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

The first settlers to this area were freed slaves who formed what was known as the Pierpoint Settlement, named after their leader, Richard Pierpoint. Along with a half dozen other men, Pierpoint was granted land in Garafraxa Township somewhere around what is now Scotland Street in Fergus.

In 1833, just a quarter mile from the Pierpoint settlement, Little Falls was established by Adam Fergusson. Along with fellow Scot James Webster, he purchased 7000 acres (28 km²) of uncleared land in Nichol Township and laid out the town of Fergus. Webster took up residence here and supervised the settlement's early development.

The first house of this predominantly Scottish community was erected in 1833. A hotel was built in 1834 and a sawmill, grist mill, church and school followed in 1835.

They soon established a vibrant economy, using the waterfalls on the Grand River as power for local industry. The Scots built solid stone houses, factories and other buildings which have characterized Fergus to this day. Many of the houses and factories built by these early settlers are still in use today -- occasionally occupied by descendents of the original owners.

Originally Fergus was known as Little Falls, because of the scenic (water) falls downtown, between the Public Library and the Fergus Market. Other names that (parts of) Fergus have been known as include Nichol Township, Aboyne, Garafraxa Township and Pierpoint Settlement.

Geography

Fergus is located north of Guelph and sits on the Grand River. It is near many natural settings such as the Elora Gorge and Conservation Area, and Belwood Lake.

Economy

Fergus and Centre Wellington in general are home to many industries, manufacturers, retailers and trades people.

Demographics

The Canada 2001 Census was the last Canadian census to record Fergus as a separate community. In the Canada 2006 Census, demographic statistics were published only for Centre Wellington.

Education

Fergus and area has two major school boards that operate inside the city at a public level. The Wellington Catholic District School Board administers a Catholic education in Guelph and Wellington County, while the Upper Grand District School Board administers to the area surrounding the upper Grand River.

High Schools

• Centre Wellington District High School (C.W.D.H.S.) is located in the newer suburbs on the south-east edge of the town. It is home to the Falcons and has a student population of roughly 1500.
• Emmanuel Christian High School (E.C.H.S) is a private Canadian Reformed Christian school located on the east side of Fergus and has a student population of roughly 200.

Media

Print

• Fergus Elora News Express
• Guelph Mercury - serves Guelph and Wellington County
• Wellington Advertiser - serves Wellington County]

Attractions

Fergus is best known for the annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games, held in August. The games represent the largest gathering of clans in the world. Competitions are held for music, dancing and 'heavy' events such as the caber toss. It also is home to North America's largest truck-show that is held every July, and the Fergus fall fair in October.

Fergus is also home to the Fergus Highland Rugby Football Club. The club plays in the Niagara Rugby Union, and has two Men's teams, a Women's team and a strong and growing junior program.

St Andrew Street runs parallel to the Grand River on the north side and is the heart of downtown. On the south side of the river is Queen Street where the newly renovated Fergus Market can be found. The Wellington County Museum and Archives and the Wellington County library are in nearby Aboyne, halfway between Fergus and Elora.

A new community complex was completed in fall 2006. It includes a swimming pool and a second ice rink to complement the existing ice facilities in the older section.

Notable Fergus natives

• Ted Arnott, provincial MPP
• Ed Chadwick, former National Hockey League goalie who played most notably with the Toronto Maple Leafs
• Sitara Hewitt, actress (Little Mosque on the Prairie)
• Bucko McDonald, former Member of Parliament and NHL defenceman who won three Stanley Cups.
• Jamie McGinn, OHL player of the Ottawa 67's drafted by the San Jose Sharks of the NHL in 2006.
• Tye McGinn, OHL Player of the Ottawa 67's

Twin cities

• Blairgowrie and Rattray, Scotland
• Pleasanton%2C California, USA
• Cowansville Quebec, Canada

External links

• Wellington Guelph Community Portal
• Township of Centre Wellington
• Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce
• Fergus & Elora Tourism -- What to do, where to stay, where to eat, and where to shop.
• Fergus & Elora Business Directory
• Printable Coupons for Fergus & Elora businesses
• Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games
• Pleasanton - Blairgowrie - Fergus Sister City Organization
• Fergus Truck Show
• Wellington Advertiser