 Carden Street
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