| Guelph | |||||
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| — Independent city — | |||||
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| Nickname(s): The Royal City | |||||
| Motto: Faith, Fidelity and Progress | |||||
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Guelph
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| Coordinates: | |||||
| Country | Canada | ||||
| Province | Ontario | ||||
| County | Wellington County (independent) | ||||
| City Wards | 6 | ||||
| Founded | April 23, 1827 | ||||
| Incorporated | April 23, 1879 | ||||
| Government | |||||
| • Mayor | Karen Farbridge 2006-Present |
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| • Governing Body | Guelph City Council | ||||
| • MPs | Frank Valeriote (LPC) 2008-Present |
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| • MPPs | Liz Sandals (OLP) 2003-Present |
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| Area[1][2] | |||||
| • Land | 86.72 km2 (33.5 sq mi) | ||||
| • Urban | 78.39 km2 (30.3 sq mi) | ||||
| • Metro | 378.45 km2 (146.1 sq mi) | ||||
| Elevation | 334 m (1,096 ft) | ||||
| Population (2006)[1][2] | |||||
| • Independent city | 114,943 | ||||
| • Density | 1,325.5/km2 (3,433/sq mi) | ||||
| • Urban | 115,635 | ||||
| • Urban density | 1,475.1/km2 (3,820.5/sq mi) | ||||
| • Metro | 127,009 | ||||
| • Metro density | 335.6/km2 (869.2/sq mi) | ||||
| Demonym | Guelphite | ||||
| Time zone | EST (UTC−5) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC−4) | ||||
| Postal code span | N1C, N1E, N1G, N1H, N1K, N1L | ||||
| Area code(s) | 519, 226 | ||||
| Website | www.guelph.ca | ||||
Guelph ( /ˈɡwɛlf/; Canada 2006 Census population 114,943)[1] is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as "The Royal City", Guelph is roughly 28 kilometres (17 mi) east of Waterloo and 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of downtown Toronto at the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 7. It is the seat of Wellington County, but is politically independent of it. Because of its low crime rates, clean environment and generally high standard of living, Guelph is consistently rated as one of the country's best places to live.[3][4]. in October 2011, Guelph was noted as having the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 4.1%[5].
The name Guelph comes from the Italian Guelfo and the Bavarian-Germanic Welf. It is a reference to King George IV monarch at the time of its founding (whose family was from the House of Hanover, a younger branch of the House of Welf) and a tongue in cheek reference to the (then) ascendant German population in neighbouring Berlin. (Guelphs being the name given to the northern Italian factions who opposed the reign of the Holy Roman Empire, i.e. medieval Germany, in the 12th to 16th centuries).[6]
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Before colonization, the area was considered by the surrounding indigenous communities to be a "neutral" zone. On selected dates members from these communities would meet and trade goods by the Speed River.
Guelph was selected as the headquarters of the Canada Company, a British development firm, by its Canadian superintendent John Galt, a popular Scottish novelist who designed the town to attract settlers to it and to the surrounding countryside.[7]
Galt designed the town to resemble a European city centre, complete with squares, broad main streets and narrow side streets, resulting in a variety of block sizes and shapes which is still in place today.[8] The street plan was designed to resemble a lady's fan, many of the streets forming triangles (the segments of the fan). This technique had been used in other planned towns such as Buffalo, New York.[7]
John Galt, the first superintendent of the Canada Company, established Guelph in 1827 to serve as the company's headquarters during the development of the Huron Tract. The town later came into its own as a prosperous railway and industrial centre.[9] Guelph was founded on St. George's Day, April 23, 1827, the feast day of the patron saint of England.[8] The town was named to honour Britain's royal family, the Hanoverians, who were descended from the Guelfs, the ancestral family of George IV, the reigning British monarch; thus the nickname The Royal City. The directors of the Canada Company had actually wanted the city to be named Goderich, but reluctantly accepted the fait accompli.
Guelph was the home of North America's first cable TV system. Ted Metcalfe created McLean Hunter Television and their first broadcast was Queen Elizabeth's Coronation in 1953.[6]
Guelph's police force had Canada's first municipal motorcycle patrol. Chief Ted Lamb brought back an army motorcycle he used during the First World War. Motorcycles were faster and more efficient than walking.[6]
The city is home to the University of Guelph and Sleeman Breweries Ltd.. The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), the oldest part of University of Guelph, began in 1873 as an associate agricultural college of the University of Toronto.
Guelph is home to three National Historic Sites of Canada: the Church of Our Lady Immaculate, McCrae House and Old City Hall.[10]
Downtown Guelph is situated above the confluence of the Speed and Eramosa, which have numerous tributaries. The Speed River enters from the north and the Eramosa River from the east; the two rivers meet below downtown and continue southwest. There are also many creeks and rivers creating large tracts of densely forested ravines, and providing ideal sites for parks and recreational trails. The city is built on many drumlins and buried waterways, the most famous being an underground creek flowing below the Albion Hotel, once the source of water used to brew beer.
| Climate data for Guelph Arboretum | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 13.9 (57.0) |
13.5 (56.3) |
23.5 (74.3) |
29.2 (84.6) |
31.6 (88.9) |
36.2 (97.2) |
36.5 (97.7) |
33.9 (93.0) |
32.6 (90.7) |
25.2 (77.4) |
20.6 (69.1) |
19.1 (66.4) |
36.5 (97.7) |
| Average high °C (°F) | −3.7 (25.3) |
−2.6 (27.3) |
3.4 (38.1) |
11.3 (52.3) |
18.5 (65.3) |
23.3 (73.9) |
25.9 (78.6) |
24.5 (76.1) |
19.8 (67.6) |
12.8 (55.0) |
6.2 (43.2) |
−0.5 (31.1) |
11.6 (52.9) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −7.6 (18.3) |
−6.9 (19.6) |
−1.3 (29.7) |
5.9 (42.6) |
12.3 (54.1) |
16.9 (62.4) |
19.7 (67.5) |
18.6 (65.5) |
14.1 (57.4) |
7.9 (46.2) |
2.4 (36.3) |
−4 (25) |
6.5 (43.7) |
| Average low °C (°F) | −11.4 (11.5) |
−11.1 (12.0) |
−6 (21) |
0.5 (32.9) |
6 (43) |
10.6 (51.1) |
13.5 (56.3) |
12.6 (54.7) |
8.4 (47.1) |
3 (37) |
−1.4 (29.5) |
−7.6 (18.3) |
1.4 (34.5) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −34.4 (−29.9) |
−31.7 (−25.1) |
−26.8 (−16.2) |
−11.4 (11.5) |
−4.3 (24.3) |
−0.6 (30.9) |
3.3 (37.9) |
−0.6 (30.9) |
−5 (23) |
−8.3 (17.1) |
−15.1 (4.8) |
−30.4 (−22.7) |
−34.4 (−29.9) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 56.4 (2.22) |
50.8 (2) |
72.1 (2.839) |
78.3 (3.083) |
79.9 (3.146) |
76 (2.99) |
88.5 (3.484) |
95.9 (3.776) |
92.1 (3.626) |
69.2 (2.724) |
86.3 (3.398) |
77.7 (3.059) |
923.2 (36.346) |
| Rainfall mm (inches) | 17.6 (0.693) |
22.1 (0.87) |
46.9 (1.846) |
71.5 (2.815) |
79.9 (3.146) |
76 (2.99) |
88.5 (3.484) |
95.9 (3.776) |
92.1 (3.626) |
67.5 (2.657) |
75.3 (2.965) |
38.1 (1.5) |
771.4 (30.37) |
| Snowfall cm (inches) | 45.8 (18.03) |
33.1 (13.03) |
25.8 (10.16) |
6.3 (2.48) |
0.1 (0.04) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
1.5 (0.59) |
9.7 (3.82) |
38.5 (15.16) |
160.6 (63.23) |
| Source: Environment Canada[11] | |||||||||||||
The weather and climate of that region of Ontario is moderate in both summer and winter.
The city of Guelph has numerous neighborhoods
| Arkell Springs | Guelph Junction | Onward Willow | Solterra |
| Berkely Estates | Grange Hill | Parkside | The Highlands |
| Brant | Grange Hill East | Parkwood Creek | Two Rivers |
| Brooklyn | Hamilton Corner | Pebble Creek | Valley Haven |
| Blueberry Hill | Hanlon Creek | Pine Ridge | Victoria Gardens |
| Chillico Glen | Heritage Lake Estates | Priory Park | Village by The Arboretum |
| Clairfields | Kortright Hills | Riverview | Watson Creek |
| College Hill | Lakeside Victoria | Riverwalk Estates | Waverly |
| Creekside | Market Square | Rolling Hills | Westminster Woods |
| Exhibition Park | Manor Park | Starwood | West Willow Woods |
| Farmham | Morning Crest |
Guelph boosts the economy from various sectors. This diversity has helped Guelph obtain the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 4.2%[12]
Manufacturing is the leading sector, accounting for 24.3% of employment (2006 census). The second largest industry is Educational services, accounting for 11.3%.[13]
26.1% (90/345) of business in the manufacturing industry are categorized as Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing businesses.[14]
The City of Guelph's Economic Development Strategy identified life science, agri-food and biotechnology firms, environmental management and technology companies as growth industries on which to focus economic development activities.[15]
Guelph's 3 largest employers include Linamar (8000), the University of Guelph (3700), and the Upper Grand District School Board (3400).[13][16]
| Census | Population |
|---|---|
| 1841 | 1,240 |
| 1851 | 1,860 |
| 1871 | 6,878 |
| 1881 | 9,890 |
| 1891 | 10,537 |
| 1901 | 11,496 |
| 1911 | 15,175 |
| 1921 | 18,128 |
| 1931 | 21,075 |
| 1941 | 23,074 |
| 1951 | 27,386 |
| 1961 | 39,838 |
| 1971 | 60,087 |
| 1981 | 71,207 |
| 1991 | 87,976 |
| 2001 | 106,170 |
| 2006 | 114,943 |
Guelph is the fifth fastest growing city in Canada with a population growth rate of about 2% per year. Guelph's population according to the Ontario Places to Grow plan is projected to be about 144,500 by the year 2021. Population varies throughout the year because of variations in the University of Guelph student population.[17]
The 2001 census indicates 114,943 people residing in Guelph, of whom 49.1% were male and 50.9% were female. Children under five accounted for approximately 6.2% of the resident population of Guelph, whereas 12.2% of the resident population in Guelph were of retirement age. The average age is 35.7 years of age. In the five years between 1996 and 2001, the population of Guelph grew by 10.7%. Population density of Guelph averaged 310.1 people per square kilometre.
| Ethnic Origin | Population | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| English | 36,975 | 31.93% |
| Canadian | 36,845 | 31.82% |
| Scottish | 27,875 | 24.07% |
| Irish | 24,445 | 21.11% |
| German | 14,505 | 12.52% |
| Italian | 11,135 | 9.61% |
Historically, Guelph's population has been principally British in origin, with 92% in 1880 and 87% in 1921.[7]
Now, some 10 percent of the resident population described themselves as visible minorities, predominantly South Asian mostly of Afghan, Indian and Pakistani origin: 2.43%, Chinese: 2.42%, Black Canadian/African Canadians: 1.25%, and many others including Filipino and Vietnamese. The city is mostly Christian: 74.17%, almost evenly split among Protestants and Roman Catholics. The largest non-Christian religion is Buddhism: 1.45%, followed by Hinduism.[18]
There are two public school boards that operate inside the city. The Upper Grand District School Board administers all of Wellington County, as well as adjacent Dufferin County, while the Wellington Catholic District School Board administers Catholic education in Wellington County, including Guelph. The Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud offers French First language education for students with parents who had elementary and secondary education in French at École Saint-René-Goupil. The Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest, with similar entrance requirements, operates the École élémentaire L'Odyssée.There are also numerous private schools in Guelph: Cornerstone Canadian Reformed Christian School, Crestwicke Christian Academy, Guelph Community Christian School, Guelph Montessori School, Trillium Waldorf School, Wellington Hall Academy, and Wellington Montessori School, Echo Montessori. None of Guelph's schools offer the International Baccalaureate Program, compared to surrounding cities such as Kitchener and Waterloo.
Due to the presence of two different school boards, Guelph has numerous elementary and secondary schools. The secondary schools are as follows:
Public:
Catholic:
Although a private library had existed since 1832, a public library did not exist in Guelph until 1882, when the Free Libraries Act allowed municipalities to operate libraries. After occupying premises near City Hall, it moved into an Andrew Carnegie-funded building in 1905,[19] which was eventually demolished in 1964. The current main branch building was opened in 1965.[20]
Guelph is served by a growing library system composed of a main branch located in the downtown core, five branches and a Bookmobile. It holds a membership of over 85,000, the Guelph Public Library system's goals include preserving and indexing public materials relating to the history of Guelph. Although no formal program has been developed, the library acquires municipal records of archival value from the City of Guelph.
The city is a single-tier municipality governed by a mayor-council system. The structure of the municipal government is stipulated by the Ontario Municipal Act of 2001. There are currently 12 councillors and a mayor, with 2 councillors representing each of the six wards.
The mayor and members of the city council serve four-year terms without term limits, with the next election in November 2010. Prior to the 2006 election, the mayor and city councillors served three-year terms.
Guelph City Council is responsible for policy and decision making, monitoring the operation and performance of the city, analyzing and approving budgets and determining spending priorities.
In 2010, Karen Farbridge defeated former councillor David Birtwistle, 54% to 38% for the mayor position. 8 incumbent councillors were re-elected, 4 rookie councillors were elected, 2 incumbents were defeated, 2 did not seek re-election.
Guelph occupies a single provincial riding of the same name, and is currently represented in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by Liz Sandals, a member of the ruling Ontario Liberal Party.
Guelph also occupies a federal riding of the same name, and has been represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada by Frank Valeriote of the Liberal Party of Canada since 2008.
Most of the natural attractions of Guelph are located beside the two rivers which pass inside the city, Speed River and Eramosa River.
Music has always played a large part in the lives of people living in Guelph. From a Bell Organ factory to the opera singer Edward Johnson, Guelph has been a source of musical contribution. Today, Guelph is particularly notable for its indie rock scene, which has spawned some of Canada's more notable indie bands. Guelph is also home to the Hillside Festival, a hugely popular music festival held at nearby Guelph Lake during the summer, as well as the Guelph Jazz Festival.[21]
| Club | League | Sport | Venue | Established | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guelph Storm | Ontario Hockey League | Hockey | Sleeman Centre | 1991 |
2 |
| Guelph Royals | Intercounty Baseball League | Baseball | David E. Hastings Stadium at Exhibition Park (Guelph) | 1919 | 8 |
| Guelph Gryphons | Canadian Interuniversity Sport | University | W.F. Mitchell Centre and Alumni Stadium | 1874 | 0 |
| Guelph Regals | Ontario Lacrosse Association | Lacrosse | Victoria Road Recreation Centre | 1992 | 1 |
| Guelph Rangers | Kitchener District Soccer League | Soccer | Centennial Park and Guelph Lake Sports Fields | circa 1985 | 3 |
| Guelph Underdogs SC | Conestoga College Indoor Soccer League | Soccer | Conestoga College Recreational Centre | 2004 | 0 |
| Guelph Hurricanes | Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League | Hockey | Sleeman Centre | 1963 | 0 |
| Guelph Bears | Ontario Varsity Football League | Football | John Ross High School and University of Guelph's Alumni Stadium | 1997 | 0 |
| Guelph Gargoyles | Ontario Australian Football League | Australian Football | Magaret Green Park | 2001 | 0 |
| Speed River Track and Field Club | Athletics Canada | Athletics | St. James Catholic High School | 1997 | 10 |
| Derby League Soccer Club | Soccer | Soccer | Guelph Lakes Sports Fields | 2010 | 0 |
See Media in Guelph
Guelph Transit provides local transportation around the city. On June 20, 2007, Guelph Transit launched a web-based system known as Next Bus.[22] Global positioning satellites (GPS) technology and advanced computer modelling provide riders via the Internet, handheld devices (including Palms, Blackberries, and Web-capable cellular phones), or their telephones to receive accurate, real-time arrival and departure information. Intercity connections are made at the Guelph Bus Terminal.
GO Transit also provides service to both the University and the city's bus station via rapid transit buses.
Guelph was the first municipality in Canada to have its own federally chartered railway, the Guelph Junction Railway. This 16-mile link to the CPR is still municipally owned.
The following is cited from the 2010 community profile:
"Guelph is also served by both the Canadian National Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway. The City's own Guelph Junction Railway provides industry with freight handling facilities and connections to CNR and CPR. Via Rail provides inter‐city passenger rail service. Plans are underway to bring Go Rail commuter service to Guelph."[23]
| Guelph/Eramosa | ||||
| Guelph/Eramosa | Puslinch | |||
| Guelph | ||||
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