Green Space and History

The Ontario Reformatory , Guelph started in 1910 and closed in 2003. There is space for health, recreation and personal enjoyment. It was known as the Prison Farm by the Guelph locals when it opened, then Speedwell, then the Ontario Reformatory, Guelph and finally the Guelph Correctional Centre. There was a quarry, dairy operation with prize winning cattle, licence plates were made here from 1931 to 1958, thousands of people worked there over the years and their children now live all around the world. When people got married they went to the OR to get their wedding pictures taken. From 1929-1932 two ponds were dug by the Bull Gang and stocked with fish by Ontario Lands and Forest. Hillcrest Training School, later known as the Wellington Detention Centre was opened for juveniles. The orchards along Victoria Road supplied canned fruit, jams and jellies for other correctional facilities in Ontario and Ontario hospitals. Stone was used to build the buildings and gravel for many Ontario roads came from the quarry. The OR was unique with the Eramosa River running through it, and the railroad and trestle bridge built by the CPR in 1910 was a very rare asset. Many movies have been made using the OR. Many Guelph and area families benefitted from employment at the OR over the years. Many Guelph residents have benefitted from the grounds around the OR over the years. A lot of dogs have spent leisurely hours wandering these fields. The Kingston Pen Museum gets some 50,000 visitors a year. The OR would surpass that number. A boost to tourism for Guelph. It would pay for itself and benefits to the city and area don’t end there.