My Account

George Sleeman: Guelph's First Mayor

Today's Hours: 8am - 10pm - All service hours

George Sleeman's business card as Mayor of Guelph XR1 MS A801 (Box 16, File 8)
George Sleeman's business card as Mayor of Guelph XR1 MS A801 (Box 16, File 8)

Along with being a successful entrepreneur and brewer, George Sleeman (Sr.) was also actively involved in local politics. His entrance into local politics was inspired by the prohibition movement and his interest in protecting his brewing business. His political career began when he was elected councillor of the South Ward in 1876. He served as Guelph's first mayor after its incorporation in 1880 and would serve two terms, once in 1892 and again from 1905-1906. George (Sr.) used his position as mayor to contribute to the city's growth as an industrial centre and played a significant role in bringing Ontario Hydro to Guelph. He also used his position to oppose those who sought to ban alcohol locally on three separate occasions in the 1870s.

 

The library is committed to ensuring that members of our user community with disabilities have equal access to our services and resources and that their dignity and independence is always respected. If you encounter a barrier and/or need an alternate format, please fill out our Library Print and Multimedia Alternate-Format Request Form. Contact us if you’d like to provide feedback: lib.a11y@uoguelph.ca