FAQs

• Wayfinding is all the ways that people locate themselves in physical space and find their way from place to place.
• It is a system of physical elements (like signs, kiosks, and maps) as well as digital tools (like Google Maps, QR codes, and informational websites) that provide clarity and help connect people to the places they want to go

• The Future Guelph Strategic Plan (2024-2027) and other city master plans and strategies identify wayfinding as an important tool in achieving the City Building objective of making it easy to get around Guelph
• Having a City-wide wayfinding strategy will help create a cohesive place brand that helps visitors and residents know they’re in Guelph so that they can rely on the system to get them where they want to go

Signs aren’t the only component of a wayfinding strategy – but they are an important part

• Not everyone has access to portable devices connected to the internet, so investing in signage can help people navigate
• Signs can also let people know that they’re close to amenities or destinations they may not have known about – which extends their trip and can have positive economic impact
• Signage can also bridge the gap between what is on paper or phone into what is in the environment around you

• In 2024, the Transportation Planning team started work on a wayfinding strategy called “Finding Your Way: Walking, Cycling, and Rolling” to enable people to easily find their way along Guelph’s trails and cycling routes
• This strategy will create the design guidelines and sign types to be used in the Walking, Cycling and Rolling strategy once the routes are identified through that project

• The team working on this project will be hosting a series of community engagement opportunities for you to provide your feedback
• The best place to do so is through Have Your Say where you can also find updates on upcoming engagement sessions

• The strategy will provide something like a user manual for City Staff working on wayfinding and signage projects specific to their area – like in Parks, Trails, and Active Transportation

• That is something that the Strategy will address through engagement with our community, but all signs must be compliant with provincial and municipal regulations around accessibility and adhere to the City’s Corporate Brand and Identity Guidelines

• Staff anticipate that the first projects will be installed in 2026 and could include update to the City’s gateway signage, wayfinding plans that lead to Downtown and the University of Guelph, as well as some trail routes from the Active Transportation Wayfinding Strategy

• The strategy is being funded by the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax, not through property taxes