Guelph Reformatory District
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback throughout the Ontario Reformatory HCD project.
The City of Guelph has developed a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Plan and Guidelines for the Ontario Reformatory HCD.
On May 21, 2026 the City of Guelph circulated a Notice of Passing of By-law (2026)-21192 designating the Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act and also adopting the Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District Plan and Guidelines (dated April 2026). After the 30-day appeal period, the designation by-law went into effect June 22, 2026.
*Please note that the OR HCD designation by-law is not in full force and effect within any part of 785 York Road that remains under Provincial ownership.
About the Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District
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 at 785 York Road 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 Heritage Conservation District (OR HCD) project has two phases; both include a mix of technical and engagement tasks.
Phase 1: Heritage Conservation District Study
The OR HCD Study assessed the historical, design, and contextual value of the study area; identified contributing and non-contributing properties and resources; reviewed the existing policy framework in the area, and defined boundaries for the cultural heritage landscape. Phase 1 also included 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 have built on the recommendations of the study. The OR HCD plan provides guidelines for managing change in ways that highlight the distinctive character of the area.
How can I participate right now?
There are no more engagement opportunities now that the designation by-law has gone into effect. See the phase timeline below to see what engagement took place throughout the project.
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
Stephen Robinson, Senior Heritage Planner, City of Guelph
Heidy Schopf. Lead, Consultant Team WSP
Phases
Project kick off
What is a Heritage Conservation District (HCD)?
An HCD is an effective planning tool for recognizing and protecting areas with special character, such as the Ontario Reformatory lands. The Ontario Heritage Act allows municipalities to identify, preserve and enhance the unique heritage character of landscapes under Part V designation, through an adoption of a municipal designation By-law. A Part V designation recognizes the collective heritage value of an area, and offers additional tools to guide change, including but not limited to design and planning guidelines for infill and adaptive reuse. While Part IV designated properties may also exist within the boundaries of an HCD, these cultural heritage landscapes have a collective heritage value when considered as a whole landscape, including natural and built features. Every HCD is unique and requires special policies or guidelines to ensure its conservation, growth and careful management.
What is the purpose of an HCD?
HCDs are designated because they are historically or culturally significant and require special care or attention in the planning process to ensure they are conserved.
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