Category Archives: Recreation

Holiday hours for the City of Guelph facilities and programs. Continue reading Holiday hours for City facilities and services

Holiday swims and skates at our recreation facilities. Continue reading Holiday swims and skates

Riverside Park Amusement Ride Pass and City Card. Continue reading Gifts for everyone on your list

How can we improve your trail experience? Do you live close enough to a park? Do you prefer drop-in or registered recreation programs? Continue reading It’s your voice! Have your say on trails, parks and recreation in Guelph

The City of Guelph is hosting an open house to present plans for construction of a fenced leash-free area at Bristol Street Park.    Continue reading Attend the open house for the Bristol Street dog park on November 20

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

A listing of PD Day public swims and skates for the 2019/2020 school year. Continue reading PD Day swims and skates

Centennial Pool has reached the end of its life cycle and is no longer financially sustainable. Continue reading Staff recommends early end to Centennial Pool license agreement

Mark your calendar! Registration day is Wednesday, September 4 (starting at 7:30 a.m.) for fall and winter City recreation programs. Continue reading Registration day is September 4 for fall/winter recreation programs

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

The City of Guelph is updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide how it plans for the future development of recreational services and infrastructure in Guelph. Continue reading Your parks. Your recreation. Your voice.

Be heard on Bill 108. Submit your comments on the Bill’s regulations. On June 6, 2019, the Provincial Legislature passed Bill 108: More Homes, More Choice Act into law. Most of the concerns and proposed solutions expressed by municipalities and citizens were not reflected in the Act at the time of passing. We still have an opportunity to influence how this law is put into motion. The City will continue to work with ministries to design the rules, policies and related programs under Bill 108 as the regulations are being crafted. You can get involved by voicing your opinions on specific regulations during this consultation period. Background On May 2, 2019, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released its More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s… Continue reading Understanding Bill 108

Join in celebrating the benefits of recreation and parks in everyday life. Continue reading June is Recreation and Parks Month

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

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

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.

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.        

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

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., 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., 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

Guelph, Ont., October 2, 2017– The City of Guelph has received grants totalling $115,400 from the Ministry of Seniors Affairs. The grants will help offset day-to-day operating and maintenance costs at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre and West End Community Centre. In addition, two special grants, totalling $30,000, will cover items not funded by the maintenance and operating grants. At the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, the $15,000 special grant will pay for promotional signs for the Guelph-Wellington Seniors Association travel group, seating for the front lobby, chairs for the boardroom, fitness equipment for strength training and balance, brochure printing costs, training equipment, and First Aid certification training for volunteers. The $15,000 special grant for the West End Community Centre will pay for fitness equipment for… Continue reading City receives $115,400 from Ontario government

Guelph, Ont., June 20, 2017 – The media and community are invited to join us on Saturday, June 24, as we host a grand reopening celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the newly renovated Victoria Road Recreation Centre, 151 Victoria Road North. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off the celebrations, followed by family-friendly activities, community displays and self-guided facility tours. Residents are also invited to take in a free public swim in the Victor Davis Pool between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The aging and outdated recreation facility, built in 1974, was renovated between March 2016 and June 2017 to improve accessibility, security, customer service, and to offer new programming space for leisure and recreation programs. For more information on the project, visit… Continue reading Celebrate the grand reopening of Guelph’s Victoria Road Recreation Centre

Guelph, Ont., Wednesday, April 26, 2017 – For the past two decades, the Guelph Community Pottery Centre has never had a studio space to call its own; that all changed earlier this month when the pottery centre relocated from a shared space to a newly renovated facility at 14 Edinburgh Road South. “Having a dedicated, permanent teaching space allows us to offer more pottery classes, workshops and open studio, giving the community more opportunity to get involved in the art of pottery. We’re also excited to use the outdoor green space for programming and pottery art exhibits,” says Tonie Sacchetti, recreation program coordinator at the City. The pottery centre, located within a short walk from a Guelph Transit stop, is equipped with 10 electric pottery… Continue reading Guelph Community Pottery Centre finds new permanent home

April 13, 2017 Construction crews have been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes As of April 11, 2017, a summary of the work completed or underway. Pool Pool gutters filled and water tightness test conducted Installation of ceramic tile in teaching pool complete Myrtha insert liner installation ongoing Bulkhead assembly and installation New LED lights installed Filtration room assembly underway Pool Filter room work ongoing Change room hallway painted and tiled Acoustic tile installation to begin New addition Ceiling drywall underway Masonry work completed in vestibule Painting in all rooms ongoing Glass installed in hallways Door installation underway Arena Arena board replacement underway New dehumidification unit to be installed prior to grand reopening Third floor Millwork… Continue reading April marks one year construction anniversary of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation

March 16, 2017 Construction crews have been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes As of March 14, 2017, a summary of the work completed or underway. Pool New pool deck drainage complete Teaching pool forming, water and pressure tests complete Preparing teaching pool for ceramic tile Myrtha insert work continuing New anchors installed for diving board placement Lockers in place in change rooms Painting continues  New addition Curtain wall complete Bulkhead work ongoing in lobby and along pool wall Metal roof work almost complete Metal siding install has begun Lobby walls—drywall taping complete  Arena Ice rentals winding up New arena boards to be replaced in April New dehumidification unit to be installed prior to grand reopening Header… Continue reading Go behind the scenes at Victoria Road Recreation Centre

Guelph received the 2017 Municipality of the Year Award from Festivals and Events Ontario Continue reading Guelph wins Festival and Events Ontario’s “Municipality of the Year” award

February 22, 2017 Plans are underway for the June 24 grand reopening of Victoria Road Recreation Centre. Watch for details in the coming weeks. Behind the scenes As of February 22, 2017, a summary of the work completed or underway. New addition Installed remaining curtain wall Sprinkler mains in filtration room installed Roof install underway including gutter tie in Installing rails in elevator shaft and elevator machine room equipment Continue spray foam install along exterior walls Pool Continue Myrtha gutter install, completed lap pool drain pipe install, started pool deck trench drain install, form surge tank lid Ceramic floor tile work in change rooms Locker install in pool change rooms Continued backfilling of lap and teaching pools, excavated for pool deck drain piping Continue installing… Continue reading Plans underway for Victoria Road Recreation Centre grand reopening

Construction crews have been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes As of January 31, 2017, a summary of the work completed or underway. New addition Washroom  and waterline main rough-ins  going in Masonry walls continue to be installed Sprinkler pipe install Third floor T-bar ceiling framing Continue spray foam installation of addition exterior walls, fire spray underside of second/third floor mezzanines Begin change room tile floor install Curtain wall install Door frame install continuing on all floors Court yard base plates and steel installed Metal roof install Pool area Underground pool deck drainage piping around pool Continued addition duct install, insulate duct work in addition Teaching pool ramp, bench, and steps formed and poured Continuing Myrtha… Continue reading Construction continues at Victoria Road Recreation Centre

With only 15 weeks left in the main construction schedule, there are many things happening at the Victoria Road Recreation Centre. Behind the scenes As of January 13, 2017, a summary of the work completed or underway. Pool area Teaching pool  has been poured Main pool insert work has begun Change rooms and washrooms are ready for plumbing fixtures and lighting Open areas are awaiting glass glazing Walls have been prepped for acoustic panels Ceiling and duct work has been painted New addition Floor poured Stair treads on all levels to be poured Framing has begun for ne multipurpose room Millwork measurements have been taken for customer service counter Second floor Masonry work continuing Washroom upgrades underway Railing installed Lobby being prepared for concrete pour… Continue reading Countdown is on!

Today, October 4, City staff will take over occupancy of the arena and begin preparations for ice making. Ice users will take to the ice on October 15. Construction crews have also been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes As of October 4, 2016, a summary of the work completed or underway. Arena ceiling painting complete Washroom partitions at arena change room washrooms Fencing to be installed for arena patrons Courtyard foundation to be formed and poured Onsite structural steel started Duct work at penthouse; rough-in at first floor masonry walls; install water meter guelph.ca/vrrcrenovations

Construction crews have been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes As of September 6, 2016, a summary of the work completed or underway. All requirements are on track for partial occupancy of arena New LED lighting installed in arena Arena change rooms being painted Emergency lights and exist signs installed in arena Showers tiled Penthouse work ongoing Filter room foundation poured For a behind-the-scenes look, visit guelph.ca/vrrcrenovations

Construction crews have been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes As of August 3, 2016, a summary of the work completed or underway. Penthouse roof removed New air handling roof top units installed Structural steel in place for third floor barrier free area West wall foundation poured Stormwater gallery in place New waterline trenching to road Masonry work beginning on third floor As of August 9, 2016, a summary of the work completed or underway. Air handling equipment was craned up to mechanical penthouse Water softeners installed New watermain excavation underway Waterproofing of new addition – West foundation wall in progress Skate tile flooring removal Fire sprinkler system being installed in arena Check out our construction… Continue reading Masonry work begins

Construction crews have been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes As of July 18, 2016, a summary of the work completed or underway. Elevator—form, place rebar and pour concrete at elevator shaft Preparation for air handling units to be installed in penthouse Level  and compact granular material at pool change rooms Watermain replacement work underway Arena sprinkler system work ongoing guelph.ca/vrrcrenovations

Over the past two weeks, construction crews have been busy with the following aspects of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre renovation. Behind the scenes A summary of the work completed as of June 13, 2016. Excavation for underpinning – pool filtration room Installation of sanitary services manhole Footings installed for new addition Sprinkler work beginning in Arena Masonry work beginning on second and third floors guelph.ca/vrrcrenovations

policuelph, Ont., July 14, 2016 – Quarterly updates that include budget and progress status are now publicly available for three of the City’s major capital projects. “Consistent public reporting is one aspect of our commitment to evolve our project management practices on large-scale construction projects,” said Scott Stewart, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Services. “We’re accountable to manage these projects well and that involves routinely communicating the status of the schedules and budgets.” The updates are available for the City’s capital projects that are considered complex and high risk, based on a number of factors that include price. These factors are listed in a tiered classification framework for project management standards, developed by the City’s Project Management Office. The three projects… Continue reading City publishes quarterly updates on large construction projects

Ontario is investing up to $13,990 in three projects in Guelph and Wellington County through the Seniors Community Grant program, which will help seniors stay connected, active and engaged in their communities. Continue reading Ontario announces year-three Seniors Community Grant recipients

Victoria Road Recreation Centre is a shadow of its former self as work continues on the renovation project. Behind the scenes A summary of the work completed as of June 13, 2016. Main entrance demolition complete Pedestrian entrance ramp demolished to make way for new addition Interior walls at pool level removed for new change rooms Pool filter room equipment removed and demolished for expansion Main lobby demolition complete Plumbing, electrical and mechanical work ongoing New tube heaters installed at arena bleachers New arena lighting roughed in for replacement Existing teaching pool demolished Pool bulkhead removed Mechanical room (penthouse) equipment removed HVAC rough-ins continuing Tile removed from arena level washrooms and showers Storm and sanitary site services installed New hydro duct bank installed for electrical… Continue reading Construction, demolition work well underway

Guelph, Ont., June 7, 2016 – The media is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 9 to mark the opening of Guelph’s first-ever community skatepark. The skateboard facility—located in Silvercreek Park—features a variety of elements to challenge novice through expert riders. The Silvercreek Skatepark combines the best of transition/bowl features (think swimming pool made for skateboarding) with banks, rails, stairs and ledges that riders crave in the streets. The skatepark’s location within a park setting allows for great sightlines, includes shaded areas and is in a central location on a major transportation/bus route that allows for equitable access across the community. The skatepark was built by Gateman Milloy Inc., who was awarded the $905,510 (excluding taxes) project last fall. What Silvercreek Skatepark… Continue reading Silvercreek Skatepark opens Thursday afternoon

On March 31, 2016 Victoria Road Recreation Centre (VRRC) will close to the public for 12 to 15 months while the facility undergoes extensive renovations. Continue reading Council gives final green light for renovations to start

Community invited to participate in kick-off celebration Guelph, Ont., February 10, 2016 – On Friday, February 12, the City of Guelph will launch Energize Guelph, a local initiative of the province’s Healthy Kids Community Challenge. The free kick-off event, from 5 to 8 p.m. inside City Hall, is open to all ages and includes live music, games and activities, and hot chocolate. There will also be ice skating, weather permitting, in Market Square. Energize Guelph representatives will be onsite providing information about the program, which aims to support the well-being of Guelph’s children and youth through the promotion of healthy eating, physical activity and healthy behaviours. What Energize Guelph official launch Who Mayor Cam Guthrie Energize Guelph representatives Various youth bands Where City Hall Galleria/Market… Continue reading City launches Energize Guelph initiative on February 12

Potential site is City-owned land south of Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School Guelph, ON, May 30, 2014 – On June 11, Guelph’s Community and Social Services Committee will receive a staff report recommending a new community centre in the city’s south end—an area that has seen significant population growth. Staff will ask City Council to endorse the proposed location, refer the proposed costs—an estimated $59 million—to the 2015 capital budget process, and direct staff to continue discussions about possible shared space uses with potential partner organizations. The recommendations are based on the results of a citywide needs assessment and feasibility study of existing recreational facilities and programs. “We collaborated with residents and recreational user groups, online and in-person, to determine and develop a plan that… Continue reading City staff recommends community centre for Guelph’s south end