Testimonials

We moved to Guelph in December 2024 and found out about the Reformatory land . 

While walking there we discovered a much needed place for tranquility , a place to appreciate nature and a beautiful place to exercise with family. 

I feel it should be preserved as an urban park for many reasons. 

There were many people walking, children fishing at the  ponds and multigenerational families enjoying the historical and natural environment there.

Protecting green space is important to protect the species that live there.

With more people suffering from mental health issues, and knowing how spending time in nature provides mental health benefits it is important that places like this one are preserved for the people of the community to benefit from. In particular, that end of Guelph really needs that a green space. People who live in that end of town can walk there or easily use transit to get there. 

I feel it is a place that should continue to be enjoyed by the public.

Kathryn Morlock 

I support this project. 

John Barnum

On the very first day I drove into Guelph along York Road many years ago  I marvelled at the beautiful streams, riverbanks, reservoirs, stone walls, and walkways that are the Yorklands.  Through the years I wondered, how was it  possible that this precious piece of land, water, sky, sun and history lay silent and seemingly forgotten for so long?  Why isn't this land celebrated, stewarded and shared as the natural and historical treasure that it is?  

Kudos to the Urban Park Guelph team for its National Park Campaign!  This is what we've been waiting for!   As a long time Guelph resident and community activist I wholeheartedly support this initiative. 

Sincerely,

Donna Jennison

I fully support and encourage Urban Park Guelph’s initiative to have the former Ontario Reformatory Lands designated as a National Urban Park.

This designation would be the very best use of this this important cultural and heritage landmark. It would honour that heritage and would give us much-needed green space, essential to our sustainability as a city and to our community well-being. We have already proven here in Guelph that we can achieve our anticipated population growth through densification and proper planning. There is no benefit to encroaching on this precious resource with further growth. The possibilities are endless in what could be created with this park, making us the visionary leaders I’ve always hoped we could be in this city. 

James Gordon,

Environmental and cultural advocate, and former city councillor