Canadian City Parks Report 2020

City Profile

Guelph

Ontario
Population: 136000

At about 70 volunteers per 1000 people, Guelph has the highest rate of volunteers in parks.
At 69%, Guelph has the second highest ratio of parkland that is natural area.
Guelph is one of a third of cities with an off-leash dog parks strategy.

Throughout summer 2019, Guelph’s Park Activation Stations brought free toys and activities to four parks—including sensory play, mural painting, a mini library, magnet boards, parachutes, and four-foot inflatable balls.
Through a partnership with rare Charitable Research Reserve, Guelph parks staff and residents helped to identify and protect turtle nesting sites in the city’s green spaces, contributing to the rescue of 2,000 turtle eggs in the region.
Guided by its Natural Heritage Action Plan, Guelph is working to enhance stewardship in parks through developing adopt-a-space, EcoAwards, and educational programs.

Data 2020

10.4

ha parkland per 1000 people

1410 ha of total parkland¹

69%

of total parkland is natural area

975 total ha

69%

of parkland is environmentally significant/protected

975 total ha²

16%

of total city land is parkland

8800 ha of total city area

Dog parks

Community gardens/urban farms

3.3

Parkland provision goal (ha per 1000 people)

or a 5-10 minute walk from residential area served

69.9

volunteers per 1000 people

9,500 total

community park groups

Policy to waive permit fees for groups with financial need?

Yes

Provincially legislated tools available for parkland development

Community Benefits Charge³

¹This total does not include an additional 365 hectares of publicly accessible green space owned by the Province, University, etc. Increase from 2019 due to GIS improvements. ²This number captures protected lands designated within the natural heritage system. ³This tool was introduced in 2019 and is still under review. Previous Provincial legislation allowed 5% of development site or cash-in-lieu.