“We have the best logistical location for industry in Ontario,” boasts Mayor Jeff Shaver. “We are 10 kilometers from the Port of Johnstown. We have the country’s main rail running through our industrial park. We are close to two international airports. We are next to the 401 and 416 highways, and we’re in between two bridges to the U.S. For those reasons, we have had many inquiries from global companies looking to come into our location over the last two years.” BUILDING COMMUNITY AND PLANNING FOR GROWTH Augusta’s personality shines through its series of small settlement areas, each with their own distinct character, shaped by the generations of families who have called the township home. “One small little settlement may have a Labor Day parade, another one may have a Canada Day Parade, and another one’s known for something else. So, it’s really a good mix of the community,” describes Mayor Shaver. These communities are equipped with recreation facilities and a community survey has identified the importance of these spaces to Augusta’s 7,500 residents. To support this, the township has made major investments into revitalizing them over the past two years, with the help of a $2.9 million Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) grant. Mayor Shaver recounts, “We invested that into the recreation halls and parks. Of course, right at that time, pickleball caught on, so we put in a few of those courts too. Our residents wanted to see more recreation and enjoy it, and we accomplished that.” In an effort to showcase what makes the area special, the township’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee is working on an interactive map that will help guide visitors to key points of interest in the community. “They have been working really hard on marketing Augusta and what we have to offer, so that we can get tourists to come to our area, experience the community and some of the sightseeing opportunities we have here,” CAO, Shannon Geraghty shares. “Hopefully they will go back and tell their families and friends how beautiful this area is and look at relocating.” INNOVATIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT With the goal of providing diverse housing options, Augusta Township has welcomed CABN, a Canadian housing technology company, who plan to develop a 67-unit, net-zero, micro grid community. “We’re excited about that, because a lot of people are moving from the GTA, or from Ottawa and Montreal, 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 AUGUSTA, ON
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