Welcome to the St. George’s Square Virtual Open House

Welcome to the virtual open house for the St. George’s Square Master Plan design. The purpose of this virtual open house is to:

• Share information about the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program, and specifically the opportunities this presents for the redesign of St. George’s Square.
• Share preliminary concept designs for the Square.
• Hear from you regarding your preferences and ideas about these designs.

Let us take time to reflect on our privilege to live and work in Guelph; a city built over rich Indigenous histories. We are guests here, and we should reflect upon the responsibility to care for this land, the people who live here today, and the generations to come. If our actions today can move us towards reconciliation, we should take pause and make those decisions with intention and gratitude.

This place we call Guelph has served as traditional lands and a place of refuge for many peoples over time, but more specifically the Attiwonderonk, and the Haudenosaunee. This land is held as the treaty lands and territory with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Guelph lies directly adjacent to the Haldimand Tract and is part of a long-established traditional hunting ground for the Six Nations of the Grand River. Many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have come from across Turtle Island call Guelph home today.

To learn more about the land acknowledgement, its context and intent, please visit City of Guelph Territorial Acknowledgement.

The St. George’s Square study area is focused on the square at the intersection of Wyndham Street North and Quebec Street. It includes the three areas on all sides of the roads: the plaza in front of the Old Quebec Street mall, the area in front of the post office, and the southwest plaza where concerts and activities frequent throughout the year.

The City of Guelph undertook engagement activities throughout the summer and fall of 2024 around the proposed redesign of St. George’s Square. This included:

1. Attending community events where 452 residents shared their views about what they would like to see in a redesigned Square.

2. An online survey about the Square redesign that was completed by 196 people.

3. Onsite tours with event presenters and other stakeholders.

4. An online Community Design Lab where 85 pinpointed ideas were shared for redesigning the Square.

1. Increase pedestrian flow and accessibility.

2. Increase trees and green elements to provide shade.

3. Include park-like elements such as play opportunities and lawn areas.

4. Highlight and give prominence to the shape of the Square.

5. Increase flexibility of use of space with the reduction of steps and level more areas to accommodate more events within the Square.

6. Design for pedestrians first and give them more importance over vehicles using decorative paving materials and curb-less streets within the Square, while still allowing for vehicular/transit movement through the space.

Concept A envisions a public open space designed as a passive park, emphasizing tranquility, accessibility, and natural beauty. The park will feature lawns, shade trees, pathways and seating that encourages people to stop and enjoy their surroundings and relax. The design prioritizes everyday use, offering a welcoming environment for individuals and families to engage in relaxing activities such as strolling, reading, picnicking, and socializing. Additionally, it offers flexibility for events throughout the year.

3D Concept A design

Detailed Concept A design image

Some proposed elements are central to the design concept, such as decorative paving and terraced seating, but other elements may be interchangeable. Please indicate your level of support for each of the following concept elements on a scale from lowest to highest support.

The elements correspond to the numbering on the concept above.

Concept B envisions the Square as a public open space designed as an active park with a stronger emphasis on hard surfaces and lasting materials, creating the perfect environment for a wide range of events and programming. The layout prioritizes durability and functionality, featuring expansive paved areas, flexible seating, and open spaces that can be easily transformed to accommodate festivals, performances, markets, and community gatherings. This urban space is an inviting hub for outdoor activities, with ample room for people to gather and for public events, making it a dynamic, year-round destination for people of all ages.

3D Image of Concept B

Detailed Concept B design image

Some proposed elements are central to the design concept, such as decorative paving and terraced seating, but other elements may be interchangeable. Please indicate your level of support for each of the following concept elements on a scale from lowest to highest support.

The elements correspond to the numbering on the concept above.

We would like to know more about which concept design you prefer.

Thank you for taking part in the St. George’s Square virtual open house. Your feedback will assist the project team as they finalize the Square’s design. Final designs will be presented in Spring 2025, and construction will begin in 2026.

If you have further questions about this project, or require additional information, please contact:

Reg Russwurm, Manager, Design and Construction
Engineering and Transportation Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2765
reg.russwurm@guelph.ca