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Phase 1: Wyndham Street Reconstruction

About the project

The Phase 1: Wyndham Street Reconstruction project is the first detailed design and construction project in the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program. This work focuses on the reconstruction of Wyndham Street, from Wellington Street East to Woolwich Street. This project will also include the reconstruction of St. George’s Square. Construction will begin in April 2026. During construction:

  • All underground sewers and watermains will be replaced and upgraded,
  • The roads, sidewalks and cycling facilities will be upgraded and rebuilt, and
  • The surface will be replaced with updated and modernized streetscaping.

Third-party utility work (such as gas and electrical work) is currently underway prior to the reconstruction work starting in 2026. More details about this work is available.

We’re committed to working with the Downtown community to plan and schedule this work in a way that limits the impact to daily life as much as possible. Together, we’ll create innovative solutions to keep our historic core thriving during construction.

Map of the construction area

construction area map

Project progress

We are in the final stages of planning for construction to start in April 2026. The first section of Wyndham Street to be impacted will be from Wellington Street East to Douglas Street. The intersection of Macdonell Street and Wyndham Street will remain open for traffic on Macdonell. Visit Diggable Downlow for timely construction updates.

St. George’s Square

St. George’s Square will be revitalized as a central gathering space and hub for community programming. On December 16, 2025, the final plan for St. George’s Square was approved by Council.

The final plan includes these changes:

  • We’ve added a wow factor by adding a larger promenade that has overhead lighting around the perimeter of the square.
  • We’ve included additional natural materials, trees and plantings.
  • We’ve made the space more flexible with larger open spaces in the middle of the square and have shifted the Family Fountain closer to the Old Quebec Street Shoppes to open the space even more.
  • We have removed the public bathroom while still installing underground infrastructure to allow the addition in the future.
  • We’ve added lighting throughout the Square, including area lights, light sticks and lighting incorporated into the design of the planters.
  • The interactive placemaking structure has been moved closer to the new central library, with further engagement to come to determine what the structure will look like.

You can read the full Council report on guelph.ca under the December 16, 2025 Council agenda.

Nighttime scene of a lively urban plaza with string lights hanging from curved wooden poles. People are gathered around tables and walking through the space. Several bicycles are parked near the foreground, and landscaped planters with trees and greenery are lit from below. The surrounding buildings have large glass windows, and the sky is dark.
Nighttime view of an illuminated urban plaza with trees, benches, and landscaped planters. People are sitting and walking throughout the space, which includes tables under purple umbrellas. Modern buildings with large windows surround the plaza, and warm lighting highlights pathways and seating areas. The sky is dark blue with scattered clouds.
Daytime view of an urban plaza with a central fountain featuring a statue. Purple shade umbrellas cover seating areas, and landscaped planters with greenery line the space. People are walking and sitting at tables. Surrounding buildings include a glass atrium and a bank with a red sign reading “CIBC Banking Centre.” The sky is partly cloudy with sunlight streaming through.
Aerial nighttime view of an urban plaza with a central fountain, purple shade umbrellas, and landscaped areas with trees. People are walking and sitting throughout the space. A large red heart sculpture is visible on the left side, and surrounding streets have minimal traffic. Buildings with modern and traditional architecture frame the plaza, and warm lighting illuminates pathways.
Street-level view of a modern urban plaza during the day. The space features a central fountain, purple shade umbrellas over seating areas, and landscaped planters with greenery. A large red heart sculpture stands near the left side, and people are walking, cycling, and sitting at tables. Surrounding buildings include a glass atrium and a bank with a red sign reading “CIBC Banking Centre.” Traffic lights and wide pedestrian walkways are visible.

Community engagement

We are committed to communicating with businesses and residents about this project. We encourage you to reach out to our project team member at any time with questions or comments.

We’re planning on hosting an open house for the Wyndham Street reconstruction; one in early 2026 regarding the construction mitigation efforts planned for this program of work.

Visit Have Your Say for the most up-to-date engagement opportunities

For more information

Reg Russwurm, Manager, Design and Construction
Engineering and Transportation Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2765
[email protected]