Have you ever wondered why there is so much activity - cars, bikes, pedestrians - on the south side of York Road near Elizabeth Street? Guelph's Ontario Reformatory Lands is one of the most picturesque places to take a walk, hike, meditate, and soak up nature's beauty. Along the way, you'll pass by Heritage trees, fieldstone walls, ponds, and the old reformatory buildings.
These lands are owned by the provincial government, and Guelph's own Yorklands Green Hub wanted to purchase a 70 acre parcel of this land. Alas, this is no longer possible, as the provincial government has decided to sell the entire property in a one shot deal. For this week's breakfast, recorded on May 27, 2021, our guests from the YGH focused on the Natural and Cultural Heritage designation of these lands. In short, a higher designation will provide the OR lands with better protection: some of the lands might even remain in the public realm.
Norah Chaloner will kick things off with some introductory remarks. Susan Ratcliffe will describe the Cultural Heritage value of the OR lands and will give an introduction to the Natural and Cultural Heritage designation process. David Alton will discuss the benefits of a Part V designation and how it fits with the Guelph Innovation District Secondary Plan. Alex Smith will bring it all back home by investigating City Staff's recommendation of a Part IV designation, rather than the stronger Part V designation.
The OR designation decision will be made at the June 14th council meeting. This lively presentation will inspire you to make a delegation!
This breakfast was co-moderated by Tanya Gevaert and James Gordon.
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Episode 49: Open Mic
Episode 48: The Library and the Baker Street Saga
Episode 47: A visit from OPIRG Guelph
Episode 45: Youth Takeover
Episode 44: MP Lloyd Longfield
Episode 43: Open Mic!
Episode 42: Honouring the National Day of Mourning
Episode 41: For Disability Justice
Episode 40: 2050 is Too Late
Episode 39: Highway 413 and the Greenbelt
Episode 38: Open Mic!
Episode 37: Making Relationship with Water
Episode 36: In Defense of Day Programs
Episode 35: The YIMBY Campaign
Episode 34: International Women's Day
Episode 33: Krista Walkey
Episode 32: Open Mic!
Episode 31: State of the City
Episode 30: Land Back and Governance
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