The Flagship Initiative
Protect the Yorklands.
One of Ward 1's most unique natural spaces. Provincially owned. Its future uncertain. Here's the plan.
Background
What are the Yorklands?
The Yorklands are one of the most unique natural spaces in our city. The historical significance of the former reformatory and the ecological significance of the surrounding lands are worth protecting.
The property is currently owned by the Province of Ontario, and its future remains uncertain. As things stand, public access is limited. Visitors are forced to park on the shoulder of York Road — despite the presence of a paved driveway and parking area already on the site.
As an avid user of the Yorklands, Evan believes that as Guelph grows, we have a responsibility to protect the green spaces that make our city special. Once natural spaces are lost to development, they are rarely recovered. Future generations deserve the opportunity to enjoy the Yorklands just as we do today.
Why now
Ward 1 Deserves a New Protected Park.
There have been calls from some to develop portions of this property for housing or commercial uses. Evan disagrees.
As councillor, he will advocate for the transfer of the Yorklands to the City of Guelph for use as a public park and green space — with improved access for residents while respecting the site's ecological and historical importance.
The Plan
Four phases. A realistic path.
Phase 1
Year 1
Land Transfer Advocacy
Advocate at City Council and with the province to transfer the Yorklands from the Province of Ontario to the City of Guelph. Build cross-party political support. Commission a feasibility assessment.
Phase 2
Year 2
Community Design
Engage Ward 1 residents in a participatory design process that respects the site's ecological and historical importance. Develop a community-led vision with formal input from environmental groups.
Phase 3
Years 2–4
Park Development
Open the site to the public with improved access, using the existing paved driveway and parking infrastructure. Develop trails, naturalized areas, and community gathering spaces.
Phase 4
Ongoing
Stewardship & Protection
Establish protected status to ensure the Yorklands cannot be sold or developed in the future. Create a community stewardship committee and long-term programming partnerships.
Why it matters.
🌿
Ecological
The Yorklands contain wetlands, mature forest, and natural corridors that support biodiversity in the heart of the city. Once lost to development, these spaces are rarely recovered.
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Historical
The site carries the history of the former reformatory — part of Guelph's story. A protected park honours that history while giving the land a positive future.
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Community
Ward 1 residents already use the Yorklands informally, forced to park on the shoulder of York Road. They deserve proper access to a space they already love.
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Media resources.
Media contact: media@evansilvaward1.ca. We respond same business day.
Download Platform Summary (PDF)