The Reformatory lands need your support!

A key decision will be made by Guelph City Council on June 14^th which will determine if the Ontario Reformatory lands will include the necessary protection for future public enjoyment of its unique parkland.

The Ontario government is planning to sell off the Ontario Reformatory lands. This is an opportunity for the key parts of the OR lands to be preserved as a rare treasure – a large urban green space accessible to the public, to be protected in perpetuity for current and future generations and shared use.

City Staff are only recommending designation under Part 4 of the Heritage Act which would Protect several buildings. The Guelph Heritage Committee is recommending Part 5 as well to protect the Cultural Heritage Landscape of the OR.  This combination of protections will guarantee that these heritage assets will be protected for future generations as a Heritage Conservation District and will provide a greater chance of the Ontario Reformatory lands remaining in the public realm.

City Council has been handed a gift through the heritage designation process.  The Province has asked the City of Guelph to carry out heritage designation for the site in Preparation for the provincial sale of the Ontario Reformatory lands.  Under the Heritage Act, the City is able to spell out which cultural heritage assets should be conserved, including how the Cultural Heritage Landscape of the Ontario Reformatory can be protected for future generations.