
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
Construction pace conversations
We'd like to hear your voice in this planning process and your questions, comments, or concerns about Downtown infrastructure renewal.
In March of this year, the public and Downtown businesses were invited to provide feedback on options for proposed construction phasing, the pace of construction (fast or slower paced), and to share ways impacts can be mitigated.
The feedback was taken into consideration to shape the Capital Implementation Plan further.
Review the recommendations we presented based on previous engagement and study outcomes. The results from both business and resident surveys and in-person conversations can be found in our Capital Implementation Plan final report.
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

