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Reformatory district

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Project Overview

The City of Guelph is developing a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Plan and guidelines for the Ontario Reformatory HCD.

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 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 lands, also known as the Guelph Correctional Centre, are at 785 York Road in Guelph’s east end, south of York Road and west of Watson Parkway South.

The 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 are building on the recommendations of the study. The OR HCD plan will provide guidelines for managing change in ways that highlight the distinctive character of the area.

Update

Phase 1 - On March 21, 2023, City Council approved the recommendations from the OR HCD Study and the proposed OR HCD boundary and directed that the project move to Phase 2 to prepare an HCD Plan and Guidelines for the lands within the Ontario Reformatory HCD boundary in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act.

Phase 2 – WSP (the consultants) have produced a draft HCD Plan and Guidelines document that, if approved, would be used to implement a potential heritage conservation district designation by-law. The OR HCD Plan document includes policies and guidelines to manage change and conserve the distinct heritage character of the Ontario Reformatory HCD.

The Plan provides policy direction, strategies, design guidelines, and conservation standards that support and enhance the cultural heritage value or interest and unique character of the Ontario Reformatory HCD. The OR HCD Plan will:

  • Confirm the HCD boundary as identified in the OR HCD Study;
  • Describe the OR HCD’s cultural heritage value and interest including the statement of objectives for the HCD Plan; and
  • Provide guidelines founded on the statement of objectives and the recommendations of the Study that will provide a consistent approach to managing change, alterations, and maintenance of the built heritage attributes and landscape heritage attributes that comprise the OR HCD.

How to Participate

The draft Ontario Reformatory 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 serves 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.

A public open house to review and discuss the released draft Ontario Reformatory HCD Plan and Guidelines will be scheduled for early in 2025. Check back to this page for details.

Project Overview

The City of Guelph is developing a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Plan and guidelines for the Ontario Reformatory HCD.

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 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 lands, also known as the Guelph Correctional Centre, are at 785 York Road in Guelph’s east end, south of York Road and west of Watson Parkway South.

The 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 are building on the recommendations of the study. The OR HCD plan will provide guidelines for managing change in ways that highlight the distinctive character of the area.

Update

Phase 1 - On March 21, 2023, City Council approved the recommendations from the OR HCD Study and the proposed OR HCD boundary and directed that the project move to Phase 2 to prepare an HCD Plan and Guidelines for the lands within the Ontario Reformatory HCD boundary in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act.

Phase 2 – WSP (the consultants) have produced a draft HCD Plan and Guidelines document that, if approved, would be used to implement a potential heritage conservation district designation by-law. The OR HCD Plan document includes policies and guidelines to manage change and conserve the distinct heritage character of the Ontario Reformatory HCD.

The Plan provides policy direction, strategies, design guidelines, and conservation standards that support and enhance the cultural heritage value or interest and unique character of the Ontario Reformatory HCD. The OR HCD Plan will:

  • Confirm the HCD boundary as identified in the OR HCD Study;
  • Describe the OR HCD’s cultural heritage value and interest including the statement of objectives for the HCD Plan; and
  • Provide guidelines founded on the statement of objectives and the recommendations of the Study that will provide a consistent approach to managing change, alterations, and maintenance of the built heritage attributes and landscape heritage attributes that comprise the OR HCD.

How to Participate

The draft Ontario Reformatory 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 serves 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.

A public open house to review and discuss the released draft Ontario Reformatory HCD Plan and Guidelines will be scheduled for early in 2025. Check back to this page for details.

Tell us about your connection to the Reformatory Lands

The history of the Reformatory Lands is complicated. From its beginnings as a space where imprisoned individuals could learn new skills to a place where a more traditional form of incarceration was practiced to its present where it supports recreation, education and access to nature, these lands are filled with stories. As part of this project, we want to gain a stronger understanding of the stories associated with the Reformatory Lands - both the good and the bad. If you have a connection to these lands, we invite you to share it here. Anonymous responses are welcome, and if you would like to share your story privately, please contact a member of the project team to share your story via email or set up a phone call where you can share your story with one of our staff members in confidence. These stories are integral to the historical significance of these lands, and will form a significant part of our HCD Study. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We look forward to including it in our Heritage Conservation District Study.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share The place is a sanctuary on Facebook Share The place is a sanctuary on Twitter Share The place is a sanctuary on Linkedin Email The place is a sanctuary link

    The place is a sanctuary

    by Andrea H, over 2 years ago

    I truly discovered these lands last winter. I came to realise that it was one of the few places nearby I could drive to and park without fear of getting stuck in the snow as I went off for a good walk. I was soon pleased to discover that a wide driveway was cleared regularly so that I could hike from the entranceway up to the top of the hill where the old buildings sit. The views from many different angles and various places atop the hill is almost strategic in it's layout and design. It is a remarkable and... Continue reading

  • Share Amazing place on Facebook Share Amazing place on Twitter Share Amazing place on Linkedin Email Amazing place link

    Amazing place

    by Hillary, over 2 years ago

    I always feel special after visiting the Yorklands, or what we've called the Guelph Jail. I've walked there with dogs and babies. The scenery is tranquil and the buildings are magical in antiquity. It's nice to learn more through these comments, and I hope the space is preserved and remains accessible. So many possibilities.

  • Share FUTURE HAVEN on Facebook Share FUTURE HAVEN on Twitter Share FUTURE HAVEN on Linkedin Email FUTURE HAVEN link

    FUTURE HAVEN

    by carol williams, over 2 years ago

    FUTURE HAVEN

    FOR OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS, what we now know as the Yorklands Green Hub, or the Ontario Reformatory lands, has served as a place of hope, where men who were sentenced to ‘two years less a day’ could learn new skills to take with them upon their discharge .This ‘haven’ was created by William Hanna, then Provincial Secretary, who had been voicing his opposition in the legislature for some time on the inadequate prison system in Ontario, claiming that the system ‘released inmates in worse psychological and physical shape than when they entered.’

    In 1910 this radical change... Continue reading

  • Share Nancy Britton on Facebook Share Nancy Britton on Twitter Share Nancy Britton on Linkedin Email Nancy Britton link

    Nancy Britton

    by Nancy, over 2 years ago
    I have spent so much time walking these lands - the connection to nature and beauty of these lands is a real treasure of our city
  • Share A distinct cultural and ecological landscape on Facebook Share A distinct cultural and ecological landscape on Twitter Share A distinct cultural and ecological landscape on Linkedin Email A distinct cultural and ecological landscape link

    A distinct cultural and ecological landscape

    by mac, over 2 years ago
    The Reformatory lands are a strange and wonderful opportunity in my mind. I have used them to hike, fish, forage and picnic throughout my life just like many other locals. I have participated in organized garbage cleanups there, and taught children there through the Guelph Outdoor School. these lands mean a lot to me but i have always felt a hint of sadness there, people often litter and don't treat it with the respect it deserves. For a long time now I've wanted someone to take a more active stewardship role there.
  • Share Walking, cycling & nature for kids on Facebook Share Walking, cycling & nature for kids on Twitter Share Walking, cycling & nature for kids on Linkedin Email Walking, cycling & nature for kids link

    Walking, cycling & nature for kids

    by Tim P, over 2 years ago
    We use the reformatory lands for getting places (from York to Stone) in a much safer manner.


    We use the reformatory lands to walk, relax and adventure with the kids.


    The reformatory lands are an amazing resource that gives people nature at their doorstep. The proximity means less driving, less car traffic and people getting in touch with their community (vs zipping through it in a vehicle).

  • Share I love the Yorklands on Facebook Share I love the Yorklands on Twitter Share I love the Yorklands on Linkedin Email I love the Yorklands link

    I love the Yorklands

    by evie, over 2 years ago

    Since moving to Guelph I have discovered many great walking area's for us and our 4 legged friend. One of my favourite spots is the Yorklands. We're there at least 3 times a week and we always discover something new. We've walked from Stone Rd, Watson and York. We have met many friendly people and dogs. As the season's change so does the Yorklands. Migrating birds, and water fowl , flowering lilac trees, ice fishing, then fishing from the shore. I'm not sure if they were school outings but I've seen larger groups of young children with adults learning about... Continue reading

  • Share Preserve the past for the future on Facebook Share Preserve the past for the future on Twitter Share Preserve the past for the future on Linkedin Email Preserve the past for the future link

    Preserve the past for the future

    by Barleyboo2, over 2 years ago
    I came across the reformatory lands as a place to walk but I've come to learn so much about the history of Guelph and Ontario including Indigenous history, the history of approaches to crime and rehabilitation, ties to the Ontario Agricultural College, and the role of the Reformatory in responding to the Great Wars; all this from walking the property and researching what I saw. Let's keep this land that is so rich in natural and social history as a place of both learning and rejuvenation.
  • Share Dog walking paradise on Facebook Share Dog walking paradise on Twitter Share Dog walking paradise on Linkedin Email Dog walking paradise link

    Dog walking paradise

    by Tanja, over 2 years ago
    We have been walking our dog there for 2 years and it is a wonderful place to let him off lease and allow him to explore. He loves access to the water and will spend time fetching sticks that we throw for him each time we visit - weekly for the past two years.


    This property offers many different trails and everyone is respectful of the space - picking up their dog litter as well. All the dog owners I have met here have well trained dogs that allow for tranquil walks, even when we come upon others. There is... Continue reading

  • Share Turtles, fishing, picnics and memories on Facebook Share Turtles, fishing, picnics and memories on Twitter Share Turtles, fishing, picnics and memories on Linkedin Email Turtles, fishing, picnics and memories link

    Turtles, fishing, picnics and memories

    by PA, over 2 years ago

    When my children were younger -- and before we became aware that the York Road ponds were closed to fishing to protect turtles -- my family quite regularly visited the spot to try for fish.


    We were worms-and-bobbers anglers and hooked several small sunfish and a few smallmouth bass. (A few were caught out of season on a Father's Day weekend. Oops. For the record: all were quickly released.)

    The trips, however, were much more about having some readily accessible in-city nature and family time. We delighted in seeing platoons of geese each trip, a heron or two and peek-a-booing... Continue reading

Page last updated: 28 Nov 2024, 09:54 AM