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Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District

The City of Guelph is developing a Heritage Conservation District 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 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 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.

How to Participate

Join us for a public open house to review and discuss the released draft OR HCD Plan and Guidelines on Thursday May 8, 2025 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Guelph Legion (57 Watson Parkway South). This is the final public review of the draft OR HCD Plan and Guidelines before going to Council for approval.

Online opportunities will also be available close to the open house event date. Return to this page for more information.

Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District

The City of Guelph is developing a Heritage Conservation District 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 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 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.

How to Participate

Join us for a public open house to review and discuss the released draft OR HCD Plan and Guidelines on Thursday May 8, 2025 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Guelph Legion (57 Watson Parkway South). This is the final public review of the draft OR HCD Plan and Guidelines before going to Council for approval.

Online opportunities will also be available close to the open house event date. Return to this page for more information.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District Study Public Open House #2 Survey

    We want to know what you think about a draft proposed boundary for an Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District. Recommending a district boundary is an important step in this process.

    If you would like to zoom in on the map images access the pdf versions in the documents widget on the right-hand side of the project page. 

    If you require this survey in an alternate format or would like any assistance in submitting your feedback, please contact Kelly Guthrie

    Email:  Kelly.guthrie@guelph.ca
    Telephone:  519-822-1260 extension 2677 or TTY 519-826-9771

    We thank you in advance for taking the time to give us your feedback. 


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Page last updated: 15 Apr 2025, 02:02 PM