What We Do

OUNRA is not a passive organization. We show up, speak up and act on behalf of the residents of the Old University Neighbourhood. From city hall to community meetings, we are your voice in matters that shape where you live.

OUNRA provides frameworks for dealing with change — advocating for development that respects the neighbourhood’s heritage character, keeping residents informed on issues that affect their homes and streets, and building relationships with city officials that give our community a seat at the table.

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Planning & Development Advocacy

We monitor development applications and severance requests that could affect the neighbourhood’s scale, character and heritage. We participate in City of Guelph planning processes and present resident perspectives where it counts.

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City & Councillor Relations

We maintain active relationships with our Ward 5 city councillors and city staff. Every general meeting includes a Councillors’ Corner where elected officials report directly to residents and answer questions from the floor.

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Resident Communication

We keep residents informed through our twice-yearly newsletter, general meetings and this website. When issues arise that affect the neighbourhood we mobilize quickly to ensure residents have the information they need.

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Heritage & Environment

We advocate for the protection of the neighbourhood’s heritage character, tree canopy and green spaces. We have engaged directly with Hydro One, the City and other agencies on environmental matters affecting our streets and corridors.

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Democratic Engagement

We host municipal election candidate forums giving residents direct access to those seeking to represent them at City Hall. We have a long tradition of bringing Mayoral and Ward 5 candidates to our community.

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Community Building

We bring residents together through engaging general meetings, guest speakers and community events. OUNRA is a place where neighbours meet, connect and work together on the issues that matter most to them.

Where We Have Taken Action

Over more than four decades OUNRA has engaged on a wide range of issues affecting the neighbourhood:

Participating in City of Guelph Committee of Adjustment hearings on development and severance applications
Engaging with the Town and Gown Committee on issues related to the University of Guelph and student housing
Advocating on city policy regarding severances and demolitions in established neighbourhoods
Organizing community responses to Hydro One’s vegetation clearing along the Cedar/Water/Hanlon transmission corridor
Engaging with city planners on Guelph’s Official Plan and growth strategy
Hosting provincial and federal elected officials to discuss housing, zoning and neighbourhood intensification
Participating in municipal election cycles through candidate forums and voter engagement
Advocating for the protection of the neighbourhood’s Heritage Conservation District designation

Get Involved

OUNRA is only as strong as its engaged residents. Attend a meeting, join the executive, or simply stay informed — every resident’s voice matters.