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
Draft Plan and Guidelines statutory public meeting
Draft Plan and Guidelines released at Council
The draft OR HCD plan and guidelines was released to the public on November 1, 2024 within the agenda of the City Council Planning meeting held November 13. This meeting served as the statutory public meeting for the project under the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Council report and recording are available on the City's council meeting agenda pages on Guelph.ca. Please note the OR HCD report starts at 3:58:50. This meeting did not conclude and required a continuance to complete the required steps to move forward with the final phase of engagement.
The continuance meeting was held November 26 at 2PM. The minutes of this meeting are available on the City’s agenda pages on Guelph.ca.
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