The City of Guelph wants your ideas on what they should do with the space in front of the new multi-million dollar city hall being built right this second.

From the City news release:

“…the City wants to ensure the outdoor space is configured to accommodate a variety of uses.  “If people envision using the space for things like concerts, festivals, or outdoor markets for instance…”

Everyone points out the sucessful design of the Kitchener City Hall Public Square but I would also suggest looking at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square. Although Toronto is a much bigger but it is a very well designed and used public space.

The main things that need to be put in the square:

• Skating Rink in Winter (with lights) and Fountain in the Summer.
• Replant trees in the square to replace the ones lost due to construction
• If there is a skating rink, an option to have skate rentals can happen (like Toronto)
• A small platform stage, with access to electricity, for local events, concerts etc.
• Create a ‘Peace Garden’ area with water features.
• Washrooms!

The new square will be a social gathering, multi-purpose and beautiful democratic space that will also be a a safe, inviting and welcoming atmosphere to all Guelphities and visitors to the Square.The new square could be the “heart” of the City, a gateway to Guelph and the front door to our new City Hall. It must be accessible to all users, through improved connections and flow to surrounding areas. It can showcase the talent for all of Guelph’s cultures through events, art, and icon and be a reflection of Guelph as a healthy and green city for everyone.

The new City Hall Public Square should also be a celebration of the history of the space – through art, information, and plaques about what has happened on that site since Guelph was founded.

Give the city your ideas on the City Website here.