About Guelph
Guelph and Wellington County have a rich and interesting history. Pride in that history can be
seen in the downtown core of Guelph through buildings and the various monuments dedicated to the history makers of Guelph's past. Wellington County keeps its historical traditions alive and welcomes all to come and celebrate their roots. You can experience the story of Guelph and Wellington County through walking tours, museums and festivals.
Guelph was founded in 1827 by John Galt of the Canada Company. The Scotsman, John Galt has been described as an adventurer, novelist, dramatist, biographer and empire-builder. Guelph officially became a town as of January 1, 1879.
The name Guelph has a special significance, it was the family name of the Dukes of Bavaria and through alliance with the Hohenstaufens came to be the surname of the British Royal family when, in 1714, George of Hanover became George I.
Tradition relates that John Galt, or
one of his companions, laid his outstretched hand on a tree stump and predicted that the streets of the new town would radiate from a central point such as his fingers radiated from his palm. It is true that the main streets of downtown Guelph do follow such a pattern, but which came first, the legend or the plan, remains in doubt. Guelph and Wellington County are home to many fun and exciting community events and festivals. Make sure you take in a few during your stay!
Arts and Heritage
Guelph Arts Council
Guelph Chamber Orchestra
Guelph Concert Band
Guelph Historical Society
Guelph Little Theatre
Guelph Youth Orchestra
Guelph Youth Singers
guelpharts.ca / wellingtonarts.ca
Macdonald Stewart Art Centre
River Run Centre
Service Clubs
Habitat for Humanity Wellington County Kiwanis Club of Guelph Rotary Club of Guelph Zonta Club of Guelph Area
Education
Conestoga College
Conseil scolaire de district catholique
Conseil scolaire public de district Centre-Sud-Ouest
Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI)
University of Guelph
Upper Grand District School Board
Wellington Catholic District School Board
Useful Links
Downtown Guelph
Guelph Online
Wellington County Public Sector Consortium
Wellington Guelph Community Portal
Healthcare
Alzheimer Society Guelph-Wellington
Community Care Access Centre
Distress Centre Wellington/Dufferin
Guelph General Hospital
Guelph Services for Persons with Disabilities (GSPD)
Homewood Health Centre Inc.
St. Joseph's Health Centre
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit
Community Groups
Girl Guides of Canada
Guelph Historical Railway Association
Guelph Humane Society
Guelph Royalaires Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
Guelph Wellington Seniors Association
Howitt Park Neighbourhood Residents' Association
Scouts Canada - Wellington Area
News and Media
Guelph Mercury
Guelph Pennysaver
Guelph Tribune
Magic 106 Radio
Rogers Television
