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, 145 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 CENTRE WELLINGTON, ON
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