Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Guelph

in-person event information

Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors are invited to take a look behind the scenes of some of Guelph's iconic locations. This year's locations include a combination of community, research, religious and heritage sites — such as 10C Shared Space, Art Not Shame, Goldie Mill Ruins and Norwich Bridge, Islamic Society of Guelph, Guelph Outdoor School, Guelph Youth Music Centre, Junction Village Guelph, RWDI, Guelph Armoury, Trails Open and the Wellington County Administration Centre and Law Library.

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    Contact information

    11 In-person Doors Open sites

    10C Shared SpaceDoors Open Guelph

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    10C Shared Space

    10C is a community hub for activators and changemakers. It uses placemaking, social enterprise, social finance, social innovation — and food — to create new ways to connect, collaborate and share resources. They welcome groups and individuals working across sectors and engaging in collaborative work to build a resilient and sustainable community in Guelph, Wellington County and across Southern Ontario.

    • Adaptive reuse
    • Full wheelchair access
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Washrooms
    • Photography allowed
    • Rental opportunities

    Contact info

    42 Carden Street
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: jess@10carden.ca
    https://10carden.ca

    Architecture

    Year built: 1860s
    Building type: Commercial
    Architect: Lloyd Grinham Architects (restoration 2016)

    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Art Not ShameDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Art Not Shame

    Founded in 2017, Art Not Shame is a community-engaged, multidisciplinary arts organization serving youth and adults in Guelph and across Ontario. Their new downtown arts hub features the Workshop, the Gathering Space, the Community Kitchen and the Sensory Room — spaces that are fully accessible, that foster creativity, and that offer a supportive and transformative environment for individuals and the community.

    • Full wheelchair access
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Washrooms
    • Photography allowed
    • Rental opportunities

    Contact info

    119 Wyndham Street North
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: somer.graham@artnotshame.org
    https://artnotshame.org

    Architecture


    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Goldie Mill Ruins and Norwich BridgeDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Goldie Mill Ruins and Norwich Bridge

    The Norwich Bridge, one of Ontario’s oldest metal truss bridges, was constructed in 1882 to provide a vital connection across the river for early industries. One such place was the Goldie Mill, built in 1864 — one of the area’s first mills. Fire destroyed the building in 1953, leaving only the walls and chimney as you see from the ruins today.

    • Full wheelchair access
    • Kid-friendly
    • Parking
    • Self-guided tours available
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    Start at the bridge (69 Norwich Street East) and then follow the trail through Goldie Mill Park to the ruins
    Guelph, Ontario
    https://guelph.ca/park/goldie-mill-park-and-ruins/

    Architecture

    Building type: Commercial Historical landmark Transportation

    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Guelph ArmouryDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Guelph Armoury

    Constructed in 1909 of red brick with limestone trim, the Guelph Armoury has been the home of the 11th Field Regiment for over 165 years. Its castellated towers, battlements and heavy gate give the impression of a medieval fortress. The Officer’s Mess contains a collection of art and memorabilia of the Regiment.

    • Full wheelchair access
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Washrooms
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    7 Wyndham Street South
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: heather.kenny@forces.gc.ca

    Architecture

    Year built: 1909
    Building type: Military
    Architect: David Ewart and T.W. Fuller

    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Guelph Outdoor SchoolDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Guelph Outdoor School

    Located on five wooded hectares (13 acres) of cedar grove along the Eramosa River, this school operates programs for children aged 4-14 in wild spaces that are home to many animals. Visitors can tour the three areas that contain tents and firepits where trained instructors lead a nature immersion program.

    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Parking
    • Washrooms
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    733 Stone Road East
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: chris@theguelphoutdoorschool.com
    http://theguelphoutdoorschool.com

    Architecture


    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Guelph Youth Music CentreDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Guelph Youth Music Centre

    Come and explore Canada’s first non-profit centre dedicated to providing musical, cultural and artistic education opportunities for youth. Built in 1928, the site was formerly a seed processing facility. Plans by heritage architect Lloyd Grinham and renovations by over 1,000 volunteers created a renovated facility with 15 classrooms and teaching studios, a large dance studio, and a recital hall.

    • Adaptive reuse
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Parking
    • Partial wheelchair access
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    75 Cardigan Street
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: valerie@gymc.ca
    https://gymc.ca

    Architecture

    Year built: 1928
    Building type: Commercial Concert hall Educational facility Farm
    Architect: Grinham Architects (restoration)

    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Islamic Society of GuelphDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Islamic Society of Guelph

    Built in 1856 for Scottish Congregationalists, this was Guelph’s second oldest stone church. Then, in 2008, the Islamic Society of Guelph purchased it and converted it into a mosque. The floor is covered with rugs for worshippers and there is a niche in the wall pointing to Mecca. Shoes must be removed, and head coverings are required.

    • Adaptive reuse
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Parking
    • Partial wheelchair access
    • Self-guided tours available
    • Washrooms
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    126 Norwich Street East
    Guelph, Ontario
    https://isofg.ca

    Architecture

    Year built: 1856
    Building type: Place of worship

    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Junction Village GuelphDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Junction Village Guelph

    The Junction Village Community Land Trust is a community space located behind three houses where neighbours gather, connect and share in a large common backyard with an event space, community gardens, a skating rink, sauna and pool. Visitors can tour the outdoor areas and hear about their philosophy of sharing the housing, the land, food, childcare, recreation and entertainment.

    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    45-47 Meadowview Avenue
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: 2sistersriver@gmail.com
    http://junctionvillageguelph.com

    Architecture


    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    RWDIDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    RWDI

    This Canadian-based firm of consulting engineers and scientists tackles complex problems in the built environment by combining innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Through climate engineering, building performance and environmental engineering, RWDI creates sustainable buildings and infrastructure that are resilient to extreme weather. Their headquarters here in Guelph feature state-of-the-art wind tunnels and a water tunnel. Only flat, closed-toed shoes allowed.

    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Parking

    Contact info

    600 Southgate Drive
    Guelph, Ontario
    https://rwdi.com

    Architecture


    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Trails Open: The Ontario ReformatoryDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Trails Open: The Ontario Reformatory

    In 1912, reformatory prisoners built this wooden trestle bridge over the Eramosa River from Douglas fir logs transported by train from British Columbia. The Guelph Hiking Trail Club will lead 30-minute 400-metre walks (1,300 feet) (on demand) from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., visiting the Guelph Escarpment and the dry-stone walls around the remnants of Guelph's original 1908 oak aqueduct.

    • Guided tours available
    • Parking
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    Meet at the Barber Scout Camp parking area (733 Stone Road East)
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: ghtccommunications@gmail.com

    Architecture

    Year built: 1912
    Building type: Historical landmark

    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26

    Wellington County Administration Centre and Law LibraryDoors Open Guelph

    New

    • In-person Doors Open Ontario

    Wellington County Administration Centre and Law Library

    Constructed by William Allan of local limestone in 1842-44, the original County Court House is one of Guelph’s most significant buildings. It has been enlarged several times over the years. Walls from the original jail surround a secret garden. The Law Library is housed in the former 1911 jail building, known as the “County Bucket,” which was vacated in 1980.

    • Full wheelchair access
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Parking
    • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
    • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
    • Washrooms
    • Photography allowed

    Contact info

    74 Woolwich Street
    Guelph, Ontario
    Email: jennifera@wellington.ca
    https://www.wellington.ca/your-government/contact-us

    Architecture

    Year built: 1842-44
    Building type: Courthouse Government building
    Architect: William Allan

    Dates/hours open

    Apr 26 - Apr 26