GUELPH/ERAMOSA – 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 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,” said 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,” said 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.
Since then, 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.
From left: Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) CAO Samantha Lawson, Guelph Eramosa Mayor and GRCA chair Chris White, Guelph Rotary Club president Nanita Mohan, Guelph Rotary Club charitable foundation chair Marty Fairburn, Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) chair Paul Salvini, Guelph Rotary Club centennial committee co-chair and GRCF board member Carolyn Weatherspoon, GRCF past chair Wayne Fyffe, donor Susan Frasson, and VG Architects partner-in-charge Paul Sapounzi. Submitted photo
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,” said 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 tender amount for the building in March.
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 how to support visit grandriver.ca/glnc.
