Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Guelph is set to buy the Guelph Public Library’s main branch property located at 100 Norfolk St., with plans to turn the site into housing, which will include below-market affordable options.
The city will use $3.69 million from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund received in 2025 to help finance this purchase. This provincial program offers funding for municipal housing-enabling infrastructure, aimed at speeding up housing construction in municipalities.
“Working alongside the Guelph Public Library Board to make this purchase happen was crucial, and we thank them greatly,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “We’re also thankful to the provincial government for the recent Building Faster Fund, which we knew would enable us to realize this vision.
“This site’s close distance to transit, schools, services, and businesses makes it a perfect location for new homes that will benefit Guelph residents for many years.”
The current library is planned to relocate to a new Central Library at 1 Baker St. in 2027, creating a chance to repurpose the Norfolk Street property.
Board members played an important role in facilitating the sale to the city, aiming to keep the property under public ownership and addressing community needs like housing affordability.
City staff will spend next year exploring options for developing housing on this site. Possible strategies include leasing the land or teaming up with housing providers or developers to construct homes.
The city stated that this project aims to offer various housing options, including some below-market homes priced according to provincial affordability standards.
Community consultation will occur before any development moves forward. Information regarding the consultation process is expected in 2027.
This property lies within Guelph’s Downtown Community Planning Permit System area where residential uses are allowed. It is also within a 15-minute walk from Guelph Central GO Station, local schools, Exhibition Park and downtown shops and services.
This acquisition is part of a larger initiative by the city aimed at utilizing municipal resources and properties to boost housing availability.
Other efforts involve planning for housing on city-owned land on Normandy Drive and Eastview Road while collaborating with Thresholds Homes and Supports on affordable rental housing at 14 Edinburgh Rd. S.
As of October 2025, Guelph’s rental vacancy rate was recorded at 2.9 percent, slightly below three percent which typically indicates a balanced rental market.
Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack mentioned that the Building Faster Fund aims to assist municipalities in creating more housing opportunities.
“Housing has remained one of my most important priorities as mayor and for our community,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Securing property for the public and social good of our city creates opportunities for necessary housing.”
“As we get ready to welcome patrons into our new Central Library, we’re happy that we’re contributing towards much-needed housing options including affordable ones,” remarked Guelph Public Library Board chair Bang Ly.
Lately, the City of Guelph has been looking into ways beyond policies, grants and programs that support development-seeking innovative methods using City resources effectively for building houses. This includes utilizing City-owned land along with funding and partnerships supporting new developments in Guelph.
<p Examples consist of planning new residences on City-owned properties along Normandy Drive and Eastview Road while collaborating with Thresholds Homes and Supports delivering affordable rentals at 14 Edinburgh Rd. S. These initiatives represent just a few ways that Guelph is working towards addressing our community's need for additional housing choices.
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