Category Archives: Parks and trails

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guelph, Ont., October 13, 2017 – The City of Guelph is gathering community input as part of the Guelph Trail Master Plan (GTMP) Update project. The Guelph Trail Master Plan provides strategic direction and specific guidelines for work related to City trails, including trail planning, land securement, funding, design, implementation, operation, promotion and maintenance. “Updating the existing master plan is an opportunity for us to incorporate additional items such as new trail design guidelines, a trail promotion strategy, revised trail routes, and new types of trail facilities,” says Helen White, a park planner with the City. Trail user groups are invited to attend an information session, including presentation, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17 at Guelph City Hall. A drop-in session for land owners… Continue reading City seeks community input on Guelph Trail Master Plan

The City of Guelph is hosting three information sessions as part of the Guelph Trail Master Plan (GTMP) Update project. Specifically, the City would like to hear from residents on the master plan goal, guiding principles, promotion strategy, trail route planning, land securement, funding, design, implementation, maintenance and operation. Thursday, October 19 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (drop in) Guelph Public Library 100 Norfolk Street Thursday, October 19 7–9 p.m. (presentation at 7:30 p.m.) Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 683 Woolwich Street Saturday, October 21 7 a.m.–noon (drop in) Guelph Farmer’s Market 2 Gordon Street Have your say Can’t make it to an information session? An online survey will be available October 19 at guelph.ca/haveyoursay. Deadline for input is November 10, 2017. About the project The GTMP provides… Continue reading Notice: Guelph Trail Master Plan Update information sessions

September 29, 2017 Beginning on Wednesday, October 4, archeology consultants and contractors hired by the City of Guelph will be working in South End Community Park. The City is conducting a Stage II Archeological Assessment in the park in preparation for the design of the South End Community Centre. Work is being carried out by ASI (Archaeological Service Inc.) and their subcontractors. Selective borehole drilling is expected to occur over a four–day period, weather permitting. All holes are being drilled on public (City of Guelph) property. There are no road or park closures associated with the work. For more information Tiffany Hanna Park Planner, Open Space Planning Parks and Recreation 519-822-1260 extension 3371 tiffany.hanna@guelph.ca

September 28, 2017 In late June, the City of Guelph started the development and construction of Ellis Creek Park, located at 59 Westra Drive. The construction project includes the installation of playground equipment, asphalt and concrete pathways, shade features, seating areas, tree planting and naturalized plantings. During construction, there will be periodic closures of the existing trail. Residents 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. The work is being done by Euro Landscape Construction and Grounds Inc. and is expected to be completed by mid to late October 2017, weather depending. The project was originally expected to be done by September 30. However, unexpected… Continue reading Ellis Creek Park construction

Open house October 5 at City Hall Guelph, Ont., September 22, 2017 – The City of Guelph is inviting members of the public to attend an open house on Thursday, October 5, in updating its parkland dedication strategy. “Parkland dedication is one of a number of tools that the City uses to secure additions to its park system through the development approval process; it’s also a tool that can be employed to manage or facilitate growth in Guelph,” says Jyoti Pathak, a park planner with the City. The first session is from 2-4 p.m., followed by an evening session from 6-8 p.m. Both sessions take place at City Hall and there is a formal presentation within the first half hour. City staff and The Planning… Continue reading City seeks input on parkland dedication strategy

The City of Guelph is updating its parkland dedication strategy. This update is required under Section 42 of the Planning Act and will implement the revised parkland dedication policies adopted by Council under Section 7.3 of Official Plan Amendment 48. Learn more about the Parkland Dedication Bylaw review and update by joining City staff at a public open house. Thursday, October 5 2–4 p.m. (2:30 p.m. presentation) or 6–8 p.m. (6:30 p.m. presentation) Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street The open house is your opportunity to: view a presentation (background research, what we’ve heard from key stakeholders to date, and draft framework for parkland dedication in Guelph); ask questions about the project; and provide feedback to City staff and the project consultants. Have your say!… Continue reading Notice: Parkland Dedication Bylaw open house

September 15, 2017 On Tuesday, September 19, engineering consultants and contractors hired by the City of Guelph will be working in Mico Valeriote Park. The City is conducting geotechnical investigations in the park to understand the subgrade and soil conditions in preparation for park reconstruction. Work is being carried out by Chung and Vander Doelen Engineering Ltd. and their subcontractors. Drilling is expected to occur over a one–day period, weather permitting. All holes are being drilled on public (City of Guelph) property. There are no road or park closures associated with the work. For more information Tiffany Hanna Park Planner Park and Open Space Planning 519-822-1260 extension 3371 tiffany.hanna@guelph.ca

Guelph, Ont., August 16, 2017 – The City of Guelph is asking residents to help develop a new master plan for Mico Valeriote Park, located at 235 Elizabeth Street. The park master planning process is an opportunity for residents to review three concept designs and comment on possible amenities for the neighbourhood park. Given the park’s size and proximity to residential backyards, City staff are considering a combination of the following amenities: Community garden space Goal post for mini soccer Junior playground (ages 0 to five) Large accessible play structure Natural playground Outdoor ping pong or chess table Sandbox Seating areas Shelter Swing set Tricycle track with painted lines Walking/running path Influence park design Design concepts can be viewed at guelph.ca/micovaleriote and comments can be… Continue reading City seeks input on Mico Valeriote Park

August 11, 2017 Staff report – June 6, 2017 – PS-17-10 The City has updated its approach to wading pools and splash pads as it prepares to address aging infrastructure, water use, and future community outdoor recreational needs. This approach includes closing Guelph’s aging wading pools in Sunny Acres, Mico Valeriote and Exhibition parks and replacing them with a splash pad and/or other park amenity. The three wading pools have reached the end of their service life and require significant capital investment to maintain and keep them operational. The wading pools were built in 1947 (Sunny Acres), 1974 (Mico Valeriote) and 1970s (Exhibition). Before the wading pools are removed, park master plans will need to be completed and approved by Guelph City Council. As always,… Continue reading Guelph updates its approach to wading pools, splash pads

Pilot program aims to reduce recyclables going to landfill Guelph, Ont., Wednesday, June 28, 2017 – Wait! Don’t toss that empty plastic sports drink or water bottle into the garbage; use the blue recycling cart that’s provided. That’s the message from City staff to park users visiting one of Guelph’s 30 community and neighbourhood parks that are part of a two-stream (garbage and recycling) collection pilot program. “Guelph’s residents are already recycling at home and we want to encourage that same behaviour in our parks,” says Dave Beaton, supervisor of Trails and Natural Areas Stewardship. In May, the City installed 150 recycling blue carts and 50 waste grey carts in parks that have sports fields. To assist park users with what goes where, signs are… Continue reading Sorting it right in Guelph’s parks this summer

May 4, 2017 On May 11, the City of Guelph will begin trail work to improve a 100-metre section within Silvercreek Park at the end of Municipal Street. The work involves widening the trail to three metres, re-grading the slope to improve the grade and water drainage, and asphalting the trail to reduce ongoing erosion. The upgrades will limit the need for ongoing maintenance, improve the safety and accessibility of the trail, reduce the likelihood of sediment entering the Speed River, and make it easier to perform winter maintenance. The work should take four days to complete. No trees will be removed or damaged as part of this work and measures will be taken to control sediment during and after construction. This trail forms part… Continue reading Notice: Silvercreek Park trail improvements

Guelph, Ont., August 19, 2016 – For a second year in a row, the City of Guelph has been honoured with a first place award in the Ontario Parks Association’s Municipal Floral Display Competition. The City’s Parks Operations and Forestry division took home the top award in the best median and boulevard planting category for its “four corners yellow bed” garden, located at the corner of Macdonell and Wyndham streets. The winners in five categories were announced yesterday, August 18, at the Landscape Ontario and University of Guelph Trial Gardens open house in Milton. “I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts, competitive spirit, and Guelph pride that our horticulture team brings to its work every day to make Guelph a beautiful place to live, work… Continue reading City takes first place in municipal floral display competition

This summer, the City of Guelph will begin phase two construction of Jubilee Park, located at 11 Sweeney Drive. Phase two involves the installation of tennis courts, a splash pad, and natural playground, as well as mechanical and electrical services. During construction, residents can access the park’s open spaces and playground. However, residents 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. The work, to be completed by Gateman-Milloy Inc., is expected to be completed by December 31, weather depending. For more information Tiffany Brûlé, OALA, CSLA Park Planner, Parks and Recreation 519-822-1260 x 3371 tiffany.brule@guelph.ca

Guelph, Ont., May 27, 2016 – The City of Guelph and Kindle Communities Inc., are hosting two open houses to hear from residents about a potential community hub within Brant Avenue Park. The open house sessions, taking place Saturday, May 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday, May 31 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Brant Avenue Public School, 64 Brant Avenue, are an opportunity for residents to learn more, ask questions, and provide input about a potential community hub and park changes. Alex Goss, the City’s manager of Community Investment, explains that community hubs—typically located in neighbourhood settings—provide a central access point for a range of needed health and social services, along with cultural, recreational, and green spaces to nourish community life. “The… Continue reading City, Kindle hosting open houses to discuss potential community hub

In May 2016, the City of Guelph purchased two acres of land from the Upper Grand District School Board, located between Brant Avenue Public School and Brant Avenue Park. The City, in partnership with a number of community partners, supports the development of a community hub (building and parking lot) within the park and the green space acquired from the school board will become park space. Preliminary estimates indicate a potential Brant Community Hub could be up to 10,000 to 11,000 square feet in size with 30,000 square feet required for parking. Have your say The City of Guelph and Kindle Communities Inc., hosted two open houses on May 28 and 31 to hear from residents about a potential community hub within Brant Avenue Park. Feedback received will be considered… Continue reading Potential Brant Community Hub

Guelph’s Market Square and pollinator park are listed among 15 “Thriving Places” in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Continue reading Guelph is creating spaces for people as we grow

City and Earthscape honoured at 2016 PRO Awards Guelph, Ont., April 14, 2016 – The City of Guelph and Earthscape were honoured last Thursday evening at the annual Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) Educational Forum. The City and Earthscape took home an Awards of Excellence in the Excellence in Design Award category for the new natural playground space in Exhibition Park. “We are honoured to share this PRO Award with Earthscape, which recognizes their professional and unique approach of designing public spaces, their culture of putting kids first and dedication to adapting to client and site specific needs,” says Rory Templeton, landscape planner with the City and manager of the Exhibition Park play equipment project. Each year, through its awards program, PRO recognizes and honours… Continue reading Guelph’s Exhibition Park wins design award

A look at some of the budget details On December 10, 2015, City Council approved a $216 million operating budget and a $61 million capital budget for 2016. This represents a 2.99 per cent tax increase over 2015. In approving the budget, Council approved $3.6 million in reductions to the base budget which included adjustments to purchased goods and services, revenue including a 15 per cent increase to vendor fees at the Guelph Farmers’ Market, and service level changes for Guelph Transit (described below). Within the capital budget, Council approved 124 projects including but not limited to Transit fare box replacement, vehicle and equipment lifecycle replacements, bridge replacements/upgrades (including Niska Bridge), South End Community Park continued implementation, and downtown parkade construction. The following identifies the… Continue reading 2016 budget highlights