Momentum builds to bridge the gap with a safer off-road trail connection into Guelph

Community and stakeholders get behind G2G Rail Trail Guelph Trailway Connection project. Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie drives $128k commitment from city. 100 Women Who Care Guelph and Trans Canada Trail contribute new funds.

February 18, 2026 – Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (G2G) is pleased to highlight important new funding from the City of Guelph, 100 Women Who Care Guelph, and Trans Canada Trail to complete the design of a new off-road trail that will connect the G2G Guelph Trailway to the G2G Rail Trail trailhead at Marden.

By bridging the Guelph-area’s final gap in the G2G Rail Trail, users will for the first time be able to seamlessly and more safely experience the full breadth of the 132-kilometre G2G Rail Trail, providing significant benefits to the recreational community and the Guelph tourism economy.

The proposed new 2.7-kilometre trail is situated along the City-owned Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) right of way between the recently-completed GJR Multi-Use Trail at Woodlawn Road and the G2G Rail Trail trailhead on Silvercreek Parkway North at Marden. Currently, the only way for trail users to continue their journeys between Guelph and Marden is to travel on the narrow shoulder of Silvercreek Parkway North, sharing space with cars and trucks on this heavilytrafficked roadway.

“This project is about safety, accessibility, and finishing what our community has clearly asked for,” says Willow Hall, Executive Director of G2G Rail Trail Inc. “Right now, families, seniors, commuters, and visitors are forced onto a high-speed road to move between trail systems. Bridging this gap transforms Guelph into a true gateway to the G2G Rail Trail and ensures the experience is safe and welcoming for everyone.”

“Thanks to the strong support of Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie and the City of Guelph staff, plus the decisions of 100 Women Who Care Guelph, and Trans Canada Trail to really get behind the project, funding is now available to do the next phase of diligence on a safe trail solution that works for all stakeholders.”

Project Information:

Diligence continues on numerous fronts, including the completion of a topographical survey, a preliminary trail design, an independent rail safety audit and intensive engagement with numerous stakeholders. Creating a safe, environmentally sound, and cost-effective overall design that is acceptable to all stakeholders is the priority before moving to construction.

Construction of a dedicated off-road trail connection, which has received overwhelming community support, is the top priority of the City of Guelph Trails Master Plan, and is aligned with the Vision Zero safety approach of the City of Guelph Transportation Master Plan.

Research indicates that completion of the G2G Rail Trail Guelph Trailway Connection project will produce benefits for all trail users, and significantly boost the local economy by making Guelph the true gateway to one of the most significant active transportation and recreation corridors in the province. Thirty percent of G2G Rail Trail users start or finish their journeys at the Ariss trailhead, and not Guelph, primarily for reasons of safety due to the lack of a continuous offroad trail connection to the Guelph Trailway section of the G2G Rail Trail.

The aspirational goal of this community-led, city-supported project is to complete the G2G Rail Trail Guelph Trailway Connection in time for the Guelph and Goderich bicentennial celebrations in 2027.

New funding: Getting behind the project

City of Guelph
For the current fiscal year, using a special mayoral allocation, the City of Guelph has dedicated $128,000 to the G2G Rail Trail Guelph Trailway Connection initiative for completion of the design work and diligence required prior to construction of the new trail.

100 Women Who Care Guelph
This exceptional local group, whose mission is to contribute to the health and vitality of the Guelph community, selected G2G Rail Trail as recipient of its October 2025 financial donation of $19,023. Funds will support creation of the detailed design for the proposed section of trail.

Trans Canada Trail
The organization that stewards Canada’s nationwide trail system believes in the importance of bridging this final gap, supporting the G2G Rail Trail Guelph Trailway Connection initiative with a contribution of $15,000 earmarked to help bring this project towards construction.

About the G2G Rail Trail and G2G Rail Trail Inc.

The G2G Rail Trail is a 132-kilometre multi-use trail connecting the scenic shoreline of Lake Huron in Goderich to the vibrant city of Guelph. This well-maintained trail invites people of all ages and abilities to experience diverse landscapes and 13 unique communities along the way. It promotes health and well-being, and raises awareness of rural agriculture, heritage, and the environment. G2G Rail Trail is a treasured and vital southwestern Ontario experience with more than 800,000 unique visits per year.

The mission of G2G Rail Trail Inc. is to develop and maintain a safe and accessible trail for all users to enjoy recreational activities year-round. G2G Rail Trail aims to improve the quality of life of people in the communities it services while preserving and celebrating local history.

Web: g2grailtrail.com

100 Women Who Care Guelph has chosen the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo
Wellington (ASWW) to receive it’s most recent approximately $19,000
donation helping them continue their mission of alleviating the personal and social
consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to promote
continued research.

In just 4 years, there will be an estimated 1 million people affected in some way by
dementia. Today there are over 41,000 people in this region alone who are living
with or directly impacted by this disease.

Minds in Motion is an 8 eight-week recreational therapy program offered by
ASWW designed specifically for people with dementia and their care partners. The
program combines physical exercise, social connection and cognitive stimulation.
Research has shown that these 3 activities done together can slow the progression
of the disease. The unplanned benefit of this program has been a rebuilding of lost
community. Many participants create new social support networks with their
fellow participants.

In addition, they also offer a music program. Music and speech reside in different
parts of the brain and when people have dementia, they tend to lose vocabulary and
speech but can retain rhythm and even the ability to sing.

The Minds in Motion program is offered free of charge to their clients and they
always have a waiting list of approximately 1000 people per year. As ASWW
receives no government funding for this program, every dollar needed to keep this
program running comes from supporters and organizations like 100WWCG. For
every $100 gift, they can provide space for one couple to join the Minds in Motion
program, offering much needed support and companionship on their journey.

Visit www.womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to join 100WWCG
and help support those in need in our community.

100 Women Who Care Guelph has chosen Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail Inc. (G2G) to receive its most recent $18,000+ donation, helping with Phase One of a project to avoid a dangerous section of the G2G in Guelph.

G2G’s overall mission is to develop and maintain the 132 km long G2G Rail Trail along Southwestern Ontario’s historical transportation route that supports various recreational activities.

It is accessible, welcoming users of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beautiful terrain. In 2025, some 800,000 people used part or all of the G2G.

The Guelph Hiking Trail Club noted that “… for the Guelph portion of the G2G, there is a consistent trail from the Covered Bridge at The Boathouse to Speedvale Avenue East, just east of Woolwich Street, but then a gap! Trail users must then use Guelph roadways to get to the trailhead at Silvercreek Parkway, north of the city.

The solution? A 3 km off-road trail that would connect the section from Speedvale to Silvercreek = the “Bridge the Gap” project!

An earlier donation, matched by the city of Guelph, enabled G2G to do the necessary preliminary work to move this project forward as a “community-led, city-supported” project. Unfortunately, G2G lacks funds to move to the next phase.

G2G would use 100WWCG’s $18,000+ to fund creation of a ‘detailed design’ that will be the blueprint for the construction phase of the 3 km “Bridge the Gap” project.

With an approved detailed design and a history of successful fundraising for major projects, (see G2G website) the project can then move to capital fundraising of approximately $1.5 to $2 million for Bridge the Gap.

“Bridge the Gap” is intended to remove the risk of accidents to those on Silvercreek and move people safely along the entire G2G route.

Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to join 100WWCG and help support those in need in our community.

100 Women Who Care Guelph has chosen Michael House to receive its most recent
$18,000+ donation, helping provide vital programming for pregnant and parenting
mothers and their children in need.

For over two decades, MH Pregnancy and Parent Support Services has dedicated itself
as a home and resource for women in crisis pregnancy situations. Together with
community partnerships, this Guelph-based charity provides Residential, Supportive
Housing, Aftercare and Drop-in programs, accessed as women transition to independent living in the community.

Much has already been done by MH. Since 2002, over 500 women and children hae
received shelter and support. In 2024 alone, over 760 hours of counseling and coaching
have been provided, 22 mothers lived in the Residential and Supportive Housing
programs and 25 children were supported.

However, these are unsettled times. Survivors of domestic violence, deep trauma and/or homelessness are often in the middle of a crisis, experiencing a sense of isolation, overwhelming uncertainty and are completely alone. They may also be navigating a sobriety journey.

Over the past few years, MH has seen an overwhelming need for mental health support
and increasing demand for help. There are significant waitlists for both its Residential
and Supported Housing programs which cannot be met until the summer of 2026.

MH would use 100WWCG’s $18,000+ donation to help address the growing need for
mental health support through more intensive counseling and vital life skills
programming such as cooking, etc. to help stabilize and build clients’ lives so they can
live independently. Through these programs, MH aims to transform the trajectory of lives for generations to come.

Three local charities (North End Harvest Market, Guelph Chamber Choir, Ignatius Jesuit
Centre Farm) were also awarded approximately $8,000 each from a bequest given to
100WWCG from the Estate of Gale Dudnick, another caring woman.

Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to join 100WWCG and help support those in need in our community.

100 Women Who Care Guelph has chosen Chalmers Community Services Centre’s Food Pantry to receive its most recent $17,000+ donation. The donation will provide food to members of our community who are food insecure via nutritionally balanced food baskets and a breakfast cafe.

Chalmers has been serving Guelph for over 28 years, now working out of two locations, with 75 volunteers and five staff. Their vision: “a community without poverty, where people flourish with dignity and respect”.

With a mandate of “Food Security for All”, Chalmer’s Food Pantry service offers three Food Pantries and two welcoming cafes every week. Families from all walks of life are welcomed bi-weekly and choose fresh produce, eggs, cheese and more via a basket format. They served 21,249 people in 2024. Fifty-seven percent of recipients of the baskets were children.

In 2025, the Food Pantry is in urgent need of additional funding; over half of their approximately $700,000 budget buys food; the other half of the food is donated. Their only support is from donors, the City of Guelph and United Way.

The problem is two-fold. First: the number of “food insecure” families is growing along with the cost of both food and economic turbulence/job losses.

Second: the cost of food has caused the Food Pantry to cut items from their line-up and to decrease the amounts purchased. The result: longer and growing line-ups of needy families; it often runs out of food after 45 minutes and must turn guests away.

The Food Pantry is seeking our donation to respond to the growing need; every dollar will go towards reinstating some foods that were “cut” and increasing the quantities offered. The donation will help it respond to today’s urgent and increasing food insecurity and very tough year ahead.

Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to become a member and help support those in need in our community.

RMH Charities (RMHC) create a “home away from home” (food, shelter, respite) for weary families in crisis seeking care for their sick child. There are 16 “Houses” and numerous “Family Rooms” across Canada.

McMaster Children’s Hospital (Hamilton) IS Guelph’s children’s hospital. Hundreds of children with serious medical conditions (cancer, trauma, etc.) are emergency transfers from Guelph General to McMaster, requiring weeks or months in hospital. RMHC South Central Ontario (RMHCSCO), run by 15 paid staff and 200 volunteers, is there for family members providing crucial support for those children.

The financial impacts on families for travel and accommodation can be staggering. In 2024, Guelph families with children in McMaster stayed 1,392 nights at RMHCSCO, with 6,900 meals provided to parents and siblings.

While families pay $12 a night (unchanged since 1993 and which can be waived), the actual cost to stay at The House is over $200 a night. The cost to house, feed and provide programming was well over $300,000 for last year. With no government support and minimal contributions from McDonald’s itself, fundraising is crucial.

RMHC is committed to financial efficiency, focused on keeping the cost of every dollar raised as low as possible, and ensuring that each donation goes toward supporting families in need.

100WWCG’s more than $16,000 donation would create a fund to specifically support Guelph families travelling for medical care for their child, and would help the RMHCSCO operating budget and significantly reduce other fundraising needs.

Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to join 100WWCG and help support those in need in our community.

100 Women Who Care Guelph (WWCG) has chosen Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington (ISGW)  as our fourth charity of 2024 (our 10th year!) to receive its approximately $16,000 donation. The donation will provide emergency housing for asylum seekers in the cold winter months.

Since 1978, ISGW has been providing services to refugees and permanent residents to help make Guelph their home, serving 4800 clients last year. ISGW is also a bridge service for temporary housing to “asylum seekers” via a limited emergency fund.

An asylum seeker is …a person who has fled their home country and is seeking protection in another country because of persecution, war or violence (canadacomons.ca). Their claim for asylum is under evaluation, waiting on whether they will be granted refugee status. They do not have the all-important work permit.

Due to the current housing crisis, 61% of asylum seekers are housed in shelters, however shelters in Guelph (a destination “hot spot”) are at capacity. Families with children may have nowhere to turn and often arrive at the ISGW office on cold winter nights. Last year, 150 asylum seekers were families.

In addition to various shelters mentioned above, a few local hotels offer reduced nightly rates (also often at capacity). ISGW is also working with a non-profit that has a farmhouse in a rural setting and is willing to work cooperatively to provide affordable housing.

Unfortunately, due to the depletion of ISGW’s emergency fund and increasing number of families seeking refuge, without 100WWCG’s donation, it would be difficult to access emergency accommodation for those in need.

ISGW intends to use the donation to replenish its emergency fund to seek emergency accommodation for the growing number in need, spending less on hotels. Food and other living expenses would be provided by other charities or agencies.

Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to become a member and help support those in need in our community.

100 Women Who Care Guelph Exceeds $500,000 in Donations

As 100 Women Who Care Guelph completes their 10^th year of giving with their most recent donation to Hope House Guelph, they have crossed the  $500,000 mark in donations for local charities. That’s half a million dollars put to work in support of fellow community members, friends, and families.

The 100 Women concept has proven to be a powerful grassroots funding strategy that has spread around the globe. The Guelph chapter formed in October of 2014, arising from a conversation among friends who recognized the great need that exists in the community, matched with a great desire for people to contribute locally.

“The simplicity of the idea appealed to us,” says Sharon Lewis, one of the co-founders of the group. “We never really set a goal for the amount raised, but we knew the direction felt right.”

“When we began this endeavour, we had no idea how long it would last, or what kind of impact it would have, but we knew the potential was great. What we did have a healthy dose of optimism, some great energy, and lots of ideas to bounce around the room,” says Tannis Sprott, another co-founder.

That spirit has taken the group far. The inaugural meeting saw 98 members sign up. That number has grown over the decade to 175 members currently. Their unflagging commitment and generosity have meant so much to local charities, allowing them to dream a little bigger, and to reach even more people in need.

The group’s funds have supported 35 different charities, encompassing many of the issues facing our community from hospice care, food insecurity and mental health, to the library, gardening, and even the purchase of a horse for Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre!

The donation thermometer on the 100WWCG website was gleefully raised to $1,000,000 this week as the group launches into its second decade. New members are always welcome.

To learn more about this group of women who care deeply about our community and are passionate about contributing to its health and vitality, and the charities they have supported, visit their website at www.100womenwhocareguelph.com.

100 Women Who Care Guelph Supports Hope House Guelph

100 Women Who Care Guelph has chosen Hope House as our fourth charity of 2024 (our 10th year!) to receive its over $17,000 donation. The donation will supply milk and eggs to approximately 3000 food insecure people in Guelph.

Hope House “offers services and programs that challenge the stigmas surrounding
poverty and allows community members to maintain their dignity and choice while
simultaneously providing them with tactile skills developed in a community
environment, creating long-term skills that facilitate self-sufficiency.” (hopehouseguelph.ca)

Among its various programs, Hope House, distributes both purchased and donated food through nine different food markets in Guelph to food insecure people. Unfortunately, most donated food is carbohydrate rich, lacking in foods (such as milk and eggs) that are high in protein and certain vitamins/minerals.

Hope House currently purchases 1000 eggs a week at wholesale prices and with
significant discounts, but can barely meet the current demand. Why? The number of food insecure people visiting Hope House food markets alone has grown from 3500 to 4700 people in under a year, and is still increasing by over 34%+ yearly.

The most significant reason for the increase in demand is the high cost of affordable
housing (which has tripled in recent years) for those on low incomes, working or not or
with complex needs. Although likely temporary, a 1000 person strike at a local food plant has significantly increased the number of people attending the food markets.

The $17,000+ donation would supply four to five months of milk and eggs to over 3000
Guelphites in this vulnerable community. Since demand is growing, without increases in
funding, Hope House may/will need to place people on a wait list. Reducing food
insecurity (to any degree) will help more people grow, succeed and be healthy.

Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to become a member and help support those in need in our community.

100 Women Who Care Guelph Supports Guelph Wish Fund for Children

100 Women Who Care Guelph has chosen Guelph Wish Fund for Children (GWFC) as our second 2024 charity to receive our almost $16,000 donation. It will help provide “wishes” to eligible Guelph and Wellington County (WC) children up to 19 and their families who are living with a significant illness, life-altering injury or a rare and debilitating syndrome (guelphwishfund.com).

The first GWFC “wish” was granted in 1985; GWFC received non-profit/charity status in 1995 and has now granted 458 wishes! It also supports scholarships for deserving graduates in the 12 secondary schools in Guelph and WC.

Most affected children wish for an experience: a trip, meeting a celebrity, bedroom makeover, electronic device, etc. The anticipation can be as impactful as the wish itself. GWFC also helps with specialized equipment, medical expenses, assistance devices, lost income, etc.

GWFC receives no government support; volunteers help keep operating costs low. GWFC partners with their community and many generous local individuals, groups and businesses. Annually, it holds a Gala, Golf Tournament and Auction.

Of course the need for funding is ongoing; there are currently 90 children in the program with GWFC accepting 2 referred children monthly; none that qualify are turned away.

Upon referral and acceptance, a child’s wish account is created with a value of up to $10,000. The funds can be spent all at once or over several years and must be used by the time the child is 19. GWFC oversees the account and requires families to regularly submit receipts.

Our donation of approximately $16,000 would help this worthy Guelph/WC charity continue providing hope, strength, wonderful moments and memories to children and their families during a difficult time. It would help “make a child’s life a little happier”.

Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or become a member and help support those in need in our community.