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
Final Draft Plan and Guidelines decision meeting
If you want to speak about the final draft OR HCD Plan and Guidelines, please register with the City Clerk’s Office by 10 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026. You can register in any of the following ways:
- Register online at guelph.ca/delegation
- By phone at 519-837-5603 or TTY 519-826-9771
- By email to clerks@guelph.ca
Once you register, we will send you a message to confirm and give you instructions on how to join the hybrid Council meeting. We will also explain during the meeting how people watching and attending in-person can take part and share their thoughts.
To share your comments in writing
You can send written comments to be included in the Council agenda in the following ways:
- Email clerks@guelph.ca
- Drop off in-person at the Service Guelph counter at City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph
- Send by regular mail or courier to Guelph City Clerk, 1 Carden Street, Guelph, ON N1H 3A1
- They must be received by the City Clerk’s Office by 10 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Upcoming and ongoing events
Past events
Event date: May 8th, 2025 from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234
8 registrants
EN
AR
TI
UR
ES
NE
ZH-TW
FA
PA
TL