A self-sustaining education, demonstration, and research eco-sustainability hub at the provincially owned former Guelph Correctional Centre (GCC), to be created on landmark parkland. Yorklands Green Hub (YGH) is a non-partisan citizens group that promotes the repurposing of the former Guelph Correctional Centre (GCC), and transforming this heritage site within the City of Guelph into a public “Ontario Sustainable Environments Centre.” Our non-profit group formed in May 2013 when we learned of the provincial initiative to consider proposals for adaptive reuse or development of the GCC lands and buildings. The site will bring together businesses, organizations, and people of all ages to work, learn, and innovate with the common purpose of being engaged stewards of our land, food, water, and energy resources. It is an ideal site to provide work space, indoor and outdoor displays, rotating exhibits, workshops, lectures, videos and educational materials that promote greater understanding of sustainable living. The former superintendent’s house on the property will be used as a demonstration and education centre presenting food, water and energy alternatives to move our communities towards carbon neutrality. The site will host busloads of students, tourists and other interested groups allowing them to engage first-hand with sustainable environmental initiatives and integrate them into their own lives. Our green hub will stress the importance of innovation and change that will lead to reduced carbon emissions, mitigation of climate change, and an overall increase in public education with respect to our environment in the 21st century. At this time of great concern regarding food and water security, the Yorklands Green Hub vision aligns with the goals of public education, public health, sustainable urban agriculture (as outlined in the Ontario Local Food Act), and the carbon neutrality goals of Guelph’s Official Plan and provincial goals of sustainability for energy, water and food production.
