GRCA breaks ground on construction of the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre

Construction is set to begin on the long-awaited new Guelph Lake Nature Centre (GLNC) at Guelph Lake Conservation Area.

Representatives from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) and other guests gathered on Tuesday, April 23 to celebrate the ground-breaking for the project.

“This project represents a long-time commitment to environmental education and stewardship within the Grand River watershed by both the GRCA and community members in Guelph/Eramosa Township, Wellington County and Guelph,” says GRCA Chair Chris White. 

The one-story building was designed by +VG Architects and will be built by Dakon Construction. It will be located inside the GRCA’s Guelph Lake Conservation Area and will feature a large multi-purpose room that can be divided into two classrooms, providing environmental learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Expected to be completed in late 2024, the new building will replace the existing nature centre that has operated in a small stand-alone house since 1982. Along with being more accessible and providing enhanced learning opportunities, the new GLNC will sit next to a blazed 850-metre trail that will be incorporated into learning activities.

“The support from donors and our community has been the driving factor in this project,” says GRCF Chair Paul Salvini. “We thank all of the local businesses, service organizations and individuals that have generously donated to this project and praise their commitment to environmental education and conservation in our watershed.”

The GRCF first adopted the new GLNC as a fundraising project in the fall of 2010 as part of the overall Your River, Your Life campaign plan. Since that time, the GRCF has raised almost $1.9 million in donations for the project, some of which has already been utilized for consulting fees, surveys, utility infrastructure and permit costs. Additional projects have also been completed including pollinator gardens, a pond and nature trails. A further $400,000 has been pledged by members of the community.

“The only way to truly ensure conservation is through education,” says Susan Frasson, donor and representative of the Honorary Campaign Chair Family. “We know that spending time in nature has a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. It’s critical we get kids outdoors and back into nature, the environment they were designed to live in.”

The GRCA board approved the $2,041,000.00 tender amount for the building in March 2024. Up to $1.1 million could potentially come from the GRCA’s reserves to complete the balance of the project. The GRCF continues to accept donations to assist with the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre construction project. For more information about the project and to learn how you can help, visit www.grandriver.ca/glnc.

-30-

Media Contacts:

James Clark, Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email jclark@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager, Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca