Testimonials

I have walked the OR grounds many times over the years, and this is what it means to me. Buildings that are architecturally and historically important. I look at them and hear echoes of the past. Dry stone walls and ponds that speak of the labour of inmates once incarcerated there. Parkland and a river trail that offer me a quiet, natural space to reflect and enjoy a moment away from my busy city life. I spot a heron and am aware that here, too, is a small haven where wildlife can thrive. The best way to preserve this gem is its dedication as a national urban park. To give this land over to any other use would be a loss to me and, I truly believe, an irreparable loss to the citizens of Guelph.

Michelle Wan 

Since the 1960's when it was operating as the Ontario Reformatory into the 2020's when I was with Heritage Guelph arguing for a Heritage Conservation District, the property has held a special place in my heart and mind. Over 350 acres of green space and post industrial landscape here has deep and significant history for Guelph, the province, the country and for Indigenous people that should neither been ignored nor paved. 

The beautiful trestle bridge was demolished in 2025 despite being one of the last wooden trestle railway bridges in the province. The hundreds of meters of dry laid stone walls have suffered significant damage despite being protected heritage assets. With the collapse of the green house and planned demolition of the power house and chimney, the city's plans for roads and potentially opening the door to development we are on the cusp of losing something precious.

The paintings by Indigenous inmates in the Native Sons room have no protections at all and have essentially been abandoned with no efforts to mitigate ongoing degradation.

This is a once in generations chance to take something and rebuild it into more than the sum of its parts. It is a green space that is home to hundreds of species including species at risk. It has a heritage river running though it. There are a dozen designated heritage buildings. It is at an intersection of nature, history and environment that has no equal in Canada. 

P. Brian Skerrett

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