CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Guelph campus gets makeover to create beautiful space with upgraded amenities, services

Conestoga's Guelph campus underwent a significant renovation, giving the Speedvale Avenue facility operated by the college since 1970 fresh new spaces and services for students.

The welcome centre is the showcase of the $3.8-million renovation, which started in November 2022 and opened in September 2023.

The inviting space off the main entrance serves as a new hub with centralized access to key student services all from the welcome desk. The redeveloped space includes a new medical clinic and testing centre, more student study areas and workspace, classrooms, renovated outdoor courtyard and newly landscaped exterior space as well as more faculty and staff space.

"The Guelph campus renovation was not just an upgrade to a dated and tired facility, it was an opportunity to transform the campus into a beautiful space where staff, faculty, and most importantly students can be inspired to learn and grow," said Robin Palermo, project manager. "The improvements made both inside and outside in the courtyard have been well received and it's a pleasure to see students thoroughly enjoying the space."

The Speedvale campus, located in the northwest end of the city, provides training in fully equipped shops for the motive power trades, including automotive, truck and coach, and heavy duty equipment. It also provides business-oriented programs, including Business Foundations, General Business and Office Administration as well as programs in Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, Engineering & Technology and Health & Life Sciences.

International nursing students have the benefit of new simulation labs to practice their skills, and local training for Personal Support Workers is also delivered at the Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph in collaboration with Schlegel Villages.

"The renovated welcome centre and new student spaces have created a warm, welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors at the Guelph campus. The welcome desk provides a central hub for student services, and the additional student seating, outdoor courtyard, and study space have enhanced the student experience across campus," said Kim Thorne, campus manager.

The already pleasant and well-used refreshed courtyard space isn't finished yet. Along with Indigenous elements already incorporated into the design, a mural will be added to one of the walls this year with art being developed by an Indigenous artist.

Outside the building, bike parking was added along with outdoor seating and a pathway to the bus stop out front. Inside, the redevelopment allows for more connections through the building along with many more places for students to sit and study or socialize at various seating spaces added throughout including nooks in the wide corridors.           

A full range of services are available to Guelph campus students, including Student Success advising, international student advising, international transition support, career advising and other career services, learning skills support, IT services, mental health counselling and medical clinic appointments with a nurse practitioner. The campus also holds a variety of student engagement, wellness and recreation activities, as well as other student-centred events.

"We regularly receive compliments on the impact the renovated spaces has made for our students," Thorne said.

Conestoga is also developing a new campus in the city's downtown core slated to open as early as September 2026 on Macdonell Street, formerly the head office of Co-operators Insurance.

The new campus will offer state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, providing students with hands-on training and education in a variety of fields including Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, Business, Creative Industries and Interdisciplinary Studies.