Centre Wellington, ON

A Township That Has Hit Its Stride

A Complete Community at the Crossroads of Growth, Heritage, and Opportunity

Situated in the heart of Wellington County and strategically positioned between Guelph and the Waterloo Region, the Township of Centre Wellington is entering a defining era. With a population projected to nearly double over the next 25 years, the township is embracing growth with intention—balancing economic expansion, infrastructure investment, environmental stewardship, and a deeply rooted sense of place.

Led by Mayor Shawn Watters and Council, alongside Chief Administrative Officer Dan Wilson and Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Communications Kendra Martin, Centre Wellington is charting a future that prioritizes livability while positioning the township as a competitive destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Lifestyle Anchored in Nature, Heritage, and Connectivity

Centre Wellington is a community that feels both connected and distinctly removed from the pressures of larger urban centres. Located approximately 20 minutes from both Guelph and Waterloo, and within easy reach of the Greater Toronto Area, the township offers an enviable balance between accessibility and quality of life.

Comprising the historic communities of Fergus, Elora, and Belwood, the township is surrounded by some of the most productive agricultural land in North America. The Grand River winds through the township, shaping both its geography and its identity, with the Elora Gorge and surrounding trail networks drawing residents and visitors who value outdoor recreation and natural beauty.

Stone architecture, preserved main streets, and a strong cultural heritage lend the downtown cores a distinctly European feel—an attribute that continues to attract new residents seeking authenticity alongside modern amenities.

Downtown Vitality as an Economic Engine

Centre Wellington’s approach to downtown revitalization is rooted in respecting the individuality of each community while advancing a shared vision for vibrancy and economic prosperity.

Fergus and Elora each maintain their own business improvement areas, allowing local character to thrive within a coordinated municipal framework.

Recent council-approved strategies have placed downtown vitality at the center of economic and tourism planning. Parking strategies, façade improvement programs, and targeted reinvestment tools are being used to support business retention, attract new enterprises, and ensure downtowns remain accessible as population density increases.

Tourism and economic development are increasingly aligned, with the township advancing plans to establish a dedicated municipal service corporation to enhance capacity and coordination across these portfolios.

Strategic Growth and Business Investment

Centre Wellington’s growth trajectory is supported by strong fundamentals: location, infrastructure, and proactive governance. The township offers business incentives through its Community Improvement Plan, including grants for façade upgrades and underutilized properties, as well as a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant program designed to encourage significant private-sector investment.

A township-initiated business park in North Fergus further underscores Centre Wellington’s commitment to being “open for business.” Fully serviced and municipally developed, the park provides expansion opportunities for local employers while attracting new companies seeking proximity to regional transportation corridors.

Manufacturing, agri-business, automotive, and equipment production have long been economic anchors, complemented by a rapidly expanding tourism sector that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors annually—particularly in Elora.

Infrastructure Investment Supporting the Future

Growth on this scale requires foresight, and Centre Wellington is responding with significant capital investment in roads, water, and wastewater infrastructure. A recent $6.8-million grant from Ontario’s Ministry of Infrastructure is enabling the extension of servicing to South Fergus, unlocking development potential for thousands of new homes and highway-commercial opportunities along Highway 6.

At the same time, the township is working closely with provincial partners to re-envision Highway 6’s role as both a regional transportation corridor and a local main street. Long-term discussions around bypass options aim to reduce through-traffic while supporting intensified, pedestrian-friendly development within urban areas.

Housing, Density, and Agricultural Stewardship

Meeting provincial housing targets while preserving prime agricultural land is one of Centre Wellington’s most complex challenges—and one it is addressing through thoughtful intensification. Rather than outward sprawl, council has directed staff to pursue higher-density development within defined urban boundaries, ensuring growth supports a complete community without sacrificing farmland.

Developer interest remains strong, reflecting the township’s desirability and long-term confidence in its planning framework. Urban boundary discussions are ongoing at the provincial level, with employment lands receiving particular attention to ensure Centre Wellington remains a place where people can both live and work.

Workforce Development and Regional Collaboration

With post-secondary institutions such as University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College located nearby, Centre Wellington recognizes its opportunity to connect students with local employers.

Economic development strategies now focus on awareness, collaboration, and employment land expansion to ensure the township does not become merely a bedroom community. Affordable and diverse housing options are viewed as essential to attracting and retaining a skilled workforce across income levels.

Recreation, Tourism, and Community Investment

Recreation and sports tourism are emerging as powerful economic and social drivers. The township’s Parks and Recreation Plan outlines the need for significant investment in indoor and outdoor facilities—from fields and diamonds to gymnasiums and multi-use spaces—as population growth accelerates.

Recent land acquisitions near the Fergus Sportsplex are opening the door to campus-style recreational development, with discussions exploring partnerships, shared-use models, and even hospitality integration to support tournament-based tourism.

A Vision Rooted in Balance

Looking ahead, Centre Wellington’s vision is one of balance: growth without losing identity, density without sacrificing livability, and progress that respects both history and the land itself. Situated within the Haldimand Tract, the township remains committed to respectful engagement with First Nations partners while planning for long-term sustainability.

As Mayor Watters notes, growth brings opportunity—but also disruption. The challenge lies in navigating change while preserving the qualities that have made Centre Wellington a destination of choice for generations.

With strong leadership, clear planning, and a collaborative spirit, Centre Wellington is positioning itself not just to grow—but to lead as a model for rural-urban communities across Ontario and beyond.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Centre Wellington, Ontario

What: A thriving and close knit community surrounded by beautiful scenery and hard at work welcoming commercial and housing growth

Where: Ontario, Canada

Website: www.centrewellington.ca