Guelph
[gwelf]
Licensed from Columbia University Press
Licensed from Columbia University Press
Guelph (population 118,000) is a city located in the Southwestern region of Ontario, Canada.
Known as "The Royal City", Guelph is roughly east of Kitchener-Waterloo and west of downtown Toronto at the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 7. It is the seat of Wellington County, but as a separated municipality, the city is not part of the county. As one entity, Guelph and Wellington County have a population of 200,425.
Residents of Guelph are called Guelphites. Guelph also has a number of sister cities, which are selected based on economic, cultural and political criteria.
Because of its low crime rates, clean environment and generally high standard of living, Guelph is consistently rated as one of the country's most livable cities: Moneysense magazine ranked Guelph fourth in the country to live in 2007 , and was also rated among Canada's ten best places to live by Chatelaine magazine.
History
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.
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. 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.
Guelph was founded on St. George's Day, April 23rd, 1827, the feast day of the patron saint of England. 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.
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's most famous landmark is the Church of Our Lady Immaculate.
Geography and climate
Topography
The city is intersected by two rivers and numerous tributaries: the Speed River enters from the north end and the Eramosa River enters from the east; the two rivers meet downtown and continue southwest. There are also many creeks and rivers that create large tracts of densely-forested ravines, and provide ideal sites for parks and recreational trails. The city is also built on many drumlins and buried waterways, the most famous being an underground creek that flows below the Albion Hotel and was once the source of water used to brew beer.Climate
The weather and climate of that region of Ontario is moderate in both summer and winter. However, due to its location close to other moderate or major cities (Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Toronto and the GTA) Guelph experiences the highest percentage of acid rain downfall in all of Ontario and the area is prone to severe weather causing high winds in summer, due its location on the Lake Breeze Front.Economy
Manufacturing is a leading sector, accounting for 18 per cent of employment.. 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.Guelph's major employers include the University of Guelph, Linamar Corporation, and Sleeman Breweries (recently purchased by Sapporo of Japan) among others.
Demographics
| 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% |
The 2001 census indicates 117,344 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.
Historically, Guelph's population has been principally British in origin, with 92% in 1880 and 87% in 1921.
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, Vietnamese and Arab. 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 Islam, and Hinduism.
Education
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.Secondary schools
Due to the presence of two different school boards, Guelph has numerous elementary and secondary schools. The secondary schools are as follows:Public:
Catholic:
Post-secondary institutions
- University of Guelph, one of Canada's top comprehensive universities, and home to the Ontario Agricultural College and the Ontario Veterinary College. It is acclaimed for its focus on life sciences such as agriculture and food science.
- Conestoga College has a small campus in Guelph.
Public library system
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, which was eventually demolished in 1964. The current main branch building was opened in 1965. The Guelph Public Library currently has four branches, with a fifth planned to open in 2008.
The Guelph Public Library also serves as the unofficial repository for records created by the City of Guelph.
Politics
City Hall
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 2006, Karen Farbridge defeat incumbent mayor Kate Quarrie, 51% to 35% along with 8 new City councilors who replaced many of the long-time council members.
Legislative Assembly of Ontario
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.Parliament of Canada
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 Brenda Chamberlain of the Liberal Party of Canada since 1993. On March 7, 2008, Chamberlain announced her resignation from the House of Commons effective April 7. Historically, Guelph has been part of the Wellington South and Wellington electoral districts.Culture
Historic sites
- Downtown Guelph: Many downtown streets are lined with many old buildings, some of which are over a century old.
- Guelph Civic Museum, a museum located near Downtown Guelph. At Guelph Civic Museum one can find pictures, films and other antique materials related to the historic development of the City of Guelph at a 1850- three-story Guelph limestone building.
National Historic Sites
- Guelph City Hall, a formal, classical civic building; built in 1856-57.
- McCrae House, home of John McCrae, author of "In Flanders Fields".
- Church of Our Lady Immaculate, a Roman Catholic Church, located downtown, is a local landmark.
Outdoor attractions
Most of the natural attractions of Guelph are located beside the two rivers which pass inside the city, Speed River and Eramosa River.
- Guelph Lake
- University of Guelph Arboretum
- Riverside Park, located beside the Speed River at north of Guelph
- York Road Park
- Hanlon Creek Park (Preservation Park)
- Royal City Park and Wellington Street nature sites
- Exhibition Park (the oldest park in Guelph)
Arts facilities
The Macdonald Stewart Art Centre serves the community by providing a balanced program of temporary exhibitions of contemporary and historical art, craft and design drawn from regional, national and international sources. As the major public collection in this area, the collection is presented through specialized exhibitions.The Bookshelf Ebar Art Space showcases monthly exhibits of local and regional artists. It functions as Guelph's main alternative art space located in the downtown core.
Ed Video Media Arts Centre is one of Canada's leading artist-run centres devoted to the proliferation and appreciation of Canadian media art and film, and is the main driving force behind a growing movement of professional filmmakers within the region. Ed Video carries out an ongoing monthly programming schedule of regional and national media art.
The River Run Centre, opened in 1997, serves as Guelph's premier performing arts centre. Encompassing three separate halls (including Canada Company Hall, Co-operators Hall, and the 785-seat Main Stage), River Run has played host to corporate functions, as well as dramatic and musical performances.
The Guelph Youth Music Centre is a permanent facility in which Guelph youth can participate in music and arts education and activities. In 1992, the former Heritage Seed Company along the Speed River was purchased by the City of Guelph and turned over to the GYMC under a long-term lease. Following an extensive renovation, GYMC opened their new facility in September 2001. The Centre includes a beautiful 180-seat Recital Hall, a dance studio and 15 rehearsal and teaching studios. The Centre provids a forum for affordable leadership, teaching, rehearsal and performance for hundreds of local music and arts students.
Music
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 most important indie bands, including King Cobb Steelie, Royal City, The Constantines, Jim Guthrie, The Barmitzvah Brothers, Elbow Beach Surf Club, Flashlight Brown, The D'Urbervilles, House of Velvet and the kramdens. Record labels Burnt Oak Records and Social Arts Club are based in Guelph.Canadian thrash metal act Razor are from Guelph.
Guelph is also home to the Hillside Festival, a hugely popular music festival held at Guelph island during the summer, as well as the Guelph Jazz Festival.
Sports teams
| 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 Dominators | Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League | Hockey | Victoria Road Recreation 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 |
Media
The city of Guelph is served by two main newspapers, two student newspapers, one alternative weekly, two local radio stations and a community channel. All other media, including newspapers and television stations, are regionally based, usually from Kitchener or Toronto.Transportation
Bus
Guelph Transit provides local transportation around the city. On June 20, 2007 Guelph Transit launched a web-based system known as Next Bus. Global positioning satellites (GPS) technology and advanced computer modeling 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.Rail
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.
VIA Rail provides daily passenger rail service from the railway station to London and Toronto. The Goderich-Exeter Railway and Guelph Junction Railway provide freight service.
Highways
- Highway 401 to Toronto and London.
- Highway 7 to Kitchener and Acton.
- Highway 6 to Hamilton and Owen Sound. This highway is known as the Hanlon Parkway for most of its length inside the city.
Twin Cities
People
Notable people associated with Guelph:- Carla Collins - actress, comedian
- Victor Davis - 1984 Olympic gold medalist in the breaststroke
- Tim Kingsbury - bassist of the critically acclaimed indie rock band Arcade Fire
- Tom King - novelist and broadcaster, English professor at University of Guelph
- Neve Campbell - actress, best known for her roles in the "Scream" trilogies, and TV show "Party of Five"
- A. J. Casson - member of the Group of Seven artists, lived in Guelph from ages 9 to 14.
- Elinor Glyn - Edwardian writer of erotic novels; silent film screenwriter.
- James Gordon - Singer and songwriter.
- Jean Little - novelist.
- John Kenneth Galbraith - economist, alumnus of the Ontario Agricultural College.
- John McCrae - First World War poet.
- Robert Munsch - children's author
- Sue Richards - artist
- Seth - cartoonist
- Jane Siberry - singer-songwriter, studied at University of Guelph
- Luke Kirby - actor, alumnus of Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute
- Lou Fontinato - NHL player
- Edeet Ravel - author
- Thomas F. Ryan the inventor of five-pin bowling, grew up in Guelph.
- Kirk Maltby a current NHL player playing for the Detroit Red Wings
- Krys Barch a current NHL player playing for the Dallas Stars
- Gavin Smith - professional poker player
- Steven Truscott - Victim of a miscarriage of justice.
- Ken Danby - Painter
- Jeff Bueckert - Roboticist
References
See also
External links
- City of Guelph website
- Maps of Guelph streets, attractions, trails, bus routes, truck routes, waste collection, and wards
- Facts about Guelph
- Guelph Public Library
- Guelph Downtown
- Wellington Guelph Community Portal
- Wellington County Museum
- Black History in Guelph and Wellington County
- Guelph Junction Railway
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Tuesday September 30, 2008 at 09:58:18 PDT (GMT -0700)
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