Wellington County, Ontario
Encyclopedia
Wellington County is a county located in Southwestern Ontario
, Canada
. The county seat is Guelph
, a city which is politically independent
, but Guelph's status as the seat means it houses the county's administrative offices. Despite being independent, Guelph is included in the Wellington County census division
.
The county, which is made up of two towns and five townships
, is predominantly rural in nature. However many of its residents commute to Guelph
, Kitchener
, Brampton
, Mississauga, and even Toronto
.
, Elora
, Mount Forest
and Orangeville
, and the following historic townships:
by Mediacorp Canada Inc. and featured in Maclean's
newsmagazine. Later that month, the County was recognized as one of Waterloo Area's Top Employers
and featured in the Guelph Mercury
newspaper.
Southwestern Ontario
Southwestern Ontario is a subregion of Southern Ontario in the Canadian province of Ontario, centred on the city of London. It extends north to south from the Bruce Peninsula on Lake Huron to the Lake Erie shoreline, and east to south-west roughly from Guelph to Windsor. The region had a population...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The county seat is Guelph
Guelph
Guelph is a city in Ontario, Canada.Guelph may also refer to:* Guelph , consisting of the City of Guelph, Ontario* Guelph , as the above* University of Guelph, in the same city...
, a city which is politically independent
Independent city
An independent city is a city that does not form part of another general-purpose local government entity. These type of cities should not be confused with city-states , which are fully sovereign cities that are not part of any other sovereign state.-Historical precursors:In the Holy Roman Empire,...
, but Guelph's status as the seat means it houses the county's administrative offices. Despite being independent, Guelph is included in the Wellington County census division
Census division
Census division is an official term in Canada and the United States. The census divisions of Canada are second-level census geographic unit, below provinces and territories, and above "census subdivisions" and "dissemination areas". In provinces where they exist, the census division may correspond...
.
The county, which is made up of two towns and five townships
Township (Canada)
The term township generally means the district or area associated with a town. However in some systems no town needs to be involved. The specific use of the term to describe political subdivisions has varied by country, usually to describe a local rural or semi-rural government within the county...
, is predominantly rural in nature. However many of its residents commute to Guelph
Guelph
Guelph is a city in Ontario, Canada.Guelph may also refer to:* Guelph , consisting of the City of Guelph, Ontario* Guelph , as the above* University of Guelph, in the same city...
, Kitchener
Kitchener, Ontario
The City of Kitchener is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. The city had a population of 204,668 in the Canada 2006 Census...
, Brampton
Brampton
Brampton is the third-largest city in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada.Brampton may also refer to:- Canada :* Brampton, a city in Ontario** Brampton GO Station, a station in the GO Transit network located in the city- United Kingdom :...
, Mississauga, and even Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
.
Constituent municipalities
- Centre Wellington, Township ofCentre Wellington, OntarioCentre Wellington is a township in south-central Ontario, Canada, located in Wellington County.-Communities:The primary communities in the township are Elora and Fergus....
- Erin, Town ofErin, OntarioErin is a town in Wellington County, approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Erin is an amalgamated town, composed of the former Villages of Erin and Hillsburgh, and the hamlets of Ballinafad, Brisbane, Cedar Valley, Crewson's Corners, and Orton, as well as the former...
- Guelph/Eramosa, Township ofGuelph/Eramosa, OntarioGuelph/Eramosa is a township located in Wellington County, in midwestern Ontario, Canada. It partly encircles the city of Guelph, surrounding it in a continuous arc from approximately northeast to south southwest of the city....
- Mapleton, Township ofMapleton, OntarioMapleton is a township in the Canadian province of Ontario, located within Wellington County.-Communities:The largest and central community in Mapleton is the village of Drayton, which contains the township offices and has the largest retail presence....
- Minto, Town ofMinto, OntarioMinto is a town in midwestern Ontario, Canada, on the Maitland River in Wellington County. Minto is the eastern terminus of Highway 9. It is named for Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto; 8th Governor General of Canada....
- Puslinch, Township ofPuslinch, OntarioPuslinch is a township in south-central Ontario, Canada, in the County of Wellington south of Guelph. The area is rich in natural gas resources. The main source of production is agricultural, bottling and mining. Mining has been dominant throughout the county. About half of the township is...
- Wellington North, Township ofWellington North, OntarioWellington North is a township in the Canadian province of Ontario, located within Wellington County.-Communities:The primary communities in Wellington North are the village of Arthur and the town of Mount Forest....
History
In 1837 by Act of Parliament the new District of Wellington was formed and a court house and jail in the town of Guelph were authorized. In 1840 the county officials received their commissions. The District Council of the County of Wellington was formed and consisted of eighteen municipalities as follows: the town of Guelph, the villages of FergusFergus, Ontario
Fergus is the largest community in Centre Wellington, a township within Wellington County in Ontario, Canada. It lies on the Grand River about 25 km north of Guelph.-History:...
, Elora
Elora, Ontario
Elora is a community in the township of Centre Wellington, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada. It is well known for its 19th-century limestone architecture, its artistic community and the geographically significant Elora Gorge.-History:...
, Mount Forest
Mount Forest, Ontario
Mount Forest is an unincorporated community located on the junction of the 6 and the 89 in the township of Wellington North, Ontario. The town's motto is "High, Happy, Healthy", which can be seen on the water tower when approaching the town from the south....
and Orangeville
Orangeville, Ontario
Orangeville is a town in south-central Ontario, Canada, and the seat of Dufferin County.-History:Before European settlers, Orangeville was thought to be a native hunting ground...
, and the following historic townships:
- ArthurArthur, OntarioArthur is a community located just north of Hwy 6 and Wellington Road 109 in the township of Wellington North, Ontario, Canada. Formerly an independent village, Arthur was amalgamated into Wellington North on January 1, 1999.-History:...
, area 64,494 acres (261 km²). Opened in 1835, it was named after Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of WellingtonArthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of WellingtonField Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, KG, GCB, GCH, PC, FRS , was an Irish-born British soldier and statesman, and one of the leading military and political figures of the 19th century...
. Community centres: Arthur, Kenilworth and Mount Forest. - EramosaGuelph/Eramosa, OntarioGuelph/Eramosa is a township located in Wellington County, in midwestern Ontario, Canada. It partly encircles the city of Guelph, surrounding it in a continuous arc from approximately northeast to south southwest of the city....
, area 44,482 acres (180 km²). Opened in 1821. The name is an attempt to render in English the Indian "un-ne-mo-sa", which means dog. Community centres: Eden Mills, Rockwood, Speedside and Eramosa. - ErinErin, OntarioErin is a town in Wellington County, approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Erin is an amalgamated town, composed of the former Villages of Erin and Hillsburgh, and the hamlets of Ballinafad, Brisbane, Cedar Valley, Crewson's Corners, and Orton, as well as the former...
, area 70,557 acres (286 km²), opened in 1820, Community centres: Erin, Hillsburgh, Mimosa - West GarafraxaCentre Wellington, OntarioCentre Wellington is a township in south-central Ontario, Canada, located in Wellington County.-Communities:The primary communities in the township are Elora and Fergus....
, area 46,950 acres (190 km²), Opened in 1821. Name is believed to be from an Indian word meaning "the place of panthers." Community centres: Fergus (only partially in the township), Reading, Metz and Garafraxa - Guelph TownshipGuelph/Eramosa, OntarioGuelph/Eramosa is a township located in Wellington County, in midwestern Ontario, Canada. It partly encircles the city of Guelph, surrounding it in a continuous arc from approximately northeast to south southwest of the city....
, area 35,543 acres (144 km²). Opened on April 23, 1827 by John Galt on behalf of the Canada CompanyCanada CompanyThe Canada Company was a large private chartered British land development company, incorporated by an act of British parliament on July 27, 1825, to aid the colonization of Upper Canada. Canada Company assisted emigrants by providing good ships, low fares, implements and tools,and inexpensive land....
. - West LutherWellington North, OntarioWellington North is a township in the Canadian province of Ontario, located within Wellington County.-Communities:The primary communities in Wellington North are the village of Arthur and the town of Mount Forest....
, area 49,830 acres (202 km²). Opened in 1821 and named after the leader of the Reformation in Germany, Martin LutherMartin LutherMartin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
. It was said that the surveyor, a Roman Catholic, having been embarrassed by the endless swamps he had encountered declared that this was "the meanest piece of country he had seen" and named it Luther for that reason. Community centres: Monck, Stonywood, Damascus and Arthur. - Maryborough, area 56,728 acres (230 km²). Opened in 1840 and named after a brother of the Duke of Wellington, Baron MaryboroughWilliam Wellesley-Pole, 3rd Earl of MorningtonWilliam Wellesley-Pole, 3rd Earl of Mornington GCH, PC, PC , known as The Lord Maryborough between 1821 and 1842, was a British politician and an elder brother of the Duke of Wellington....
. Community centres: Drayton, Moorefield and Rothsay. - MintoMinto, OntarioMinto is a town in midwestern Ontario, Canada, on the Maitland River in Wellington County. Minto is the eastern terminus of Highway 9. It is named for Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto; 8th Governor General of Canada....
, area 69,927 acres (283 km²) Opened in 1840 and named after the Earl of Minto, a famous pro-consul in India. Settled mainly between 1861 to 1875. Comummnity centres: Harriston, Palmerston, and Clifford. - Nichol, area 26,996 acres (109 km²) One of the townships leased by Joseph BrantJoseph BrantThayendanegea or Joseph Brant was a Mohawk military and political leader, based in present-day New York, who was closely associated with Great Britain during and after the American Revolution. He was perhaps the most well-known American Indian of his generation...
under power of attorney for the Indians of th Grand River region. The Township was granted to Hon. Thomas ClarkThomas Clark (Upper Canada)Thomas Clark was a businessman and political figure in Upper Canada.He was born in Scotland and came to Upper Canada in 1791 to seek employment with his cousin, Robert Hamilton. In 1796, he opened a store in Queenston. He then formed a partnership with Samuel Street to transport goods around...
on a lease of 999 years for 3,564, but the contract was modified by the Crown. The Township was opened for settlement in 1822. Named in honour of Col Robert Nichol of Norfolk who distinguished himself in the War of 1812War of 1812The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
and latter in political battles. Community centres: Elora, Fergus, Salem and Barnet. - Peel, area 74,525 acres (302 km²), Opened in 1835 and named in honour of Sir Robert PeelRobert PeelSir Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet was a British Conservative statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 10 December 1834 to 8 April 1835, and again from 30 August 1841 to 29 June 1846...
. Settled mainly between 1850 to 1853. Community centres: Drayton, Glenallan, Goldstone and Alma. - Pilkington, area 28,983 acres (117 km²) named in honour of Lieutenant Robert Pilkington (later General Pilkington) who accompanied John Graves SimcoeJohn Graves SimcoeJohn Graves Simcoe was a British army officer and the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada from 1791–1796. Then frontier, this was modern-day southern Ontario and the watersheds of Georgian Bay and Lake Superior...
to Upper Canada. Pilkington acquired 20,000 acres (80 km²) of land. Community Centre: Elora in Nichol Township. - PuslinchPuslinch, OntarioPuslinch is a township in south-central Ontario, Canada, in the County of Wellington south of Guelph. The area is rich in natural gas resources. The main source of production is agricultural, bottling and mining. Mining has been dominant throughout the county. About half of the township is...
: area 58,291 acres (236 km²) Named from Pushlinch in Devonshire, Lady Colborne'sJohn Colborne, 1st Baron SeatonField Marshal John Colborne, 1st Baron Seaton, GCB, GCMG, GCH, PC was a British field marshal and colonial governor.-Early service:...
home before her marriage. .
Community involvement and awards
In October 2008, the County of Wellington was named one of Canada's Top 100 EmployersCanada's Top 100 Employers
Canada's Top 100 Employers is an annual competition that recognizes the best places in Canada to work. First held in 1999, the project aims to single out the employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional working conditions and progressive human resources policies. Winners are...
by Mediacorp Canada Inc. and featured in Maclean's
Maclean's
Maclean's is a Canadian weekly news magazine, reporting on Canadian issues such as politics, pop culture, and current events.-History:Founded in 1905 by Toronto journalist/entrepreneur Lt.-Col. John Bayne Maclean, a 43-year-old trade magazine publisher who purchased an advertising agency's in-house...
newsmagazine. Later that month, the County was recognized as one of Waterloo Area's Top Employers
Waterloo Area's Top Employers
Waterloo Area's Top Employers is an annual competition that recognizes the best places to work in Canada's Technology Triangle, which is generally described as the Kitchener-Waterloo Area together with the cities of Guelph and Cambridge, Ontario...
and featured in the Guelph Mercury
Guelph Mercury
The Guelph Mercury is an English language newspaper published in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It publishes a mix of community, national and international news and is owned by the Torstar Corporation. The newspaper, in many incarnations, has been a part of the community since 1854...
newspaper.