Wainfleet, Ontario

A Gleaming Jewel Nestled in the Stunning Niagara Region

With a breathtaking backdrop and a dynamic township agenda the future shines brightly

There are very few communities that can boast an enviable lifestyle while also being surrounded by some of North America’s most beautiful landscapes. Add to the mix, a dynamic township agenda, a top-tier health system as well as world-class attractions, and anyone would be lucky to call Wainfleet Township home.

A rural township tucked in the southern part of Ontario in the heart of the Niagara region and strategically located on Lake Erie, home to the tourist-friendly Long Beach, Wainfleet caters not only to its happy residents but also to the many visitors who come to enjoy some of its top-tier recreational amenities.

Along with great boating and water-related activities, historical sights, and breathtaking landscapes, Wainfleet Township is also home to the Marshville Heritage Village which helps to bring to life the way things used to be for tourists for the unique opportunity to dip into the area’s rich history.

The story of Wainfleet Township is one of prosperity and growth. The Township has grown to encompass the second largest community in the region with just shy of 7,000 residing in the area.

Residents have their pick of outdoor activities with four beaches located in the township as well as an outstanding network of trails, one of which follows the route of the well-known Talbot Trail. Green spaces and parks are located throughout the township and quaint architecture can be found throughout the region.

Friends sitting on the grass, enjoying an outdoors music, culture, community event, festival.

A tight-knit community with much to offer

Along with the endless year-round outdoor opportunities beckoning those lucky enough to live in Wainfleet Township, residents can also enjoy fresh vegetables and local produce directly from homebred farms scattered throughout the township, and the feeling that embraces visitors is one of deep agricultural roots. Visitors are also struck by the cherished traditions they encounter when visiting the area along with a plethora of events that welcome even the most discerning of tourists.

With a decidedly community-first appeal, one of the most cherished events that helps to bring this very tight-knit community together is the Marshville Heritage Festival. Equally as popular, Wainfleet also hosts the Wainfleet Fall Fair and a farmers market. As the days turn colder, a Christmas Market adds to the township’s event calendar.

Embracing the simpler lifestyle and community-focused living of years gone by is exemplified in Wainfleet. The heartbeat of the township is directly linked to the activities in the town hall and local arena. This sense of community binds the township together and drives Wainfleet forward as it continues to grow and embrace a dynamic future.

As agriculture is one of the main economic drivers of the township, Wainfleet pays considerable attention to its rich farmland and is proud of its productivity in the agri-business sector. Supporting local farming businesses and looking for ways to help innovative local farming practices continue to be of top priority for Wainfleet.

Recently several agri-projects have come into focus for the community that remain unique to the township. Over the last several years Wainfleet has adapted barns for new agri-purposes. An example of this is the creation of a new mushroom-growing facility that is housed in what used to be a former poultry barn. Roadside produce stands are being given a special focus in the area as well and proposals put forth to the township for several barn conversions into spaces for special events such as weddings or anniversary celebrations, breathing life back into under-utilized agricultural buildings.

These creative uses of agri-buildings and agri-business opportunities in the region are a special draw for those who are attracted to the rural lifestyle and close community roots that Wainfleet is known for.

Although the township does not have specific incentive programs to help with these growth and expansion efforts, helping owners get through the planning and permit process is of utmost priority. Help is given in the area of navigating the permitting process as well as Planning Act applications. Supporting these local business opportunities remains a high priority for the township as it puts the community first.

From agri-roots to the tourist footprint

With tourist numbers continuing to rise, Wainfleet Township is pulling out the red carpet and ramping up its historical offerings for those coming to experience its unique charms.

Up to 100,000 have come to take in the sights of the Marshville Heritage Festival which takes place every Labor Day. The festival is held at the renowned Wainfleet Heritage Village where visitors can soak in the historical significance of the village’s buildings which have all been exquisitely restored. Stepping back in time to experience life in the Niagara region, visitors will be transported to an era gone by.

Other tourist attractions include Chippawa Park and Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area. Wainfleet Township works collaboratively with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to provide these unique and spectacular attractions to residents and those traveling through the township to discover them. Long Beach continues to be a big draw for locals and tourists alike, adding to the enviable array of places to visit throughout the township.

Infrastructure for the community

Just like any other community, Wainfleet is always looking to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure and related services. Prone to severe weather on occasion, special focus has been placed on water supply and storm damage capabilities.

The township recently pinpointed the need to undertake restorative work in areas throughout the region that had been hit by bad weather and has been looking into a major capital project that would address these needs. The aim is to ensure that drainage is sufficient and roads are upgraded to keep safety as a top priority for its residents.

Another key infrastructure focus for the township remains the continued construction of fiber lines to areas that may have not enjoyed reliable internet connectivity. Working with a valued fiber private partner, Wainfleet has provided any assistance it can from helping with the permitting process to other areas of assistance that may be needed.

The goal of connectivity for all residents is within reach and remains paramount for the township in the months to come.

With recent additions to the housing options Wainfleet has to offer, meeting housing targets has been seamless. Bunz Land Development is adding 8 new single-family homes to the township and another housing subdivision is set to change the housing landscape. Petit Road Subdivision is bringing another 15 units to Wainfleet and the Lakewood Beach condominium development is coming online which represents 41 condo units offering a competitive housing edge for the township as other surrounding communities continue to find it a challenge to provide the housing stock needed for their resident-base.

In conjunction with the Niagara Region Official Plan, the Township of Wainfleet is also working on an Official plan update to designate additional lands in hamlet areas, especially those in Wainfleet Village Hamlet, to allow for future growth and development.

Looking down the community path

Moving forward, Wainfleet continues to put housing in full focus for the community as well as providing continued support for local agri-business opportunities. As the community grows, Wainfleet is also focused on reaching out in terms of other revenue streams and economic pillars that would extend beyond agriculture and tourism.

Dynamic growth brings change. Wainfleet has the community strength behind it to embrace this change and the potential to branch out while still holding dear to its deep community and agricultural roots.

AT A GLANCE

Township of Wainfleet, Ontario

What: A rural lakeside township with a growing tourist industry

Where: Southern Niagara Region

Website: www.wainfleet.ca