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We are thrilled and excited to announce that construction of the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre (GLNC) is set to begin! The tender for the project was awarded to Dakon Construction at the March 22, 2024, meeting of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) Board of Directors. Please read GRCA Board Report GM-03-24-18 Guelph Lake Nature Centre Tender Award for further details.
The Grand River Conservation Foundation (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 proposed new facility has been redesigned to decrease project costs while maintaining an emphasis on accessible outdoor spaces and incorporating the importance of new technology and evolving trends in outdoor education.
Work at the site of the new nature centre, located within Guelph Lake Conservation Area, has been ongoing for the past several years. The progress made so far includes nature trails, pollinator gardens, road access, parking and the septic system, which have all been tangible steps towards realizing the vision for the new facility and learning grounds. The GRCA has finalized the detailed design of the building and construction has commenced. More details to follow for a scheduled GLNC Open House scheduled for later this year.
The new Centre will be located within Guelph Lake Conservation Area, less than one kilometre away. It will do more than just provide a purpose-built place for kids to learn: it will offer our entire community a new environmental hub for active living and nature programs. With the City of Guelph expanding rapidly, Guelph Lake is no longer far away - it's at your doorstep!
The redesign of the new facility maintains an emphasis on accessible outdoor spaces and incorporates the importance of new technology and evolving trends in outdoor education. None of this would be possible without the generous contributions of our donors and the strong support for outdoor education in Guelph and Wellington County.
To date, work completed at the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre and Learning Grounds includes the pollinator gardens, a pond, an outdoor classroom and nature trails. We are currently working to finalize the detailed design of the building with a goal of proceeding to tender the project in the late summer of 2023.
We are so thankful for all of the support of many generous supporters and volunteers to make this project a reality!
"Guelph Lake is such a huge part of our community and our family. It's exciting to see so many community leaders step up and help support the Grand River Conservation Foundation in building this new facility." - Susan Frasson, Honourary Campaign Chair Family
Over the next several years, the GRCF has identified raising funds for the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre as our top priority project. This project includes opportunities to connect the community to the natural environment, providing support to the new building, grounds enhancements and critical outdoor educational programs everyone can enjoy Guelph Lake Conservation area and its grounds for years to come. The GRCF remains committed to enhancing and conserving the Grand River watershed through our various public programs and facilities.
As residents and users of the Grand River watershed, we must unite to help promote stewardship and conservation of these natural spaces that mean so much to us! Please consider what the Grand River watershed means to you, your family and your community. Please visit the GRCF homepage to find out more information about our multiple Conservation Projects and how you can help!
The GRCF is a Canadian registered charity, so your gift is tax-deductible. To make your online donation now, please visit CanadaHelps.
If you would like more information about how you can help our efforts , please contact the Foundation.