As part of the revitalization of the city’s historical downtown core, Guelph Market Square was designed to adapt to a variety of uses throughout the year. The central water feature is used for wading on hot summer days and can be drained for events such as markets and concerts. In the winter months, it becomes a skating rink. The Square exerts an influence beyond its own visual boundaries, uniting City Hall and the retail area into a single, dynamic plaza. This transformation has helped to revitalize the surrounding business area. Updated façades and recessed sidewalks now allow businesses to spill past their own walls and establish a vibrant new street life.