Who We Are:
The Yorklands Green Hub (YGH) is a non-profit organization working to create a one-of-a-kind green hub in Guelph for the benefit of the community on part of the former Guelph Correctional Centre (GCC) heritage lands. On them we aim to develop an education centre among the scenic streams, ponds, meadows, and trails. Until then, we refer to the area as the Yorklands site.
Our Story:
Yorklands Green Hub brings together organizations, businesses and people of all ages, races, religions, ethnicities, gender identities, abilities and interests – to learn, innovate, work and share in engaged stewardship of the land, food, water, energy, cultural and natural heritage.
*At present, we do not have charitable status and we are unable to issue receipts. With your support we are building up our programming to achieve status in the future.*
Our Vision Statement:
Our vision is to foster environmental sustainability and public use of the Reformatory Heritage Conservation District (former Guelph Correctional Centre – GCC) lands.
Guelph is situated on the the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations – Between the Lakes Treaty#3 and on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Attawandaron peoples.
Details and map here https://mncfn.ca/between-the-lakes-treaty-no-3-1792/
Our Mission Statement:
Our mission is to open green doors to the future by promoting sustainable
conservation, environmental education and public enjoyment at the Reformatory Heritage Conservation District lands.
Our Values:
Yorklands Green Hub stands in solidarity with all races, religions, ethnicities, ages, gender identities and abilities against the injustices and oppression evident in our society. We believe that mutual respect, inclusion and anti-oppressive practices are fundamental to our organization and our goal of building a more sustainable community for everyone.
Equitable and inclusive: Our mission and vision will not be achieved without ensuring equity and inclusiveness. We will demonstrate that all people feel respected, valued and accepted.
Integrity: We will remain true to our mission and vision.
Community: We will maintain focus on community resilience and well-being.
Sustainability: We are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint on the local and global ecosystems.
Learning: We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn.
Our Pillars:
To create, for Ontario’s public domain, a self-sustaining education, demonstration, and research hub (living lab) at the provincially owned Reformatory Heritage Conservation District (former GCC). The City of Guelph and the Province of Ontario and its citizens will then be recognized as world leaders in the development and implementation of resilient and sustainable ecological, social and economic innovations related to:
- RENEWABLE ENERGY & SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
- WATER CONSERVATION
- LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION & URBAN AGRICULTURE
- CULTURAL/NATURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
- OUTDOOR EDUCATION & RECREATION
Envisioned Outcomes:
- Preservation of the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Reformatory Heritage Conservation District lands through adaptive reuse
- Diffusion of local, sustainable and affordable food initiatives throughout Ontario.
- Creation of educational demonstrations to help citizens and businesses choose low impact and carbon neutral energy alternatives
- Increased engagement of citizens in building strong, resilient, safe and inclusive communities.
Immediate Objectives:
Working in partnership with Urban Park Guelph to establish a National Urban Park at the Reformatory Heritage Conservation district lands so as to achieve our two main objectives:
1. To secure designated natural and heritage/cultural space within the park for innovative small-scale agricultural, energy and environmental sustainability initiatives.
2. To secure and retrofit the Superintendent’s house as a centre for interactive educational programs
We have developed a partnership proposal to help clarify the terms of this process.