CENTRE WELLINGTON – With support from the Economic Development Task Force and Council, the Township has purchased 58 acres located at 6518 1st Line in Fergus, to create Centre Wellington’s first Business Park.
“By purchasing property for our new CW Business Park, we are demonstrating our commitment to attracting new businesses and jobs to Centre Wellington,” said Mayor Kelly Linton. “Our Strategic Plan identified serviced employment land as a priority for long-term economic prosperity. This is an example of yet another promise made and kept. We will continue to take action to balance residential growth with employment growth so that Centre Wellington is not only the best place to live but the best place to work!”
The proposed employment lands will be developed in a similar rural road cross-section (asphalt and ditches) as already exists within the existing northeast Fergus lands. Asphalting the roads will not be completed until most lost have been purchased and developed. Properties will be required to construct their own stormwater management facility on site. This proposed type of development reduces up-front costs for the Township and supports the strategy for Low Impact Development. The land will be available for purchase by early 2022.
The Northeast Fergus Industrial Park on Glengarry Crescent and Dickson Drive was developed by the Town of Fergus. As those lands were sold, additional lands to the north were acquired and eventually developed. Presently, the Township has only one lot, with an offer pending, for the industrial lots on Gregson Court.
The OLG funding received in 2019 and allocated in the 2020 Budget is anticipated to be approximately $2.6 million, leaving $270, 000 to be allocated to Economic Development for 2020. This funding is to be maintained in a new Economic Development Reserve Fund.
Background
In late 2016, the Township engaged Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. to conduct a business case analysis on the financial impact of the development of municipally owned industrial lands in the Township. The report was presented to the Economic Development Task Force and Council supported the need for new municipal employment lands.
