Rotary Club of Guelph donates $250,000 to new Guelph Lake Nature Centre

As part of its Centennial Project, the Rotary Club of Guelph presented its $250,000 donation to the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) on June 20, 2025, in support of the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre (GLNC).

The Rotary Club of Guelph, the Rotary Club of Guelph Charitable Foundation, the GRCA and GRCF became Centennial Project partners in 2020, in commemoration of the Club’s 100th birthday.

The four organizations have a long-standing relationship, focusing on environmental stewardship and community development. Past projects have included the Rotary Forest and the Guelph Lake Rotary Trail.

“We are very grateful to the Rotary Club of Guelph and the Rotary Club of Guelph Charitable Foundation,” says John Challinor II, Chair of the GRCA. “This nature centre could not have been completed without their support and outstanding commitment to conservation, recreation and outdoor education at Guelph Lake.”

The new GLNC is located within the Guelph Lake Conservation Area (420 hectares), which surrounds a reservoir that was created with the construction of Guelph Dam, completed in 1976. The Guelph Lake Conservation Area has two beaches, picnic areas, and plenty of space for fishing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking. The GLNC’s site includes nature trails, pollinator gardens and dedicated parking.

“The Rotary Club of Guelph is proud to have partnered with the GRCA and the GRCF over the years to create a thriving 100-acre native forest and community trails. We are now honoured to support the development of the new Guelph Lake Nature Centre. This beautiful space will offer programs that go far beyond education — connecting with nature enriches our well-being, strengthens our community, and supports people’s physical and mental health,” says Carolyn Weatherson, Rotary Club of Guelph Centennial Project Co-Chair.

“Support from organizations such as the Rotary, along with the support of many private donors, have made this project possible,” says Ankur Gupta, Chair, Grand River Conservation Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating the new nature centre’s long-anticipated opening with donors and the community later this year.”

Set to officially open in September 2025, the new Centre will offer a variety of programs for students, youth, and community groups. The programs teach environmental concepts through hands-on learning and aim to deepen learners’ understanding of and appreciation for the natural world.

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Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, Supervisor, Communications and Marketing

Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education

Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca