Category Archives: Parks and trails

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

April 20, 2018 Due to the recent ice storm and lingering wintry conditions, we are delaying the official opening of the City’s sports fields, including ball diamonds. We expect to open ball diamonds on May 11 and sports fields on May 18. Delaying the official opening by about 11 days will help us maintain the integrity of our sports fields and provide safe playing conditions for our users. Currently, the sports fields remain covered in ice and snow and our employees haven’t been able to start the necessary preparations for the upcoming sports season. We do expect melting to occur over the next week when temperatures return to seasonal norms. However, soil conditions will be saturated and it will take some time for the ground… Continue reading Notice: Opening of City’s sports fields and ball diamonds is delayed

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

Tennis players should use St. George’s Park in the interim Guelph, Ont., April 17, 2018 – The Skov Park tennis courts will be closed starting May 1 for replacement. The courts will reopen on July 1, 2018, weather permitting. The new courts will include new surfacing, nets and fencing. Anyone looking to continue playing tennis during May should use the tennis courts at St. George’s Park. For more information Stefan Ilic, Project Specialist Open Space Planning, Parks and Recreation City of Guelph 519-822-1260 extension 3349 stefan.ilic@guelph.ca

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

Guelph, Ont., April 12, 2018 – Ten playgrounds across the city will be upgraded this year.  Each playground will be closed during construction. Parks receiving playground upgrades and the estimated construction period is as follows: Centennial Park, construction complete Jensen Park, currently under construction with a mid-April opening Carter Park, opening mid-May Guelph Lake, April 4 until mid-May Kimberley Park, April 4 until mid-May Springdale Park, April 16 until mid-May Waverley Park, May 18 until mid-June Mollison Park, June 22 until August 1 Oak Street Park, May 14 until mid-July Hugh Guthrie Park, May 21 until July 1 We appreciate your patience as we complete these important playground upgrades. Construction dates are dependent on weather conditions. Updates on the construction of these playgrounds will be… Continue reading Upgrades coming to a playground near you

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

April 14 grand opening event is canceled The grand opening of Riverside Park’s nine-hole disc golf course was scheduled for April 14. “Disc golf is a combination of ultimate frisbee and golf,” explains Ian Ferguson, supervisor of turf and sports fields for the City of Guelph. “Players move from hole to hole, trying to get their disc into the disc golf basket at each hole. The goal is to complete the course in as few throws as possible.” Update: The grand opening event scheduled for April 14 is canceled due to the weather “We’re really excited to open this disc golf course,” says Ferguson “This project is a good example of how good  ideas can be put to great  use for the benefit of our… Continue reading Flying discs, not UFOs, land at Riverside Park

The City of Guelph is developing a park master 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 needs and aspirations. What we’ve heard Phase 1 of the community engagement is now closed. Thank you to residents who participated in reviewing the two concept designs and voting on playground components for the neighbourhood park. In late 2017, residents provided comments and voted on two park concept plans. More residents voted for Concept B: Natural Slopes. As a result, the preferred concept plan was based on that concept. Resident input was used to… Continue reading Cedarvale Avenue Park Master Plan engagement summary

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

Construction of the new Riverside Park playground is set to start on March 13 and last through to June. Continue reading Riverside Park playground construction starts March 13

South side of Silvercreek Trail from Edinburgh Road to Municipal Street UPDATE: The trail is now open as of February 26. The south side of Silvercreek Trail (a part of the Royal Recreation Trail) is closed due to flooding in the area from Edinburgh Road to Municipal Street. The trail will be closed until the flooding stops. Residents are reminded to stay away from rising waters. The City will update this notice and our social media feeds once the trail has reopened. The City appreciates your patience, understanding and co-operation during this closure. For more information Dave Beaton, Supervisor, Trails and Natural Areas Stewardship Parks Operations and Forestry, Parks and Recreation 519-822-1260 extension 2761 dave.beaton@guelph.ca  

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

All play equipment (swings, slides, climbers etc.) in the following neighbourhood/community parks will be replaced in 2018 with new equipment to meet current Canadian Standards Association standards: Drummond Park (Ward 1) 10 Drummond Place Green Meadows Park (Ward 1) 245 Stevenson Street North Lee Street Park (Ward 1) 71 Lee Street Peter Misersky Park (Ward 1) 122 Hadati Road Skov Park (Ward 2) 580 Eramosa Road Hanlon Creek Park (Ward 5) 505 Kortright Road West Steffler Park (Ward 5) 215 Ironwood Road John Gamble Park (Ward 6) 594 Kortright Road West Please submit your comments Your questions and comments will assist the City in choosing appropriate play equipment for your neighbourhood. Staff will consider the following: Comments submitted by residents Maximizing play value Diversifying the… Continue reading Notice: Playground equipment replacements

October 20, 2017 Starting October 23, the City of Guelph will begin construction on the Silvercreek Trail extension in Silvercreek Park, located at 142 Edinburgh Street South. The work will include: Clearing vegetation along the existing trail route; Constructing a three-metre wide asphalt trail, including drainage measures Installing information/education signs, permanent furniture, and naturalized plantings; Replacing existing shade structure with two new shade structures; Removing the volleyball courts; and Relocating parking During construction, park users can access the park’s open spaces and skatepark. However, if temporary closure of the park is required a notice will be posted. Vehicular access to the skatepark will be accommodated in Silvercreek Park on the east side of Edinburgh Road South. Park users are not permitted inside the construction fencing… Continue reading Construction notice: Silvercreek Trail extension

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

Guelph, Ont., Tuesday, June 27, 2017 – Finding a park in your neighbourhood got easier today, thanks to a new online locator tool launched by the City of Guelph. Residents and visitors to Guelph can use the tool, available at guelph.ca/parks, to search and find a park nearest to their location, get directions, search for a specific recreation or leisure activity offered, and learn about the park’s amenities such as a splash pad, play structure, picnic area and sports field. The City developed the tool as part of a system update to its inventory of all park assets. “We’re already collecting and recording the park information in our GIS system so making this information available to the public was an easy decision for us,” says… Continue reading Looking for a park? Try the City’s new online tool

May 19, 2017 In late May, the City of Guelph will begin construction of a new facility building in Eastview Community Park, located at 800 Watson Parkway North. The project involves the continued implementation of the Council-approved Eastview Park Master Plan. The new facility building will house four change rooms with showers, individual washrooms, two universal washrooms, two multi-stall accessible washrooms, a rentable concession space and storage space, two referee rooms, a first-aid room, janitorial room, and central service room. There will also be a mechanical room for a future splash pad. The site work will also include installing accessible pedestrian connections to the building entrances. The work will take about 40 weeks to complete. Site access Park access in the immediate work area will be… Continue reading Eastview Community Park construction

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

March 10, 2017  In late-April, the City of Guelph will begin construction of a new trail in the Northview Estate subdivision, located at 79 Mullin Drive. The project involves construction of a trail measuring about 600 metres long by 2.5 metres wide that is within the existing natural open space. The Northview Trail would provide an accessible, off-road connection between Northview Park, Victoriaview Trail and Guelph Lake Road. The contract work includes site grading and drainage, asphalt and limestone screening pathway, seating, signs, planting and seeding. During construction, the public will not have access to the trail site or surrounding open space. The work, to be completed by general contractor R & M Construction, is expected to be completed by July 14, weather depending. Northview… Continue reading Construction notice: Northview Trail

Update: December 13, 2016 In early January 2017, the City of Guelph will begin construction of a community ice rink in Colonial Drive Park, located at 181 Colonial Drive. A yard hydrant, small utility building, and a light pole will be added along the southeast boundary of the park. 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 CPM Construction, is expected to be completed by late January 2017, weather depending. Community ice rinks are maintained by neighborhood volunteers. If you would like to participate in the… Continue reading Colonial Drive Park community ice rink construction

Silvercreek Skatepark is closed on Wednesday, September 21 and Friday, September 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The closure allows the contractor to install the shade structures (sails) as part of the skatepark’s finishing touches.  

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

The City of Guelph and Guelph Humane Society are reminding trail users to be vigilant following coyote sightings along the Niska Trail in Guelph’s west end. In two separate incidents this month, a coyote has been stalking people and dogs. In the first incident, a coyote attacked a dog while the owner was hiking on the trail. In the second incident, the Ontario Provincial Police reported that a coyote had attempted to attack a hiker walking two dogs. It is not known if the same coyote was involved in both incidents. Continue reading Coyote sightings along popular Guelph trail

To prevent weeds, grass and other plants from interfering with railway operations, the Guelph Junction Railway is performing weed control along Guelph Junction Railway tracks between Woodlawn Road and Victoria Road. Continue reading 2016 Guelph Junction Railway weed control activities

Guelph, Ont., June 6, 2016 – In time for the summer season, Energize Guelph has launched a Park Activation program. 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. Kids and parents visiting Margaret Greene, Lee Street, Orin Reid and Exhibition parks—now until September—will be greeted by park activators (City program staff) who will introduce fun, new activities and ways to explore park spaces. Starting June 6, look for park activators on: Mondays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Margaret Greene Park, 80 Westwood Road Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lee Street Park, 71 Lee Street Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Orin… Continue reading Guelph’s parks get activated

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

Giant Hogweed is an invasive biennial or perennial plant. It reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet (three to four metres) when in flower and has hollow stems, two to four inches (five–ten centimetres) in diameter with dark reddish-purple spots and bristles. Continue reading Giant hogweed

Did you know that Guelph has over 70 km of trails and paths to enjoy? Walking and cycling are great ways to stay fit during the spring and summer months. Continue reading Getting active outside is fun… in the city