Ward Heritage Conservation District Plan
The Ward is a unique Guelph neighbourhood with a rich mix of history, culture, and community spaces that many people love and value.
We are developing a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) plan for the western part of Ward to help protect the buildings, spaces, and landscape features that matter most to the community, while supporting the neighbourhood’s continued growth and evolution.
How can I participate right now?
The Ward Heritage Conservation District was designated by Council on September 9, 2026. There will be a 30-day appeal period from September 17 to October 19, 2026. To file an appeal, see the instructions below in Phase 9: By-law appeal period.
Review the finalized Plan: Ward Heritage Conservation District Plan below.
Have a look at the community quilt photos to see the drawings and pictures created by your neighbours about what they love most about the Ward at the Open House.
Where we are in the process
Since 2024, the City of Guelph has been working on a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study and Plan in the western part of the Ward. In Spring of 2025, City staff presented the first phase of the Ward West Heritage Conservation District project to City Council. This first phase, the Study, involved detailed research and community engagement to understand the objectives, heritage values and heritage attributes that the community feels are important for a potential Heritage Conservation District in this area of the Ward.
This engagement period helped identify the unique character and heritage value of the area and helped recommend a boundary for a potential Heritage Conservation District. Council approved the Study and the boundary, confirmed the District be named “The Ward Heritage Conservation District”, and directed staff to move forward with preparing the HCD Plan, which we are now working on.
The HCD Boundary
The Ward Heritage Conservation District is located in the western part of the Ward and is generally bounded by the Speed and Eramosa Rivers to the west and south, and Morris Street to the east. The northern boundary follows Ferguson Street to Huron Street northwards including the 100 Steps and the railroad tracks. The HCD boundary is outlined on this map:
Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.
Phases
By-law appeal period
A 30-day appeal period will begin on September 17, 2026 and will end October 19, 2026.
To file an appeal through the provincial appeal process: Notice of appeal may be filed with the City Clerk either via the Ontario Land Tribunal e-file service (first-time users will need to register for a My Ontario Account) by selecting City of Guelph as the Approval Authority, or by mail to 1 Carden Street, no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 19, 2026. The filing of an appeal after 4:00 p.m., in person or electronically, will be deemed to have been received the next business day. The appeal fee can be paid online through e-file or by credit card/certified cheque/money order to the Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario. If you wish to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) or request a fee reduction for an appeal, forms are available from the OLT website. If the e-file portal is down, you can submit your appeal to clerks@guelph.ca.
Review the finalized Plan: Ward Heritage Conservation District Plan below.
Events
Past events
Event date: March 30th, 2026 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Event date: February 20th, 2025 from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
Italian Canadian Club Of Guelph
Event date: June 28th, 2024 from 12:30 AM to 1:00 AM.
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