Centre wellington community profile by Susan FitzGerald

Centre Wellington Community Profile

You deserve to be here

Inside cover Come for a day, STAY for a lifetime....

When everyone you meet nods a friendly hello. When you can live, work and play in the same community. When your daily commute is a scenic hike. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when you know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the right place.

Centre Wellington.

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You deserve to be here Settlers were drawn here for the power and majesty of the Grand River, the rich and abundant land, and the natural beauty of the region. With these cultural assets forming the bedrock of our community, today people are drawn to Centre Wellington for the access to local and global markets, the communications infrastructure, the strong business suppor t network, the skilled labour, and the unrivaled quality of life.

Where do you want to be? Centre Wellington has it all. Uniquely located just minutes nor th of Guelph, a shor t drive from Kitchener-Waterloo and Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technology Triangle and within two hours of Toronto, Centre Wellington maintains its rural character and small town charm while offering state-of-the-ar t facilities, infrastructure and communications. The inf luence of these powerful neighbours can be seen in our diverse economic base where agriculture, science, technology and manufacturing exper tise come together. From small business operations to large multinational corporations, our growing multi-sector business community has access to numerous suppor t services enabling them to invest and prosper. Centre Wellington draws from a constant talent pool thanks to the six post-secondary education facilities within easy reach. It has a world-class ar ts community, is an established tourism destination and boasts a thriving spor ts and cultural scene catering to every age and taste. With easy access to health care, schools and retirement communities, every item on your wish list is checked.

You CAN have it all. Centre Wellington. You deserve to be here.

Strategic Location

Huntsville

Orillia

Owen Sound

Barrie

Peterborough

400

Fergus Elora Guelph

401

Markham

Niagara Falls

Rochester 490

Sarnia

403

Brantford

402

Hamilton

Stratford London 401

Toronto

Kitchener

Buffalo 390

Centre Wellington is uniquely located just minutes nor th of Guelph, a shor t drive from KitchenerWaterloo and Canada’s Technology Triangle and within two hours of Toronto. The towns of Elora and Fergus are the two largest urban centres within Centre Wellington offering a f ine mix of high end amenities and small town charm. The municipality’s location in the Grand River Watershed, its heritage identity and strong roots in manufacturing and agriculture have attracted a diverse community of businesses, ar tists and professionals. Centre Wellington is one of seven municipalities that make up Wellington County renowned for its rich agricultural land, environmental responsibility, higher education, innovation and safe communities. 81

401

Erie

Windsor 90

Cleveland

The region benef its from a central location and ease of access to major markets in the MegaRegion that includes Toronto, London, the Kitchener-Waterloo technology triangle and creative hub, along with US cities Buffalo, Rochester and beyond.

30 minutes to:

Guelph Kitchener-Waterloo and Canada’s Technology Triangle Region of Waterloo airpor t

1 hour to:

Toronto Pearson International Airpor t Hamilton International Airpor t

2 hours to:

Downtown Toronto USA Centre Wellington enjoys close proximity to three international airpor ts: Toronto Pearson, Region of Waterloo and Hamilton International Airpor ts. Recreational landing strips are also available in Fergus and Guelph. Our broad range of conference and accommodation facilities makes hosting clients, colleagues and customers simple. And Centre Wellington boasts a variety of outstanding eateries, galleries, a theatre and year-round festivals to enter tain them once they’re here. Vandermarel Trucking is the largest family owned business in Centre Wellington. For over 20 years, this f latbed and van carrier has operated throughout Nor th America, employing over 55 staff from drivers to dispatchers, mechanics to managers. Owners Mary and Peter Vandermarel, along with their sons Dave, Bob and Anthony run a streamlined, eff icient company with a strong work ethic and an emphasis on education. Having relocated the business from their home to the Fergus Industrial Park in 1996, then expanded again 10 years later, the family plans to fur ther develop the business and found the region’s f irst fully registered private driver training school offering A-Z license training, apprenticeship programs and more.

Vandermarel Trucking, Fergus

Strategic Location

Education and Innovation Centre Wellington is surrounded by post-secondary institutions, regional innovation centres, research institutes and colleges specialising in skilled trades and continuing education. With 47% of the workforce holding a post-secondary qualif ication, this diverse and qualif ied local talent suppor ts the growing and expanding business base in the community.

30 minutes to: Universities

Research Institutes

Sir Wilfred Laurier University University of Waterloo University of Guelph

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics Institute for Quantum Computing Balsillie School of International Affairs

Colleges Conestoga College Humber College – Orangeville Campus Georgian College – Orangeville Campus

Regional Innovation Centres Innovation Guelph Communitech The Accelerator Centre

Who we are

In recent years, Centre Wellington has experienced steady growth. The Province’s Places to Grow legislation projects the Township to grow a fur ther 40% over the nex t 20 years, creating new oppor tunities for business, services and residents. With almost half of its population between the ages of 25 and 59, Centre Wellington enjoys a young, productive, well educated workforce. The skills of the local population, along with the diverse industrial base have assured the comparative stability of the local economy, with unemployment levels remaining consistently low (3.3%) over the last several years.

8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

Population by Age Structure

0 to 4s years 0 to 4 ye ar 5 to 9s years 5 to 9 ye ar to 14s years 0 to 14 ye10ar to 19s years 5 to 19 ye15ar 20 to 24 years 0 to 24 ye ar s to 29s years 5 to 29 ye25ar to 34s years 0 to 34 ye30ar to 39s years 5 to 39 ye35ar to 44s years 0 to 44 ye40ar 45 to 49 years 5 to 49 ye ar s to 54s years 0 to 54 ye50ar to 59s years 5 to 59 ye55ar to 64s years 0 to 64 ye60ar to 69s years 5 to 69 ye65ar to 74s years 0 to 74 ye70ar to 79s years 5 to 79 ye75ar to 84s years 0 to 84 ye80ar years androver e ar s and 85 ove

Population increase: Township of Centre Wellington 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000

Chart Title

Centre Wellington Wellington County

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000

County minus Guelph

Source: Stats Canada, 2011

Population Population

20,000

Employment Employment

15,000 10,000 5,000 0 0

Population Employment

1 22 33 1 2006 2011 2016

44 2026 55 2031 66 2021

Source: Ontario’s Places to Grow Initiative

Strategic Location

Your life in Centre Wellington With its timeless towns, historic homes, hiking trails, rich farmland, and Canadian Heritage river, Centre Wellington has welcomed settlers for almost two hundred years. A region steeped in history, Centre Wellington prides itself on the preservation of its heritage buildings and the protection of its rural character. Both Fergus and Elora, suppor ted by active BIAs, are home to vibrant downtowns offering a unique retail experience that encompasses great shops, boutiques and ar tist studios, serving the local community as well as a large and diverse tourist clientele. Centre Wellington is home to an historically established and diverse ar ts community. Suppor t for the Ar ts is ingrained in respected institutions and festivals backed by strong private citizen suppor t. There is a proud tradition of good fun to be had in every season, from hot summer music and cultural festivals to monster-sized Halloween celebrations and Winterfest fun. Some of the best musicians and ar tists in the world have graced our small stages, earning us an international reputation as a place to see and be seen. The Elora Festival, Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Wellington County Museum & Archives, Elora Fergus Studio Tour, Sensational Elora and Riverfest are but a few of the cultural festivals and landmarks our thriving ar ts community suppor ts. In a region surrounded by nature and rich agricultural land, buying local is a way of life. Restaurants and retailers with a commitment to local produce and fantastic f lavours abound, as do yearround farm-gate stores. The Elora Farmers’ market is an intimate, grass-roots market located on the beautiful banks of the Grand River. Centre Wellington is a founding par tner of Taste Real, the award winning culinary tourism program promoting local food f irst. Small community meets high-end facilities. Centre Wellington boasts its own hospital along with a comprehensive suite of medical facilities. The Community Spor tsplex provides an aquatics facility, twin ice-pads, community spaces and a gym. There is also a range of local health clubs, squash and tennis cour ts and a huge selection of spor ts’ teams for all ages and levels of competition. With the Elora Centre for the Ar ts, a dozen schools – both public and private, an Early Years Centre, three County libraries, childcare facilities, a seniors’ centre and a choice of retirement residences, we’ve got the family taken care of, so let’s get down to business!

Your Life in Centre Wellington

Centre Wellington Naturally Centre Wellington’s commitment to outdoor spor ts and activities is evident throughout the community. It’s who we are and it’s what we do. Centre Wellington provides over 78 hectares of parkland and open space, active and passive parks, a fully accessible, barrier free playground, spor ts f ields including baseball, soccer and rugby f ields, tennis and basketball cour ts, an outdoor skate-board park, splash pads, outdoor skating rinks and an off-leash dog park among other amenities. A privately owned community ball hockey arena run by local business owners fur ther enhances this line-up. The natural landscape, coupled with Centre Wellington’s commitment to an active and healthy community, has allowed outdoor pursuits to grow and prosper here. With hiking, biking, zip-lining, ice-climbing, tubing, swimming, f ishing, kayaking, boating, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and golf on your doorstep, your downtime will never be the same again. The Grand River winds its way west across Centre Wellington and our historic township is for tunate to have three conservation areas along its route, each offering a unique oppor tunity to experience this intriguing and majestic natural space: Belwood Lake Conservation Area with its family friendly amenities and its water spor ts activities, Elora Quarry Conservation Area with its eerie beauty and cool swimming and the Elora Gorge Conservation Area most famous for its awe-inspiring summer tubing down the Grand. Centre Wellington is also home to a world-class f ishery, one of the best brown trout f isheries in Nor th America and a signif icant sector of the local economy. Fly-f ishing guiding and instruction are on hand locally for anglers of all levels with many businesses taking advantage of corporate fun days on the water. The Elora Cataract Trailway stretches for ty-seven kilometres linking the Credit Valley and Grand River Watersheds and the picturesque communities on its route. Approximately 20km of this trail lie within Centre Wellington allowing visitors and residents to hike, bike or cross-country ski between the towns of Elora, Fergus and Belwood. Your morning commute never looked so good.

Launched in 2001, One Axe Pursuits is an outdoor adventure company specializing in corporate team building, recreational programs and work in the f ilm industry. In 2012, par tners in work and life, Frederick Schuett and Christa Niravong relocated the business to Elora from Guelph in order to be closer to their most popular destination, the Elora Gorge. The new location – the iconic Chalmers Church – a massive renovation project in itself – offers them valuable space while reducing travel time for themselves and staff. With a year-round program of indoor and outdoor events, eighty-percent of their customers come from Toronto, with city dwellers only too happy to spend a day thrill seeking in beautiful Elora. And yes, in time, you too will be able to rappel down the side of the church tower!

One Axe Pursuits, Elora

Your Life in Centre Wellington

Education Centre Wellington is served by two public school boards: Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board. There are 10 elementary schools feeding into Centre Wellington District High School which is located in Fergus. This modern educational facility, built in 2004, is a well respected institution in the region and houses many award winning staff and programs including the Wellington Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. Centre Wellington is also home to private schools from pre-school to high schools in addition to an active home-school community network. Given its proximity to Guelph and Waterloo, the Township is also on bussing routes to prestigious private and specialised schools in the surrounding area. An Early Years Centre ensures new parents enjoy a wide variety of programming and suppor t for themselves and their children and a choice of daycare centres allows parents to create scheduling that works for the whole family.

Just Good People There is no shor tage of ways to get involved in the local community here in Centre Wellington. And what’s more, just about everybody you meet is involved in giving back in one form or another. Again, it’s who we are and what we do. Such a tight-knit community runs on volunteers – from the over 15 service clubs suppor ting a vast array of local causes to the soccer coaches on the sidelines, from the preservation of our heritage, our trails, trees and waterways to the f looding of outdoor ice for the neighbourhood kids, from the world class festivals to informal fundraisers – it’s a community that connects with each other, appreciates its assets, and has an unrivalled commitment to doing good.

CWDHS houses one of the most celebrated culinary ar ts programs in the region. The Food School, founded by teacher Chris Jess and now co-run with chef Nicole DeBeyer, offers 300 students each year a chance to grow, create, eat, sell and share fresh local food. In 2013 not only will students be running the school’s café and cafeteria, the new Wellington Centre for Sustainable Agriculture will allow them to farm and harvest a one acre plot. A par tnership between the Upper Grand District School Board, Centre Wellington Township and local stakeholders, the centre will be the f irst of its kind in the County, delivering a full semester, all day, integrated sustainable agriculture program for grade 11 students.

Chris Jess – Food School, Centre Wellington District High School

A transplant from the West Coast, Neil MacBeth is senior research technician at University of Guelph’s Alma Aquaculture Research Station located in Centre Wellington. One of f ive research stations in the Township, it is a state-of-thear t aquaculture research and development facility and is the backbone of the Fish Production Research Program providing up-scale systems for aquaculture researchers at the University of Guelph and other institutions. Proud of his Scottish roots, Neil is an avid bagpiper and founding member of the Grand Celtic Pipe Band based in Fergus, a competition band performing across Ontario, and always a fan favourite at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games.

Your Life in Centre Wellington

Neil MacBeth, Alma Aquaculture Research Station

Retirement Living In Centre Wellington staying active and connected to your community is a way of life and that cer tainly doesn’t change in retirement. The Township offers a variety of retirement living options – spanning the breadth of needs from independent living to palliative care. Groves Memorial Community Hospital is the cornerstone of the health system suppor ted by Wellington Terrace long term care facility. Privately run retirement communities are located across the Township offering bungalows, condos and suites with a variety of suppor t services to ensure activities, comfor t and peace of mind to all residents and their families. Victoria Park Seniors’ Centre (owned and operated by the Township) is located in the hear t of Fergus and provides a wide variety of recreational programs, special events, bus trips, services and volunteer oppor tunities tailored to individuals 55 years of age and older.

Community Connections Centre Wellington is a complete community, not only with its own business, medical and educational infrastructure, but also in its ability to communicate among its own residents. The Township is home to local and County newspapers, has its own television studio and channel, along with a thriving Community Radio Station. And with free wi-f i in many Township and County locations, staying connected has never been so easy.

Located in the hear t of Elora, Heritage River is an affordable and caring retirement residence and a true ref lection of the beauty of its surroundings. With 101 private suites, seven acres of parkland and an amazing selection of complimentary services, retirement living never looked so good. Opened in 2008, Heritage River is locally owned and operated by Bob and Lynn Cameron. What began as a sound business investment has become a labour of love. The warmth and friendliness of the staff is matched by the beautiful setting and the unrivalled attention to detail in the residence’s design, furnishings and amenites. Par tnering with Diversicare Management Services Inc, Bob and Lynn have successfully removed the institution and created a home.

Heritage River Retirement Residence, Elora

Don and Janet Vallery are business people on a mission. Owners of Highland Pines Campground and Pine Meadows retirement community in Belwood, they’ve created an empire out of a f ine mix of family commitment, hard work, determination and environmental responsibility. With its central location, picturesque setting and variety of amenities, Highland Pines attracts visitors from across southern Ontario and in peak season their staff of 40 sees 3,000 guests each weekend. Pine Meadows just down river is a land-lease retirement community of 195 energy eff icient homes. Their current project is land rehabilitation of a former gravel pit, restoring wetlands and vital habitat to local wildlife. This once barren land will then become incorporated into the family business, adding another 400 campsites.

Highland Pines & Pine Meadows, Belwood

Your Life in Centre Wellington

Your business in Centre Wellington Traditionally a hub for agriculture and manufacturing, today Centre Wellington’s thriving business community offers a diverse industrial base whose growth sectors include health services and creative industry. With a young, well-educated and skilled workforce along with access to local and international markets, oppor tunities abound to star t, grow and prosper a wide variety of businesses.

Manufacturing

The cornerstone industrial base of Centre Wellington, our manufacturing sector encompasses both multi-million dollar corporations and more traditional family-run shops. An established sector, it still continues to show strong growth – a testament to the breadth of product made in this region, and the comparative economic resilience of Centre Wellington.

Centre Wellington top Manufacturers by Employees

Jefferson Elora Corporation Nexans Canada Polycorp Limited RR Donnelley Hunter Amenities The Gund Company

Automotive Wire and Cable Polymer Products Communications Personal Care Products Thermoplastics

Fergus Industrial Park

Located in the nor th-east of the Township, with easy access to Highway 6, Fergus Industrial Park offers fully serviced, f lexible lot sizes for a wide range of industrial operations. Designating additional land for employment use is a Township priority as demand increases. The Economic Development team, as par t of the Planning and Development depar tment, works closely with local realtors, landowners and businesses to connect you to the location that is right for you. In addition to industrial land, the Township has a range of commercial and off ice buildings available that provide businesses with a variety of options when relocating to Centre Wellington. H&R Machine is a second generation, family run custom welding and metal fabrication shop located in Fergus’ Industrial Park. Founded in 1982 by father Fred Hiller, the business expanded in 2008 with son Jamie now managing operations. This brand new 6,000 square feet facility allowed them to continue to grow and diversify their client base. With customers across every industrial sector and f ire & rescue services throughout Nor th America, location is key. Fergus continues to work for them on many levels – from its central location in the province and its comprehensive transpor tation infrastructure, to the diverse industrial base in the immediate and surrounding area; from the lower cost of living that keeps them highly competitive, to the local family business network that meets all their supply chain needs; from the readily available skilled talent, to the quality training facilities that suppor t them. The Hillers take pride in their product, their neighbouring industries and their location.

H&R Machine, Fergus 10

Your Business in Centre Wellington

Jefferson Elora Corporation ( JEC)

JEC is a robotic welding and stamping facility which specializes in the manufacture of automotive par ts for leading car makers all over the world including Honda Canada Ltd. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. Established in Elora in 1998, the company has undergone numerous expansions to enhance its state-of-the-ar t manufacturing facility. JEC now occupies 324,000 square feet and is the leading employer in Centre Wellington with over 480 associates.

Polycorp Ltd

Polycorp is a privately owned Canadian company that specializes in the design and manufacture of polymer products for the transpor tation, industrial and mining sectors. For two successive years selected as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, it is growing fast and is focused on international expansion. The company’s manufacturing, engineering, customer service, sales & marketing and product development are located at their modern 55,000 square-foot, ISO 9001 cer tif ied facility in Elora. The three divisions all serve growing markets as evidenced by Polycorp’s sales growth – from $66M in 2012 to a projected $75M in 2013 and a $100M target for 2015. With a technical heritage of over 90 years, Polycorp is expanding its manufacturing capacity in Elora while simultaneously pursuing oppor tunities in Nor th America and emerging markets worldwide. Employing over 150 multi-skilled workers, this award winning industry giant’s success is founded on sound business strategy and commitment to the industries they serve.

Nexans Canada

Nexans is one of the world’s two leading cable manufacturers. Nexans Nor th America operates throughout Canada and the United states with eight manufacturing plants, two distribution centres and a new High-Voltage plant under construction. One of the largest employers in Centre Wellington, Nexans Canada manages a 240,000 square foot manufacturing plant on the edge of Fergus Industrial Park. Their customer base includes network operators, energy producers, mining companies, engineering f irms, equipment and infrastructure manufacturers, builders, installers and distributors. The services provided cover the entire value chain, encompassing studies, design, production, installation, training, services, and site monitoring and control. With its technological leadership, global exper tise and local presence, Nexans satisf ies essential needs while maintaining the highest levels of safety, performance, and respect for people and the environment.

Your Business in Centre Wellington

Agriculture From state-of-the-ar t research stations to food processing technology to expansive family farms to small cottage industries, the agricultural sector remains a stable force in our local economy. Agri-business oppor tunities are on the rise as new technologies continue to emerge in this f ield. Centre Wellington’s strong agricultural network offers oppor tunities for both local and global operations.

Research Institutions Star ting from its early days as an experimental farm in the late 1800s, the University of Guelph has conducted research and f ield experimentation at stations across Ontario. Innovative research in a diverse range of topics in the agri-food sector such as livestock genetics, plant agriculture, animal welfare, aquaculture, and veterinary science, continue to be suppor ted at a number of stations owned by the provincial government and managed by the University of Guelph as par t of the unique Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food – U of G Par tnership. The Township of Centre Wellington is home to f ive of these impor tant facilities: the Alma Aquaculture Research Station, the Elora Beef Research Station, the Elora Dairy Research Station, the Elora Crop Research Station, and the Ponsonby Research Station. Having access to these world class facilities allows University of Guelph researchers to drive productivity and innovation in the agri-food sector.

As founders of The Ewenity Dairy Co-operative, the Bzikot family is helping other independent Ontario sheep farmers f ind the market to produce and sell their quality sheep’s milk at a fair price. Processing and product development take place at their facility in Fergus – Best Baa Dairy. Fergus was a natural choice for them with its central location amid the now 12 farms whose milk they use, its access to the GTA and its reliable labour supply. With a distribution network of farmers’ markets, retail stores, restaurants and special events, their customer base reaches from London to Ottawa, Toronto to Barrie.

Best Baa Dairy, Fergus

Harrcroft Acres is a 600 acre family farm located on the edge of Fergus owned and operated by the Harrop Family. Founded in 1970, the farm was chosen for its f lat, well-drained, loamy soil and its heritage farmhouse. Today, the farm is incorporated, boasts 100 cows, suppor ts three families and serves as an example of how developing technologies can benef it the agricultural industry. The Harrops blend generations of traditional farming knowledge with state-ofthe-ar t monitoring systems allowing them to maximize production and minimize chemical and medical intervention. With the farm’s close proximity to Guelph, the milk is locally produced, processed and distributed.

Harrcroft Acres, Fergus

Your Business in Centre Wellington

Health Services Groves Memorial Community Hospital, founded by Dr. Abraham Groves in 1902, is the third largest employer in Centre Wellington and suppor ts a large network of ancillary medical services. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health team’s head off ice is located in Fergus. Wellington Terrace, a County funded long-term care facility housing 176 residents is the f ifth largest employer in the Township. The Province has committed to fund a new state-of-the-ar t hospital on a new site in the fast developing medical cluster centrally located between Fergus and Elora. This multimillion dollar, multi-year project represents the province’s commitment to our region and its projected growth. Centre Wellington patients have multiple care options either through their local family doctor, community after-hours clinic or 24 hour Emergency Depar tment. When my husband and I completed our medical training we were looking to locate to a family doc run hospital where we could do both hospital work and have a practice. We also wanted to f ind a “family oriented” community where our kids have a wide-variety of ex tra curricular activity choices. Fergus was able to fulf ill all of our needs. We work with a fun, vibrant group of doctors. Our kids attend a fabulous school and enjoy many of the activities the area has to offer!

Dr. Nicole Petrov, MD

Originally from Saskatchewan, Nancy Hopfner f irst discovered Fergus as a tourist while studying optometry at the University of Waterloo. Drawn by its small town charm and friendly people, Nancy knew she wanted to be a par t of its downtown community. When she purchased the optometry practice in 1989, it had been on historic St Andrew street in Fergus for almost 40 years. Owning the building, initially Nancy lived above the business offering her a live-work f lexibility that is hard to f ind. With an established loyal clientele, Nancy built on the practice’s reputation for personal service - a thriving practice today, her small staff take pride in knowing the patients by name while offering state-ofthe-ar t patient care.

Nancy Hopfner, Optometrist

Kevin Brough is a registered massage therapist practicing out of both Kitchener and downtown Elora. Relocating here from Toronto 18 years ago, the then professional white water paddler, was drawn by the competitive housing prices, friendly community and the Grand River. When it came time to hang up the paddles – at least professionally – Kevin was able to fulf ill a lifelong interest in the medical profession by retraining at renowned Kikawa College in Toronto – an easy commute away. Kevin and his wife have raised their children here, relishing the outdoor recreation oppor tunities, the landscape, the food, and the quality education system.

Kevin Brough, RMT

Your Business in Centre Wellington

Creative Economy The Creative Economy is about people who are paid to think and generate ideas; an economy driven by knowledge and innovation. It is as much about architects as it is about ar tists, programmers as it is about potters, enter tainers as entrepreneurs. Centre Wellington’s location in the Grand River Watershed and its heritage identity have historically attracted a diverse community of creative industry professionals resulting in a strong, distinct and growing Creative Economy sector. In 2008 Centre Wellington collaborated with f ive other municipalities to commission a study by the Prosperity Institute on the creative economy in Southwestern Ontario. The Study entitled Creative Potential: Straddling Two Mega-Regions, examined the region as well as individual municipalities and produced several key f indings for Centre Wellington. Most notably it showed that Centre Wellington has the highest concentration of creative workers of all the Southwestern Ontario communities surveyed. Trending indicates Centre Wellington is building on this advantage outpacing the provincial average for growth in this sector. The region’s technology infrastructure Architectural, engineering and related … allows companies to grow their businesses and networks while living the20%lifestyle that best suits Accounting, tax preparation, … 17% them and their family. Depository credit intermediation

11%

Management, scientific and technical …

10%

Creative Occupations in Centre Wellington Independent artists, writers and …

Architectural, engineering and related … Other professional, and … Architectural, engineering and related servicesscientific tax payroll preparation, Accounting, tax preparation,Accounting, bookkeeping and services… Agencies, brokerages and other … Depository credit intermediation Depository credit intermediation Specialized design services … Management, scientific and technical Management, scientific and technical consulting services Independent artists, writers and … Independent artists,Computer writers andsystems performers design and related… Otherand professional, scientific and … Other professional, scientific technical services Legal services brokerages and other … Agencies, brokerages andAgencies, other insurance related activities Specialized design services Specialized design services Advertising, public relations, and … design and related… Computer systemsComputer design and systems related services Motion picture and video industries Legal services Legal services Advertising, public relations, and … Advertising, public relations, and related services Performing arts companies Motion picture and video industries Motion picture and video industries Other information services Performing arts companies Performing arts companies Non-depository credit intermediation Other information services Other information services

7% 11%

4% 3% 3% 5%

20% 17%

10% 8% 7%

2% 4% 2%

2% 2% 2%

1% 2%

Non-depository intermediation Non-depository credit intermediationcredit Software publishers Software publishers Software publishers Otheractivities financialinvestment investment activities activities Other financial Other financial investment

1% 1% 0% 0%

5% 5%

10% 10%

15% 20% 25% 15% 20% 25%

Series1

Source: Employees & Self-Employed - EMSI 2012.4

Established in 1999, Mallot Creek is one of Ontario’s leading consulting f irms in the agri-food industry. To date, they have successfully completed thousands of projects across Nor th America for some of the world’s most recognizable food and beverage companies. With half of their 35+ employees travelling around Nor th America at any given time, Centre Wellington’s proximity to Toronto’s Pearson International airpor t is a valuable asset. The company draws employees from the surrounding area and benef its from the strong engineering, Autocad and business programs at local universities. As co-owners of Old Quarry Commons Executive, they seized the oppor tunity to house their growing company in a creative, f lexible space that allows for their continued success and expansion.

Mallot Creek Group Inc, Elora 14

Your Business in Centre Wellington

Old Quarry Commons Executive Centre

Opened in 2010, Old Quarry Commons Executive Centre is just one example of innovative off ice design in Centre Wellington. This 40,000 square foot multi-functional business facility offers customized shared off ice space to f it your business requirements: whether you’re a company just star ting out, a home based business ready to solidify off ice space or an established company looking for a f lexible solution. Situated on Centre Wellington’s ex tensive trail network, the daily commute is transformed into an invigorating hike or ride. This modern facility allows business people to live and work in the same community, reduce their commute and par ticipate and benef it from alliances in one of the region’s f irst Eco-park systems. Randall Howard is a tour de force. An entrepreneur, investor, innovator, philanthropist - above all else he’s a visionary - passionate about connecting people, information and technology. A highly successful businessman, he has founded, managed, grown and sold numerous technology based companies, and he has called Centre Wellington home for almost 30 years - drawn by the strategic location, the landscape and the people. An ardent advocate of community building and social innovation he has initiated projects at the Elora Centre for the Ar ts, the Elora Environment Centre and is currently chair of the Centre Wellington Community Foundation.

Randall Howard

James Fryett Architect Inc relocated to Elora from Guelph in 1995. Today, the company employs 10 staff including 5 registered architects, serving clients throughout Ontario. Their focus is large scale, long term, multi-million dollar projects across all sectors. Their modern downtown off ice serves as a great location from which to enter tain clients when needed, but thanks to the advanced technology they use, they can remain constantly connected to clients, updating and sharing information in real time. And when there is an off-site meeting, Jim Fryett, founder, puts it best, “from Elora you can get almost anywhere in 30 minutes.”

James Fryett Architect Inc, Elora

Your Business in Centre Wellington

Doing business in Centre Wellington When you join the Centre Wellington business community, you immediately have access to a strong business suppor t network. Our close proximity to two regional innovation centres (Communitech, Innovation Guelph), our par tnerships with government agencies (OMAF, MEDTE, CFDC), along with Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre, and two Business Improvement Associations enables the Economic Development team to quickly connect you to the people, businesses and information you need to succeed. Centre Wellington is f irmly committed to creating the conditions that enable businesses to go from concept to ribbon-cutting as eff iciently as possible. New projects often require input from various Township depar tments – from Planning and Building to Public Works and IT. The Economic Development depar tment can connect you with the right people and walk you through the permits and processes to help your projects move forward seamlessly, minimizing unnecessary delays and red tape. We work with local realtors, landowners and businesses to connect you to the location that is right for you.

Digital connectivity - f ibre, broadband and high-speed connections across the region. Social connectivity – Close proximity to think tanks and creative hubs allowing workers to generate new ideas, products and services. Business connectivity – Par t of a well established and well connected Economic Development environment.

Business Operating Costs

Centre Wellington offers competitive tax rates and development charges for the region. Centre Wellington also provides access to reliable power and offers a full range of energy services and solutions to assist in optimizing local business operations. Centre Wellington Hydro is wholly owned by Centre Wellington Township and operates as a for-prof it electric distribution utility. With its off ices in Fergus, representatives are able to meet face to face with customers requiring any information on the electrical industry, its structure or conservation programs. Being a par tner in the co-operative Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts (CHEC), with numerous like sized utilities, enables CW Hydro to reduce costs while providing an array of specialised services.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Centre Wellington has been proactive in expanding broadband infrastructure across the Township. Today, several options for high-speed services are available to allow businesses access to global markets. In 2012, Centre Wellington Communications Corporation was created. This Township owned corporation provides a dark f ibre optic communication network that connects all of the Township sites. Excess capacity is built into the system enabling MUSH facilities (municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals), along with private industries to access dark f ibre and benef it from f ibre’s reliability and capacity. Currently private f ibre optic service providers have announced their intention to begin building Fibre to The Home (FTTH) in Centre Wellington, which includes a full suite of business services.

Doing Business in Centre Wellington

Investing in our Future Centre Wellington has seen unprecedented building activity in the past year, across all sectors. Private and public investors are capitalising on our great location, highly skilled and educated workforce, tourism and cultural assets, and steady growth rate. For well over a hundred years, Elora has been a renowned tourist destination with the Elora Mill Inn as the jewel of its crown. Currently the Mill is the centrepiece of an exciting revitalisation project thanks to the creativity and commitment of The Landmark Group, Canada’s leading group of Restaurant and Special Event facilities. Their purchase of the approximately 9 acre site in the hear t of Elora will enable the creation of a multi-functional facility. With the proposed development to include a second inn, a special events facility, spa and retail and residential development, this multi-million dollar investment is testament to the already thriving tourism industry in Centre Wellington. The Landmark Group currently owns several renowned multifunctional facilities across the region including Cambridge and Ancaster Mills and Whistle Bear Golf Club, Cambridge. A shopping destination in itself, renowned for its charming downtowns, boutiques, street-side cafés, ar tist studios and galleries, Centre Wellington’s retail sector is also growing. Signif icant investments have been made by some of Canada’s largest retailers allowing for big-city convenience in the hear t of rural Ontario. Multi-million dollar investments are also being made by government organisations of all levels. Provincially, the new hospital speaks to the growing population and health services sector. On a County level, fur ther to its 2009 renovation of the Elora library, Wellington County’s Carnegie Library renovation project reaches Fergus in Spring 2013 with a 10,000 square foot addition and renovation of its downtown library. On a municipal level, Centre Wellington par tners with a wide variety of community groups to promote the beautif ication, preservation and sustainability of our Township and its cultural assets. The municipality is currently under taking and implementing a wide variety of projects including a Community Improvement Plan, Community Energy Plan, Active Transpor tation and Trails Plan and a Cultural Masterplan.

Centre Wellington Township Centre Wellington Township staff are organised into four clearly def ined teams: Infrastructure ∙ Community Services ∙ Corporate Services ∙ Planning and Development With the Economic Development, Planning and Building depar tments all located within the same team, navigating the neccessary processes and paperwork becomes quicker and more eff icient.

Planning & Development

Economic Development T: 519-846-9691

Planning T: 519-846-9691

Building T: 519-846-9691

Doing Business in Centre Wellington

Tried, Tested and True Centre Wellington’s business community offers a diverse mix of multi-generation, established and emerging enterprises. So whether you’re just star ting out or looking to relocate and expand, there’s a pier group on hand to offer advice and suppor t. Tivoli Films Inc. is a full service video production company specializing in corporate video content. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Brent and Lauren Hallman, this savvy couple has ideas a-plenty and an eye for detail. Their storefront location in downtown Fergus offered them increased space and visibility in an inspirational location rich in history, heritage buildings and atmosphere. With a client base across Southern Ontario, Fergus is within easy reach of wherever they need to go. And when they aren’t shooting on location, Brent and Lauren take pride in showing off Fergus to their clients. These young entrepreneurs are following their passion, doing what they love, with those they love, in a place they love. And their enthusiasm is infectious.

Tivoli Films Inc, Fergus

WrightHaven Homes is a premier custom home builder in Fergus and Elora, with a reputation built on exceptional craftsmanship and innovative, functional home designs. Their passion for perfection has led them to receive provincial recognition - Tarion Ontario Builder of the Year Award 2011 and 2012 - and become one of the most successful construction companies in the region. In 1990 founder Steve Wright was drawn to Fergus for its size, friendly people, space and less expensive land value. As a f ledgling company this allowed him to build up his business with less capital investment. Sensitive to the local community, Wrighthaven’s latest project, South Ridge, incorporates parkland, waterways, wetlands, access to the Elora-Cataract Trailway, soccer f ields and a sledding hill.

WrightHaven Homes, Elora

Located in Fergus Industrial Park, Newdon Industries Ltd. designs and manufactures custom foam packaging primarily to the food processing, pharmaceutical and bio-medical industries. Founded in 1967, this second generation family-owned and operated business owes its success to its adaptability, its commitment to staff, and its lean manufacturing operation. Originally reliant on the appliance manufacturing sector, Newdon has diversif ied over the years, capitalizing on the variety of industries in the surrounding area. Fergus natives, owners Kevin and Rober t Maggs thrive on the active lifestyle they are able to enjoy. An avid recreational kayaker and member of Guelph Kayak Club, Kevin is on the water over a hundred times a year. That’s when he’s not joining his brother skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, wakeboarding or waterskiing!

Newdon Industries, Fergus

Doing Business in Centre Wellington

Key Contacts Township of Centre Wellington

Economic Development, 1 MacDonald Square, Elora, ON, N0B 1S0 519 846 0971 www.centrewellington.ca

Elora Fergus Tourism

9 Mill Street East, Elora, ON, N0B 1S0 519 846 9841 www.elorafergus.ca

Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

Small and Medium Enterprise Division Suite 906, 30 Duke Street West, Kitchener, ON, N2H 3W5 519 571 6077 www.ontario.ca/economy

Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington

926 Paisley Rd, Units 4 & 5, Guelph, ON, N1K 1X5 519 836 2222 Economic Development, 74 Woolwich Street, Guelph, ON, N1H 3T9 www.is-gw.ca 519 837 2600 ext. 2525 Centre Wellington Hydro www.wellingtonmeansbusiness.ca 730 Gar tshore Street, Fergus, ON, N1M 2W8 519 843 2900 Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce www.cwhydro.ca 400 Tower Street South, Fergus, ON, N1M 2P7 519 843 5140 Centre Wellington Contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association www.cwchamber.ca PO Box 1298, Elora, ON, N0B1S0 519 820 5447 Elora Business Improvement Area www.cwcontractors.ca 9 Mill Street East, Elora, ON, N0B 1S0 519 846 2563 Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Spor t www.elora.info 4275 King Street East, 2nd Floor, Kitchener, ON, N2P 2E9 1 800 265 2189 Fergus Business Improvement Area www.mtc.gov.on.ca www.downtownfergus.com

Wellington County

Wellington Waterloo Community Futures Corporation

Centre Wellington has a wide selection of full service real estate agents catering to residential, commercial and/or industrial proper ties. For a full list, please visit our business directory on our website www.centrewellington.ca.

Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre

For the full story behind all the

294 Mill Street E. Unit 207, Elora, ON, N0B 1S0 519 846 9839 www.wwcfdc.com 42 Wyndham Street Nor th, Suite 401, Guelph, ON, N1H 4E6 519 826 4701 www.guelphbusiness.com

Innovation Guelph

111 Farquhar Street, 3rd Floor, Guelph, ON, N1H 3N4 519 265 4495 www.innovationguelph.ca

Ministry of Agriculture and Food

6484 Wellington Rd. 7, Unit 10, Elora, ON, N0B 1S0 519 846 0941 www.omafra.gov.on.ca

businesses featured in this

brochure, along with more business profiles, please visit

www.centrewellington.ca

Doing Business in Centre Wellington

arliest settlers founded Fergus and Elora more than 175 years ago, and since that time, many from outside our community have come to call it home. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a

reason for that. Ask those who came to visit and decided to stay, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll mention the sensible pace of life - energized, but unhurried. Business driven, but creative. Cultural and scenic, yet technologically connected. Close to major roads and cities, including the GTA. Friendly and accessible; an enclave of natural beauty and agricultural production, buffered from city smog alerts and stressful drives. There are business development lands and opportunities here for entrepreneurs, manufacturing and service industries alike. Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Places to Grow Act is fueling growth in population, housing and the labour market. And then, of course, there are all the fun reasons to settle down here. If you run, paddle, pipe, or love old buildings, natural rivers and landmarks; if you like to fish, zip-line, tour or stroll through the past; if you relish adventure or calm, you need to make Centre Wellington your destination for a day, a week, for life.

Township of Centre Wellington Economic Development

519 846 9691