Category Archives: Sports and recreation

Please report and help us prevent the spread of invasive plants like giant hogweed and dog-strangling vine. Continue reading Report and remove invasive plants

Every year, we replace playgrounds in our parks that are at the end of their life cycle. Playgrounds are replaced every 15-20 years. Continue reading Playground replacements coming to a park near you

Mark your calendar! Registration day is Wednesday, March 6 (starting at 7:30 a.m.) for spring and summer City recreation programs. Continue reading March 6 is registration day for spring/summer recreation programs

The City of Guelph’s Limitless Guelph program is receiving a 2019 PRO Award of Excellence from Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO). Continue reading Limitless Guelph receives PRO Award of Excellence

Council has approved a new Parkland Dedication Bylaw that will be implemented January 31. Continue reading New Parkland Dedication Bylaw in effect January 31

Our Parks Operations and Forestry administrative team is temporarily located at the West End Community Centre during renovations at 50 Municipal Street. Continue reading Parks Operations and Forestry temporarily relocated to West End Community Centre

Council will consider an updated Parkland Dedication Bylaw at the January 14 Committee of the Whole meeting. The Bylaw goes to Council January 28. Continue reading Council reviews Parkland Dedication Bylaw January 14

On March 2 and 3, 2019, the City of Guelph, Guelph Table Tennis Club and Guelph Wellington Seniors Association will co-host Guelph’s second annual table tennis tournament. Youth tournament (ages 12 to 18) Saturday, March 2, 2019 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Fee: $5 Code: 223824 Open doubles tournament (ages 12 and older) Saturday, March 2, 2019 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Fee: $7.50 Code: 223826 Open singles tournament (ages 12 and older) Sunday, March 3, 2019 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Fee: $7.50 Code: 223825 The two-day event will take place at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, 683 Woolwich Street. Register online now! Registration is open to residents living in the city of Guelph or Wellington County. Deadline for registration is Friday, February 15, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. Maximum number… Continue reading Guelph Table Tennis Tournament

Starting today, residents can have their say on the refined vision for the Ward to Downtown Bridge project until November 28, 2018. Continue reading Have your say on the refined vision for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

Staff will make the decision by 2 p.m. if sports fields are to be closed for the duration of the day and evening. Continue reading Sports field status

Starting Monday, October 29, the City of Guelph is making adjustments to its fall recreational swim schedule. Continue reading City makes changes to fall swim schedule

The City of Guelph will be marking ash and hazardous public trees in woodlands starting October 1, 2018. Continue reading City marking ash and hazard trees for removal starting October 1

Guelph, Ont., September 12, 2018 – Families visiting Guelph’s Victoria Road Recreation Centre this weekend will notice some new play features outside of the facility. As part of the City’s Energize Guelph initiative, a year-round outdoor play space is being installed this week on the grassy area between the facility and parking lot. “The new outdoor space compliments the facility’s indoor programming and further encourages children and families to embrace play and recreation as part of their daily lives,” says Eric Pool, supervisor of Programs and Community Development. Play features include chalk and music walls, an arts and craft station with log tables and chairs, a log tunnel, a small stage with ramp, and benches. Shade and quiet spaces are available at the nearby courtyard.… Continue reading Outdoor play features arrive at Victoria Road Rec Centre

The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to present a trail concept for the Speedvale Underpass on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. Continue reading Join us at the Speedvale Underpass open house on September 13

Guelph, Ont., September 7, 2018 – Put your loonies away. It’s now free to ride Guelph Transit to and from ticketed events at River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre. “Thanks to our friends at Royal LePage Royal City Brokerage, we’re now able to offer the Special Event Fare program at no cost to riders,” says Robin Gerus, interim general manager at Guelph Transit. To receive the free special event fare, show your event ticket to the transit operator at the time of boarding—to and from the event. The special event fare begins three hours prior to the event start time and continues until end of bus service on the event day. The extended service window provides you with the opportunity to connect with businesses and… Continue reading Ride bus for free to River Run, Sleeman Centre events

The City is working in Crane Park starting September 5, 2018 to improve the existing trail and remove invasive buckthorn. Continue reading Trail improvements coming to Crane Park starting September 5

Fall and winter registration starts Wednesday, August 29 at 7:30 a.m. Registering online? Have your PIN and login ID/Client numbers ready. Call 519-837-5699 if you need one. Fall 2018 and winter 2019 programs Download the Guelph Community Guide or pick it up at City Hall or any City recreation facility or  library branch location. To view fall/winter leisure and recreation programs in an accessible format visit regexpress.guelph.ca. Registration begins Wednesday, August 29 at 7:30 a.m. Regular hours apply after August 29.

August 14, 2018 Your community group. Our Sleeman Centre suite. Outstanding hockey. Treat your team, club or community group to a Guelph Storm game in a private suite at the Sleeman Centre. A draw will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. Each group has a chance to win 12 tickets to one of the Storm’s home games during the 2018/19 season. Selected recipients will be contacted with more details. How to apply Application forms are available at thesleemancentre.com or pick one up at: ServiceGuelph (City Hall) Evergreen Seniors Community Centre Victoria Road Recreation Centre Sleeman Centre River Run Centre West End Community Centre Submit your application by Thursday, August 30 at 4 p.m. to: City of Guelph Attention: Susan O’Toole Public Services 1 Carden… Continue reading Treat your team, club or community group to a Guelph Storm game

Riverside Park rides: carousel and miniature train operating hours, tickets and passes. Continue reading Riverside Park amusement rides

Parking lot and sidewalk repairs begin July 2 UPDATE: Paving at Evergreen Seniors Community Centre will be delayed by two days. The parking lot will open on or about August 9, weather permitting. Guelph, Ont., June 18, 2018 – Starting July 2, the City of Guelph will begin repairs of the parking lot and sidewalk at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, located at 683 Woolwich Street. The work includes: Parking lot repairs and repaving Sidewalk replacement Lighting installation Garage waterproofing repairs As a result of this work, the parking lot and facility will close to the public for about six weeks. The Evergreen Restaurant will also temporarily close as of June 28 at 1 p.m. During the facility closure, the City will do general maintenance… Continue reading Evergreen seniors facility to close for six weeks

City invites community to have their say on Leash Free Policy by August 27, 2018, Continue reading Have your say on the future of leash free dog facilities

Date: July 19 and 21, 2018 Location: Boathouse/Royal City Park area Purpose:  to conduct counts and survey local trail users to gain insight on how people are crossing Gordon Street in the area Notification The City of Guelph will be conducting counts and surveying local trail users this month to gain insight on how people are crossing Gordon Street in the vicinity of the Boathouse/Royal City Park. This responds to recommendations in the Active Transportation Network Study approved by Council in July 2017. Paradigm Transportation Solutions Limited, a consultant of the City, is conducting both the counts and the surveys. Counts are being collected using a video device called Scout by Miovision which films a section of trail but does not permit individuals to be identifiable. Filming will… Continue reading Notice of collection and filming: Boathouse/Royal City Park

Market Square skating rink is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weather permitting. Check this page regularly for ice rink status. Continue reading Market Square ice rink status

operating hours for Guelph’s outdoor swimming pool, splash pads and wading pools Continue reading Outdoor pools and splash pads

June 28, 2018 The new Riverside Park playground is open! The updated play area offers a new playground featuring a tube slide, tower, swings and climbing obstacles. New asphalt pathways, seating areas and a combination of rubber and wood surfaces for kids to play on surround the new playground.        

Guelph, Ont.,  June 26, 2018 – Last night, City Council approved staff recommendations from the Boulevard Maintenance business service review final report keeping boulevard maintenance service levels at current standards, and implementing new processes for efficiencies. The report recommended no changes to the types or frequency of boulevard maintenance. Improvements will be made to gain efficiencies in maintaining City boulevards. The impacts of those recommendations include: Improved process and data consistency Enhanced processes to help staff forecast Increased collaboration of staff from different departments in the planning, development and inspection of boulevards Improved data collection and performance reporting Homeowners will continue to maintain the cul-de-sacs, front boulevards and side boulevards on their streets. What is a boulevard? Resources About the business service reviews Media contact… Continue reading Council approves Boulevard Maintenance business service review

Canada Day weekend fun in Margaret Greene and Exhibition parks Guelph, Ont., June 25, 2018 – Get ready kids, the City is expanding its popular Park Activation program by introducing two activation stations in Margaret Greene and Exhibition parks. “Park activation introduces new and unique ways for families to use park spaces, makes it easier for children to get active, and helps to improve a child’s physical and mental well-being. We’re excited to add the activation stations for a truly interactive park experience,” says Rachel Guerin, project specialist with Energize Guelph. The activation stations—modified shipping containers—arrive later this summer and when they do they’ll be open to the public, weather permitting, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.… Continue reading Activating Guelph’s parks

Guelph, Ont., June 19, 2018 – The community has selected the final design for the Ward to Downtown Bridge. Option one, featuring a bench, wide deck for river viewing, and a lookout area was voted as the favourite design option. “We’re very excited to see this project come to life,” says Luke Jefferson, manager of Open Space Planning with the City of Guelph. “Our community has waited a long time for a safe and vibrant bridge that connects one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods with the downtown.” Three designs were presented at a community open house on April 12, 2018 and 37 residents filled out a survey in person and online to select their favourite option. Option one was the most popular, with over 60… Continue reading Final design selected for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

June 14, 2018 Beginning on Monday, June 18, V.A. Woods Associates Limited, a contractor hired by the City of Guelph, will be working in South End Community Park and the adjacent parking lot. The City is conducting testing to determine the permeability of the soil on the property in preparation for the detail design of the South End Community Centre. The contractor will dig six test pits in predetermined locations over the course of six days (one pit per day). The pit being worked on will be backfilled at the end of the day. The work is expected to be done by June 25, weather permitting. All pits will be dug on public (City of Guelph) property. There are no road or park closures associated… Continue reading Notice: South End Community Park soil permeability testing

June 8, 2018 The City has posted an update on the detail design project of the South End Community Centre. The update includes an artist’s interpretation of what the inside and outside of the building may look like once built. Report

Guelph, Ont., May 28, 2018 – It’s time to celebrate, get active and try something new as June marks Recreation and Parks Month, International Trails Day, and Seniors’ Month in Guelph. Throughout the month, we’re offering free activities so you can discover all that Guelph has to offer indoors at our recreation facilities and outdoors in our beautiful parks. Practice your serve at one of our many tennis/pickleball courts, spark imagination and creativity at your neighbourhood park, have fun with your little one at our preschool drop in, participate in a kettlebell or aquafit class, or join in a free swim at one of our indoor pools. June also marks the opening of our splash pads, wading pools and Lyon Leisure Pool. On Saturday, June… Continue reading Get active, try something new

Trail and parking lot are closed until June 1 The City of Guelph continues construction on the Silvercreek Trail extension in Silvercreek Park, located at 142 Edinburgh Street South. The remaining work includes: Continuing the construction a three-metre wide asphalt trail Topcoat of asphalt Finalizing parking facility Landscape work including sodding and seeding Park users are not permitted inside the construction fencing that marks the active construction zone. Once the fencing is removed, the entire park space will be accessible to the public. Construction is expected to be complete by June 1, weather permitting. Silvercreek skatepark The skatepark will be closed on May 1 for one day, weather permitting. Temporary closures of the skatepark may be required intermittently throughout May. Visitors can check the Silvercreek… Continue reading Construction notice: Silvercreek Trail extension continues May 1

Guelph, Ont., April 16, 2018 – The results are in! Out of the surveys received, 78 per cent of residents were in favour of a Howitt Park community garden. As a result, the garden will move ahead this summer. Residents who took the survey commented that the park was a “lovely idea”, especially for residents without a yard or garden of their own. They also believe it presents a greater opportunity to foster community togetherness and a love of local food. A few residents also shared their concerns, questions and comments about the proposed community garden including: impacts to the garden from pets and wildlife, vandalism, suitable location, infrastructure, and growing conditions, the development proposal for the property next door, the size of the garden,… Continue reading We asked, you responded: survey feedback is in favour of a Howitt Park community garden

Have your say between until May 3 The next phase of the Parkland Dedication Bylaw review is underway. We invite you to read the draft Parkland Dedication Bylaw and provide comments. The Parkland Dedication Bylaw requires developers to either transfer land to the City to be used as parkland or offer payment in lieu of the land. This bylaw is the City’s way of making sure that as Guelph grows, our parks and open spaces grow with it. Your feedback will help staff develop the final draft bylaw that will go to Council in summer 2018. You can mail or email your comments to Jyoti Pathak, Park Planner with the City of Guelph. Read the draft bylaw For information on the Parkland Dedication Bylaw review,… Continue reading The draft Parkland Dedication Bylaw is now ready for review

Guelph, Ont., April 16, 2018 — The City of Guelph has received final soil testing results for Goldie Mill Park and is set to begin remediation work this summer. Site testing has confirmed earlier results; that chemicals in the soil are consistent with those typically found based on the site’s former manufacturing activities. Historically, the Goldie Mill property was used as a sawmill, foundry, cooperage, distillery, piggery and tannery. The west side of Joseph Wolfond Park was used for furniture manufacturing operations. Remediation work is part of the City’s plan to address soil conditions and sinkholes in the park, which is owned by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and managed by the City. A plan will be put in place to protect workers and… Continue reading City plans for remediation work at Goldie Mill Park

New trees to be planted as part of park master plan Guelph, Ont., April 5, 2018 – The City of Guelph is working with Full Circle Tree Care to remove 2 trees and 12 saplings at Mico Valeriote Park on Friday, April 6. The removal of these trees, and the planting of 14 new trees, is part of the park’s new master plan. The majority of the trees in the park will remain; however, the removed trees will accommodate the park’s new features including new open space, a large playground, a water play pump and natural areas with seating and pathways. Construction of the new playground is scheduled to begin in summer and be completed by the end of 2018. For more information Mallory Lemon,… Continue reading Mico Valeriote Park tree removal starts April 6

During last fall’s engagement process for Mico Valeriote Park, located at 235 Elizabeth Street, we heard from the community on the concept design, park features, playground theme, and overall preferred park design. Playground theme For the playground, the community was asked to vote on a favourite theme. The Woodland themed-concept received the most votes. As a result, three playground concepts were designed around this theme. The concepts met the City’s expectations for quality, warranty, playability, creativity, and accessibility, and we believe the concepts also reflected the community’s outdoor recreational needs and aspirations. Playground design Between February 5 and 18, 2018, the community was asked to vote on a favourite playground concept. One hundred and seventy two (172) people responded online and through email to vote for… Continue reading Mico Valeriote Park Master Plan engagement summary

Guelph, Ont., March 26, 2018 – Earlier today, the City of Guelph was honoured with a 2018 Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award at the inaugural Age Friendly Community Symposium held in Toronto. The awards celebrate the work of Ontario communities that are striving to become age friendly. “Guelph is a great place to live and age well, and I’m proud our efforts to become an age-friendly community have been recognized with this notable provincial award. It’s an award our entire community can celebrate,” says Mayor Cam Guthrie. On hand to accept the award were Manon Germain, project specialist with Age-Friendly Guelph, and Adam Rutherford, programming and community development supervisor with the City. The recognition program, introduced last year by the Ministry of Seniors Affairs, includes… Continue reading City receives provincial award for its age-friendly initiatives

The City of Guelph is hosting a public open house to share and discuss three concept designs for a pedestrian bridge over the Speed River from St. Patrick’s Ward to downtown. The bridge will run parallel to the Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) train tracks, located just east of Wellington Street. Thursday, April 12, 2018 2–4 p.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m. City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph Why come to the open house? This is your opportunity to view and provide input on three bridge concepts. The City is looking to better understand what concepts are preferred, how the bridges will be used, and any impacts the bridge may have on individuals or the neighbourhood. City Staff and project consultants will be available to answer your questions.… Continue reading Open House: Have your say on three concept designs for the Ward to Downtown Bridge

Hey, students and parents! Check this out. The Leadership Aquatic program, a partnership between the City and Upper Grand District School Board, is designed for high school students who want to receive the necessary training to become employed as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor. Students enrolled in the program also receive an aquatic physical education credit (course code PAQ402) and a recreation and healthy active leadership credit (course code PLF4M2) towards their high school diploma. Benefits The program is an opportunity for students to receive lifelong leadership and valuable job skills. Students in the program provide water safety education and conduct swimming lessons by volunteering with elementary school children. At the end of the semester, students are job ready and can attend a hiring screening… Continue reading Guelph’s Leadership Aquatic program for high school students

Prime time ice available at City facilities. Continue reading Prime time ice available

Download it now or pick it up March 9 at City Hall, River Run Centre,West End Community Centre, Victoria Road Recreation Centre, Evergreen Seniors Community Centre and library branches in Guelph. Continue reading Register for spring/summer recreation programs starting March 7

Guelph, Ont., February 20, 2018 – The Guelph Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors is pleased to announce the names of the 2018 inductees who will be celebrated at a ceremony this May. This year’s inductees are Bryan DeCorso (athlete), Charles Robert Crowe (veteran athlete) and Rob Pavan (veteran athlete), Dave Scott-Thomas (builder), and in the team category the 2003 Guelph Royals Midget AAA Baseball Team. The induction ceremony will take place during the annual Kiwanis Sports Celebrity Dinner on Wednesday, May 16 at the Italian Canadian Club. Tickets, available March 5, are $80 per adult and $35 for students 17 years of age and younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 519-822-1260 extension 2033 or email coralee.barfoot@guelph.ca. About the Guelph Sports… Continue reading Guelph Sports Hall of Fame welcomes five inductees

Guelph, Ont., January 25, 2018 – The City of Guelph has introduced  a single-application process for residents who are applying for a subsidy program like the Affordable Buss Pass, Fee Assistance in Recreation (FAIR) and animal licensing. “This new process makes it much easier for our residents when filling out the paperwork,” says Alex Goss, manager of Community Investment. “The one application saves time and reduces the need for our residents to share sensitive information over and over again.” Residents can apply for the City’s subsidy programs online at guelph.ca under the How can we help you? tab. Residents can also download the application, fill it out and return it to Service Guelph at City Hall, the West End Community Centre, Victoria Road Recreation Centre,… Continue reading City improves application process for subsidy programs

Guelph, Ont., January 15, 2018 – The City of Guelph is asking residents to help develop a master plan for Starwood Park, located at 510 Starwood Drive in the city’s east end. The park master planning process is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and assist the City in creating a master plan that reflects the community’s outdoor recreational need and aspirations. Until January 26, residents can review three concept designs and vote on playground components for the neighbourhood park. The design concepts can be viewed at guelph.ca/starwood. Feedback received will inform the preferred park concept design and residents will have an opportunity to review and comment on the preferred design between March 5 and 16. Comments can also be emailed to Jyoti Pathak… Continue reading City seeks input on Starwood Park design

December 20, 2017 Over the next three weeks, the City will be identifying and marking public trees in ash dominated wooded areas that are dead or have the likely potential to become a hazard. Only trees that could fall on trails, private property, sidewalks, or roads are affected. The identification and marking of hazardous public trees is part of the City’s regular, ongoing tree maintenance, and aligns with the Emerald Ash Borer plan. Hazardous trees located in wooded areas within local parks and woodlots across Guelph will either be marked with an orange ‘X’ for removal, an orange dot for pruning, and blue paint to identify a potential wildlife tree. Removals are scheduled to begin in 2018. Natural areas include: Ellis Creek Hadati Creek Margaret… Continue reading City identifying, marking hazardous trees for removal

As part of the 2018 budget, City Council approved a series of rate and fee increases to ensure that the City is able to continue delivering programs and services that meet the community’s expectations. Continue reading City’s 2018 rates and fees released

Guelph, Ont., December 11, 2017 – The City of Guelph is asking residents to help develop a master plan for Cedarvale Avenue Park, located at 32 Cedarvale Avenue in the city’s east end. The park master planning process is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and assist the City in creating a master plan that reflects the community’s outdoor recreational need and aspirations. Until January 1, 2018, residents can review two concept designs and vote on playground components for the neighbourhood park. From January 29 to February 11, residents can review and comment on the preferred park concept design. Design concepts can be viewed at guelph.ca/cedarvaleavenue and comments can be submitted online or by emailing Helen White at helen.white@guelph.ca. Feedback received will inform the park… Continue reading City seeks input on Cedarvale Avenue Park

Hockey tournament being rescheduled Guelph, Ont., December 9, 2017—Around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, there was a minor ammonia leak at Exhibition Arena. A girl’s hockey tournament was underway when the leak was discovered. Everyone was safely evacuated and no injuries or illnesses were reported. “The leak has been found, stopped and is being repaired,” says Heather Flaherty, general manager of Parks and Recreation for the City of Guelph. “We’re working with the tournament coordinators to arrange delivery of items left in change rooms during the evacuation, and to reschedule the tournament.” Safety systems installed at the arena alerted staff to the issue which allowed them to act quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. Staff followed emergency protocols in place as per their training to safely evacuate… Continue reading Minor ammonia leak closes Exhibition Arena

Guelph, Ont., November 15, 2017 – The City of Guelph is pleased to announce MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects (MJMA) as the successful bidder for the South End Community Centre detailed design work. MJMA, a Toronto-based multidisciplinary design firm that specializes in projects that advance personal and civic wellness, was selected from 13 submissions received as part of the City’s Request for Proposal. “We’re excited to work with MJMA—a company that has a 30-year legacy of design excellence in aquatic, arena, sport and recreation projects,” says Heather Flaherty, general manager of Parks and Recreation, adding that MJMA has designed more than 25 facilities across Canada with similar amenities proposed for the South End Community Centre. Over the next few months, the project team, community stakeholders, and MJMA… Continue reading City hires architect for South End Community Centre detailed design