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County of Wellington – Economic Development

COUNTY OF WELLINGTON

July 2014 Economic Profile

This document provides an economic update for the County

and its seven member municipalities; Minto, Wellington North,

Mapleton, Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph Eramosa and

Puslinch.

County of Wellington

County of Wellington – Economic Development - Page 1

County of Wellington P R E P A R E D F O R S T A N D A R D A N D P O O R ’ S R A T I N G S S E R V I C E S

Contents

2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES ..................................................................... 3

DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW ................................................................................................ 4

Population .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Immigration ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Quality of Life ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Education .................................................................................................................................................... 5

Household Incomes ................................................................................................................................... 5

LOCAL ECONOMY ............................................................................................................... 6

Resident Labour Force ............................................................................................................................. 6

Unemployment Rate ................................................................................................................................. 6

Major Sectors ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Greatest Job growth by Industry 2012 to 2013 ............................................................................ 8

Sector Overview 2013: Agriculture ................................................................................................... 9

Sector Overview 2013: Manufacturing ............................................................................................ 9

Major Occupations ................................................................................................................................ 10

Business Size ........................................................................................................................................... 11

TOP EMPLOYERS ............................................................................................................... 12

COUNTY INVESTMENTS ..................................................................................................... 18

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS ................................................................................................ 19

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................................... 19

BUILDING ACTIVITY .......................................................................................................... 20

Residential Development Activity ....................................................................................................... 20

Commercial Industrial Development Activity .................................................................................... 22

Agricultural Development Activity ...................................................................................................... 22

LOCAL BUSINESS RESULTS ................................................................................................ 23


Page 2

2013 represented a good year for the local economy as per the Business Retention interviews as

well as swift momentum in the development of the four focus initiatives within the Wellington

Economic Development Implementation Plan. Solid partnerships with the seven municipalities,

funding leveraged through the Province and political support from County Council have contributed.

Manufacturing, agriculture and health care continue to be strong sectors in the County with respect

to activity and job growth.

Economic Development highlights for 2013 include the completion of the Workforce Strategy, the

creation of a countywide business directory, the launch of the Business Retention Project and a sold

out 244 seat Harvest Field Dinner as part of the Taste Real Local Food programme.



2013 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

1. Utilizing $95,000 Ontario Ministry of Economic Development grant to assist with the Economic

Development Implementation Plan: Four focus initiatives (Workforce Strategy, Business Retention

and Expansion project, Economic Development webpage and Sector Investment Profiles).

2. Wellington Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) project:

The County, together with the seven municipalities interviewed

over 270 local employers to gain an understanding of the

local business climate, Wellington’s competitive advantages

and how to better support local business. The interviews were

well received and the data and anecdotal information

collected will shape all economic development activities

ongoing. Employers from key sectors were interviewed: 62

manufacturing, 60 agriculture, 46 health care, 72 creative

professional in addition to 10 transportation and 20 downtown

businesses. The project was designed in August 2013,

interviews were completed by February 2014. The County

designed and managed the project and was responsible for

coordinating a “retreat” where the results were prioritized with

the municipalities and relevant local agencies. A countywide

report was written in addition to municipality specific reports,

all of which ended with an Action Plan. The County was

recognized and asked to speak about its project at the 2014

International Business Retention Conference in Memphis. Most noteworthy, following the completion

of the project in May, County Council had already approved a $175,000 BR+E Municipal

Implementation Fund where each municipality may apply for up to $25,000 to implement

community specific activities resulting from the project.

3. Employment land inventory, business directory and 4 Business Video

Testimonials: to promote the County as an attractive and supporting

venue for business, housed on the Economic Development landing page

of the County.

4. The Municipal Economic Development Group:

continues to meet monthly and provides an excellent

platform for communication and learning for the

municipalities in addition to provincial partners and local

agencies which are regular attendees.

5. The Taste Real Field Dinner: a fall harvest meal involving local chefs and

produce, for the first time had a waiting list for the sold out 244 seat event. This year

features included celebrity chef Lynn Crawford, live music, great food and drink as

well as fantastic media coverage promoting Wellington as a culinary destination.


Page 4

DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW

Population

The population of Wellington County is 90,900. The population is projected to grow to 122,000 by

2031.

Population 2006

Population 2011

Population change

Population % change

Households 2006

Households 2011

Households change

Households % change

Centre Wellington 27,290 27,790 500 1.80% 9,540 9,945 405 4.20%

Erin 11,680 11,890 210 1.80% 3,810 3,955 145 3.80%

Guelph/Eramosa 12,640 12,890 250 2.00% 4,070 4,220 150 3.70%

Mapleton 10,320 10,400 80 0.80% 2,890 2,930 40 1.40%

Minto 8,910 8,680 -230 -2.60% 3,140 3,140 0 0.00%

Puslinch 7,010 7,320 310 4.40% 2,340 2,535 195 8.30%

Wellington North 11,710 11,950 240 2.00% 4,240 4,450 210 5.00%


89,540 90,900 1,360 1.50% 30,030 31,175 1,145 3.80%

Wellington + Guelph

209,196 216,393 7,197 3.40%

Guelph 119,656 125,493 5,837 4.90%

Ontario 12,160,282 13,212,159 1,051,877 8.70%

Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census adjusted for 4.75% undercount and 2011 National Household Survey adjusted for 4.1% undercount

Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey 2011

Immigration

The County departments of Economic Development, Housing, Child Services, Libraries and Settlement

Services are each partners of the Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership. This is a network of

agencies and community members which focus on employment, English language training and community

inclusion.

Each year between 2006 and 2011, approximately 700 newcomers immigrated directly to Guelph

Wellington. Immigrants born outside of Canada represent 13% of the resident Wellington community and

stem predominantly from Europe, the United States and East Asia. More recent immigrants to Guelph

Wellington came from India, the Philippines and China. While most immigrants settle in Guelph, the

number of recent newcomers in Wellington County has increased and typically come from other areas in

Ontario.

Source: Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership Progress Report 2013



Quality of Life

Quality of life in Wellington was rated as excellent by 88% of BR+E respondents.

Education

The County’s educational attainment is similar to that of its economic region of Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie

with only a slightly lower level of college and university graduates than the region in 2012. The presence

of the University of Guelph and Conestoga College, and access to other post-secondary institutions in the

region (e.g. Laurier University, University of Waterloo) is an enormous asset to the current and future

training and workforce needs of Wellington County.

Source: Manifold Data Mining 2012 as per Wellington Economic Development Strategy

Household Incomes

Median household incomes in the County are higher than provincial levels and also higher than its

comparative regional economic group of Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge. Wellington is attractive to

many professionals seeking a semi-rural lifestyle with nearby urban amenities and a quick commute.

Wellington County Ontario Kitchener Waterloo

Cambridge

Guelph

Median HH Income 2008 $77,453 $64,375 $72,800 $67,104

Median HH Income 2010 $80,286 $67,246 $77,040 $70,004

% Change 2008-2010 3.66% 4.46% 5.82% 4.32%

11.1

9.8

21.4

23.9

20.8

23.7

0 20 40 60 80

Wellington

Kitchener Waterloo Barrie

Wellington County Education Levels Percent Population Age 25-64, 2012

Apprenticeship, trade ordiploma

University certificate, diplomaor degree

College or other non-universitycertificate or diploma


Page 6

LOCAL ECONOMY

Resident Labour Force

The resident labour force of Wellington stands at 48,405 people. Resident workers are predominantly

employed in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, health care, business services and

agriculture. A breakdown per municipality is as follows:

Labour Force

Puslinch 4,025

Centre Wellington

14,825

Wellington North

6,165

Guelph/Eramosa 7,025

Mapleton 5,360

Erin 6,485

Minto 4,520


48,405

Wellington + Guelph

117,480

Ontario 6,864,990

Source: Statistics Canada National Household Survey 2011

Unemployment Rate

The May 2014 unemployment rate for Ontario is 7.4% which is slightly higher than the national

unemployment rate of 7.0%. Wellington’s unemployment rate stands below both levels at 6.7%.

Wellington’s unemployment has been consistently lower in the last few years which together with higher

than regional labour force participation rates show the County has an employable resident workforce.

From having recently interviewed 270 local business owners as part of the Wellington Business Retention

and Expansion (BR+E) project and from the Workforce Strategy, we are aware that our local economy

has fared better than the economic region. The graph below illustrates the unemployment rate changes

for the period of January 2009 to May 2014. For a more accurate picture, the rate removes the census

metropolitan areas of its economic region of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Barrie but retains the

City of Guelph.

Employers noted the difficulty they experience attracting workers from beyond the County. 39% of

businesses noted difficulty hiring due to lack of skills or too few applicants for posted positions. These

challenges are due to both industry factors affecting all businesses as well as community factors, those

unique to Wellington or the individual community. Positions sought range from accountants and dental

assistants to sales and administrative support. In response, Wellington is organizing a Manufacturing Day



October 3, 2014 as well as looking at skills attraction opportunities with the Guelph Wellington Local

Immigration Partnership and completing Sector Investment Profiles in 2014.

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Unemployment Rate January 2009 to May 2014

The chart below exhibits the growth of jobs in Wellington which exceeds the growth in its neighbouring

communities.

Region 2009 Jobs 2014 Jobs % Change

County of Wellington 37,802 42,593 12.7%

Guelph 79,105 88,430 11.8%

Cambridge 73,576 76,155 3.5%

Kitchener 102,908 111,601 8.4%

Waterloo 77,175 80,273 4.0%

Major Sectors

2014 total employment in Wellington stands at 42,593 local jobs, representing a healthy growth of 13%

(compared with 6% in Ontario) over the last five years, despite the downturn in the economy.

Manufacturing continues to be a leading sector in the County, representing 17% of all local employment

(7,184 jobs) and 14% growth (868 new jobs) between 2009 and 2014. This is followed by agriculture,

health care, services and transportation.

Wellington - Sectors of Employment 2014 Jobs

% of Total Employment

Manufacturing 7,184 16.9%

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 6,074 14.3%

Construction 4,065 9.5%

Health care and social assistance 3,933 9.2%

Retail trade 2,974 7.0%

Transportation and warehousing 2,342 5.5%

Other services (except public administration) 2,306 5.4%

Professional, scientific and technical services 2,191 5.1%

Wholesale trade 2,054 4.8%


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Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

1,939 4.6%

Accommodation and food services 1,816 4.3%

Educational services 1,636 3.8%

Arts, entertainment and recreation 818 1.9%

Public administration 787 1.8%

Finance and insurance 611 1.4%

Information and cultural industries 487 1.1%

Real estate and rental and leasing 394 0.9%

Utilities 102 0.2%

Management of companies and enterprises 68 0.2%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 64 0.2%

Total 42,593 100.0%

Greatest Job growth by Industry 2012 to 2013

1. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing (548 new jobs)

2. Management, scientific and consulting services (232 new jobs)

3. Farms (208 new jobs)

Three automotive parts manufacturers are currently completing expansions and the health of the sector is

reflected in the year over year employment changes. Motor vehicle sales have rebounded strongly, hitting

a record 1.8 million in Canada last year and a strong 15.9 million in the United States.

Wellington County – Job Changes per Sector 2009 Jobs 2014 Jobs Change

Total 37,802 42,593 4,791

Manufacturing 6,316 7,184 868

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 4,334 6,074 1,740

Construction 4,098 4,065 (33)

Health care and social assistance 3,249 3,933 684

Retail trade 2,804 2,974 170

Transportation and warehousing 2,387 2,342 (45)

Other services (except public administration) 1,982 2,306 324

Professional, scientific and technical services 1,886 2,191 305

Wholesale trade 2,154 2,054 (100)

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

1,677 1,939 262

Accommodation and food services 1,801 1,816 15

Educational services 1,509 1,636 127

Arts, entertainment and recreation 955 818 (137)

Public administration 795 787 (8)

Unclassified 409 750 341

Finance and insurance 491 611 120

Information and cultural industries 334 487 153

Real estate and rental and leasing 293 394 101

Utilities 80 102 22

Management of companies and enterprises 148 68 (80)



Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 101 64 (37)

Source: Employees & Self-Employed - EMSI 2014.1

The County’s positive economic climate was confirmed with 43% of BR+E interviewees that said they plan

to expand within the next 18 months.

Sector Overview 2013: Agriculture

In the previous five years between 2009 and 2014, the agricultural sector has seen the greatest growth

and lowest fluctuation in employment within the County. The County currently has 3,402 farmers and farm

managers (up by 143 over 2013) which represents 54% of workers in the sector. 2012 farm cash

receipts for Wellington farms totaled $685 million.

Local Ministry staff note that there no industries within agriculture are performing poorly, as there were

with pork or beef in particular years. Wellington is distinct from other areas in the province in that it is

more diversified, with dairy, beef, crops and niche products, which means it is more balanced

economically. New barns and several expansions have occurred across the County for livestock farms.

Livestock typically employ more than crop businesses and much of the workforce growth is expected to

be within the livestock industry.

The quality of the farm land, the agricultural business support

services and the high concentration of agricultural activities

within Wellington County make it an attractive place to not

only invest in agricultural research but to put research into

action. The University of Guelph’s Elora Research Station,

which in 2013 constructed a new building at a construction

value of $15 million, is a hub for crop and livestock research

and it will continue to provide value-added, location specific

research results to support the strong, growing and ever-

changing agricultural sector in Wellington County.

Reflecting Wellington’s diverse agricultural sector, employers interviewed in the BR+E included producers,

input suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. 64% of agricultural businesses (38 companies) indicated

their sector was growing with 53% expecting to expand their business within the next 18 months. Reasons

cited for expansions in both manufacturing and agriculture include increasing business levels and the

addition of new product lines.

Sector Overview 2013: Manufacturing

54% of manufacturers expect their industry to continue to grow while a striking 70% expect their business

to surpass the industry growth in projected sales. The manufacturing sector remains a fundamental sector

Sector Job Growth According to Economic Period 2006 to 2009 2009 to 2012 2012 to 2014

Construction Agriculture Agriculture

Transportation and warehousing Manufacturing Manufacturing

Health care and social assistance

Health care and social assistance Transportation and warehousing

Educational services Other services (except public admin)

Health care and social assistance

BR+E PROJECT END PRESENTATION WITH PROVINCIAL, REGIONAL

AND LOCAL POLITICAL REPRESENTATION


Page 10

in Wellington and that despite the market crash of 2008/2009, Wellington has not witnessed closures

beyond AO Smith, which compared to the rest of the province, is significant.

The County is aware of manufacturers who require skilled trades and are concerned of an education

system which seems to deter students from entering that field of work. To assist with this, the Wellington

Workforce Strategy, approved by County Council, includes a workforce attraction project as well as a

Wellington Manufacturing Day October 3, 2014. This event coincides with International Manufacturing

Day and will enable both students and job seekers to visit several companies to explore innovative

manufacturing businesses in the area via a bus tour.

The chart below illustrates a healthy growth in jobs in the past two years, with the larger municipalities of

Centre Wellington, Guelph Eramosa and Wellington North leading the way.

Major Occupations

The chart below looks closer at the change in jobs within industries between 2009 and 2014, where

4,791 new jobs were created. The greatest job increases were seen in agriculture (1,740) manufacturing

(868) and health care (684), while decreases were experienced in arts, entertainment and recreation

(137) and wholesale trade (100). The trades and transport related occupations represent 19% of local

jobs, followed by sales and services (16%), agriculture (13%) and business (12.5%).

The employment information below is categorized by occupation and provides a workforce-oriented view

of Wellington’s local economy. The occupational breakdown is as follows:

Wellington County - Occupations 2009 Jobs 2014 Jobs Change

Total 37,802 42,593 4,791

Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

7,971 8,063 92

Sales and service occupations 6,663 6,948 285

Occupations unique to primary industry 3,919 5,683 1,764

Business, finance and administrative occupations 4,919 5,360 441

Occupations unique to processing, manufacturing and utilities

3,482 3,843 361

Management occupations 3,230 3,407 177

Change in Local Jobs 2012 to 2014

Top Industries of Job Growth

Centre Wellington

332 Farms, Motor vehicle parts manufacturing, Boiler, tank and shipping container manufacturing, Offices of physicians

Erin 150 Other personal services, Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors, Remediation and waste services

Guelph/Eramosa 245 Building finishing contractors, Farms, Management and technical consulting services

Mapleton 214 Farms, Animal food manufacturing, restaurant and eating places

Minto 104 Farms, General medical and surgical hospitals, Taxi services, Plastic products manufacturing

Puslinch 49 Agricultural wholesale, Management and technical consulting services, other personal services

Wellington North 502 Farms, Motor vehicle parts manufacturing, Building finishing contractors


1,596



Occupations in social science, education, government service and religion

2,522 2,778 256

Health occupations 1,801 2,419 618

Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 1,798 2,134 336

Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport 1,089 1,208 119

Approximately 4,600 workers travel daily for work in Wellington from Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener

and Waterloo.

Business Size

Wellington is an entrepreneurial County, consisting of many small businesses. A total of (89%) of

businesses have fewer than 19 employees. Examples of larger employers in the County include: Maple

Leaf Foods, Target, Zehrs, Nestle Waters, Royal Canin, Cherry Forest, Con Cast Pipe, Linamar, Neuwland

Feed, Husky Farm Equipment, TG Minto and Golden Valley Farms.

Wellington County -Size of business

June 2010 Locations

June 2011 Locations

December 2012 Locations

December 2013 Locations

Total 6,687 7,838 8,199 3,252

1-4 Employees 1,517 1,793 1,794 1,881

5-9 Employees 513 606 633 633

10-19 Employees 306 355 367 387

20-49 Employees 184 203 213 231

50-99 Employees 49 60 53 74

100-199 Employees 30 30 32 31

200-499 Employees 14 12 13 11

500+ Employees 3 1 2 4

Data Source: Canadian Business Patterns December 2013

The Wellington Waterloo Community Futures Development Corporation (WWCFDC) provides business

support services and financing to entrepreneurs and those wishing to expand their operations. The

WWCFDC covers five of the seven municipalities within Wellington County.

In 2013, the WWCFDC advanced a total of 23 loans worth $1,705,843. Loans contributed to the launch

of fourteen new businesses. Nine loans were utilized for expansions or new activities. Dominant sectors of

activity include services, manufacturing, hospitality and freight.


Page 12

TOP EMPLOYERS

Employers with over 50 employees remained stable with respect to number of employees since one year

ago. New to the list includes for example Nature’s Palette; a landscaping business in Guelph Eramosa

and Angelstone Farms, an international show jumping tournament venue led by Olympian Keean White.

It should be noted however, that Wellington consists of a higher number of businesses with less than 19

employees that are significant economic contributors, despite lower employee numbers. These businesses

are considered small to medium and less vulnerable to fluctuations in the economy. It could be because of

their ability to innovate and a horizontal management model, that they remain competitive, even when

their industry does not.

New economic development activities have enabled communication between the County and business to

receive reliable data on local businesses.

2014 Wellington Employers with more than 50 Employees

COMPANY NAME EMPLOYEE SIZE RANGE LOCATION SECTOR

Belwood Lodge &

Camp

60 Seasonal Centre Wellington Recreational Camp

Canadian Tire

Corporation

20 FT, 60 PT Centre Wellington Retail

Caressant Care –

Fergus

95 Centre Wellington Health care

Centre Wellington

District High School

120 Centre Wellington Education

Fresh Co. – Fergus 55 Centre Wellington Retail

Grand River Raceway 110 Centre Wellington Equestrian and

Spectator Sport

Groves Memorial

Community

Hospital/North

Wellington Healthcare

Alliance

107 FT + 169 PT Centre Wellington Health care

Hunter Amenities

International Soap

Plant

65 FT, 12 PT Centre Wellington Manufacturing of

consumer products

Jefferson Elora

Corporation

400 Centre Wellington Manufacturing of

automotive parts



McDonald`s – Fergus 80 Centre Wellington Retail – food

Nexans Canada Inc. 215 Centre Wellington Manufacturing of

electrical cables

OLG Slots 110 Centre Wellington Casino

Polycorp Ltd. 160 Centre Wellington Manufacturing of

engineered polymer

products

RR Donnelly 140 Centre Wellington Business Forms

Printing

Target 100 Centre Wellington Retail

The Gund Co

(Canada) TGC Canada

59 Centre Wellington Manufacturing of

electrical and

thermal insulation

materials

Township of Centre

Wellington

105 FT + 87 PT +48

Volunteer Firefighters

Centre Wellington Government

Wellington Terrace

Long-term Care Home

280 Centre Wellington Health care

Zehrs Markets –

Fergus

186 Centre Wellington Retail

Angelstone Farms Inc. 50-99 Erin Agricultural –

Equestrian

Denny Bus Lines 120 Erin Transportation

East Wellington

Family Health Team:

Erin Clinic

50 Erin Health care

Erin District High

School

59 Erin Education

Foodland 55 Erin Retail

Township of Erin 60 Erin Government

Cargill Meat Solutions 300+ Guelph Eramosa Meat Processing

Danby 100 Guelph Eramosa Manufacturing of

appliances


Page 14

Drexler Construction

Ltd.

130 Guelph Eramosa Construction

Eden House Care

Facility Ltd.

85-90 Guelph Eramosa Health care

Encora

Enterprises/Nature’s

Palette

59 Guelph Eramosa Landscape

construction and

excavating

Ex-L Excavating 50 Guelph Eramosa Construction

Fortress Trucking 76 Guelph Eramosa Transportation

Gay Lea Food

Cooperative

50-99 Guelph Eramosa Manufacturing of

dairy products

Herwynen Saw Mill 52 Guelph Eramosa Manufacturing of

wood products

Linamar: Ariss

Manufacturing

300 Guelph Eramosa Manufacturing

Meadowville Garden

Centre

50 Guelph Eramosa Agriculture –

garden centre

Organic Meadow 50-99 Guelph Eramosa Other Grocery and

Related Products

Puresource Inc. 90 Guelph Eramosa Manufacturing and

distribution of

natural wellness

products

Sodrox 52 Guelph Eramosa Distributor of

chemicals

Walinga 200 Guelph Eramosa Transportation

Guelph Utility Pole 50 Guelph Eramosas Manufacturing of

wood products

Drayton Festival

Theatre Inc.

80-130 Mapleton Arts and

Entertainment

Mar-Span Home

Hardware Building

Centre

50 + 10-15 additional

summer employees

Mapleton Retail

Nieuwland Feed &

Supply Ltd

60 Mapleton Agriculture



Norwell Dairy

Systems Ltd.


Rothsay 50-99 Mapleton Agricultural

recycling

The Murray Group 100 Mapleton Machine shop and

welding

Township of Mapleton 27 FT + 112 PT Mapleton Government

Wallenstein Feed &

Supply


Brenmar Transit 62 Minto Transportation

Caressant Care 98 Minto Health care

Farm Fresh Poultry 67 Minto Agriculture

Palmerston Hospital 71 Minto Health care

Pike Lake Golf and

Country Club

32 FT + 68 seasonal part

time

Minto Recreation

Royal Terrace 96 Minto Health care

TG Minto 600 Minto Manufacturing

Town of Minto 51 Minto Government

UGDSB – Minto 158 Minto Education

Wightman Telecom Ltd 85 Minto Telecommunications

provider

TCA Technologies Inc. 50 Puslinch Manufacturing of

industrial

automation

equipment

Barco Materials

Handling Ltd.

130 Puslinch Manufacturing of

hardwood and

softwood palettes,

skids and crates

CasCade Canada Ltd. 170 Puslinch Manufacturing of

material handling

equipment

Centaur Technology 100-299 Puslinch Design and

manufacturing of


Page 16

micro processor

chips

Cherry Forest Products 130 Puslinch Manufacturing of

lumber

Con Cast Pipe 150 Puslinch Manufacturing of

concrete piping

Edward Jones 100-299 Puslinch Financial

Hammond Power

Solutions

50-99 Puslinch Manufacturing of

dry-type

transformers

Llewellyn Security 150 Puslinch Security systems

and technology

Maple Leaf Foods 80 Puslinch Food Storage

Nestle Waters Canada 100 Puslinch Manufacturing of

soft drinks

North America

Construction Ltd.

80 Puslinch Construction

Pentalift Equipment

Corporation


loading dock and

materials handling

equipment

Royal Canin Canada

Company

200 Puslinch Manufacturing of

dog and cat food

Russell Metals 50-99 Puslinch Processing and

distributing of

metals

Schneider National 300+ Puslinch Transportation

Township of Puslinch 15 or 95-100 with PT and

firefighters

Puslinch Government

TransX Group 50-99 Puslinch Transportation and

logistics

Tytan Glove & Safety

Inc.


safety equipment

Ontario Provincial

Police

140 Wellington County Police protection



Wellington County

Libraries & Library

Administration

88 Wellington County Library

All Treat Farms 50-99 Wellington North Agriculture

Birmingham

Retirement

Community Mount

Forest

50 Wellington North Health care

Canadian Tire 50 Wellington North Retail

Caressant Care Arthur 85 Wellington North Health care

Claire Stewart Medical

Centre

50 Wellington North Health care

Copernicus

Educational Products

50 Wellington North Manufacturing of

educational

products

Dana Long

Manufacturing Ltd.


thermal products

Foodland Mount

Forest

75 Wellington North Retail

Golden Valley Farms

Inc.

80 Wellington North Agriculture

Ivan Armstrong

Trucking

59 Wellington North Transportation

Musashi Auto Parts

Canada Inc.


auto parts

North Wellington

Health Care

100-299 Wellington North Health care

Quality Homes 150 Wellington North Design and

manufacturing of

homes and cottages

Saugeen Valley

Nursing Home

100-299 Wellington North Health care

Solowave Design –

Big Backyard

75 Wellington North Design and

manufacturing of

outdoor living


Page 18

products

Tim & Heather’s No

Frills

80 Wellington North Retail

Township of

Wellington North

75 Wellington North Government

Upper Grand District

School Board

52 Wellington North Education

Viking-Cives Ltd. 150 Wellington North Manufacturing of

snow and ice control

equipment

Vintex Inc. 100-299 Wellington North Manufacturing of

coated textile

fabrics

Waste Management of

Canada

75 Wellington North Waste collection

Source: Wellington Business Directory, Business Retention Interviews and June company calls.

COUNTY INVESTMENTS

$1.25 million investment in renovations and enhancements at three libraries as well as a new courier van. Included in this is the complete renovation of the historic downtown Fergus library which will increase its size and place it as a landmark in the Town (total cost $5 million)

$12.9 million investment in roads and bridges to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network across the County.

$2.5 million investment in the County Long Term Care facility, including a $2.3 million roof replacement.

$7.9 million for a new OPP operations centre in Wellington North.

$30,000 investment in County Economic Development webpage, including business directory, business testimonial videos and resources.

$25,000 investment in countywide Business Retention and Expansion project.

$4.0 million investment for site servicing of the new Groves Memorial Community Hospital location on the 105 acre parcel of County-owned lands in Centre Wellington, which includes the hospital, museum, library, long term care facility and OPP headquarters.



MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS

Mapleton: branding strategy ($8,500) and hiring of part time Economic Development Officer.

Centre Wellington: hiring of a full time Economic Development Officer and new Township website.

Minto: LaunchIt Minto Creative Business Incubator: partnership between the Town of Minto and the Minto Chamber of Commerce. Received $37,500 from Ministry of Agriculture for 2014 and 2015.

Investments in Town-owned industrial lands in Harriston and Palmerston are paying off for Minto. A new car wash, gas station and Tim Hortons as well as expansions to a service/storage centre and an auto parts manufacturer will pose beneficial for the Town and County.

Wellington North: Community Improvement Programme in second of ten years has had 13 applications resulting in $110,000 in noticeable downtown improvements, leveraged by 78% coming from applicants. New Wellington North Farmers Market and participation in tourism events with its Butter Tart Trail and via Doors Open.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

The Township of Mapleton has benefited from Mornington Communications fibre installation in Drayton, the largest project in the company’s history and a significant infrastructural improvement for the Town.

Landmark Group continues to make progress on the former Elora Mill to develop a 100,000sqft conference centre, luxury hotel, spa, condominiums and restaurant. This investment is attracting further interest from new complementary businesses, such as a brewery planning to renovate an existing facility to produce and retail downtown.

After a presentation from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, some municipalities are participating in the Site Certification programme for international promotion of employment lands.


Page 20

BUILDING ACTIVITY

Overall, between 2009 and 2013, the County has witnessed steady growth in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional permit construction values; a 20% increase over four years. New institutional activity includes the creation of Holy House in Erin, an Asian weekend retreat valued at $2 million as well as a church constructed in Arthur valued at $580,000.

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

Wellington Building Permit Values $ (000)

Institutional

Industrial

Commercial

Residential

Residential Development Activity

A total of 250 new residential building permits were issued in 2013 across Wellington, including 172 for new single detached dwellings. Centre Wellington issued the greatest number of permits in 2013 while Wellington North saw the greatest increase over the year prior. 71% of 2013 building permits issued for new residential units in Wellington County took place in settlement areas.

A lower number of residential permits were issued for new construction compared to 2012, mainly due to a lower number townhouses and condominiums. Municipal building officials note that permits to date meet or exceed those of the prior year and that lower numbers for 2013 can be attributed to the close out of certain subdivisions, where plans for new subdivisions are currently being reviewed.



Compared to 14 permits in 2012, Guelph Eramosa processed 194 residential permits for residential developments in 2013. Puslinch saw 205 permits at a value of $22 million in 2013, which was a growth of 12% over the year prior. One subdivision in Fergus is currently being serviced while another 1,000 unit subdivision is in the secondary plan stage and will be located across from the new hospital.

Building Permits issued for NEW Dwellings 2012 and 2013

Single Detached Dwelling

2012

Single Detached

Dwelling 2013

Non SDD development

2012

Non SDD development

2013

Total Issued

2012

Total Issued 2013

Township of Centre Wellington

84 63 99 54 183 117

Town of Erin 34 21 0 0 34 21

Township of Guelph/Eramosa

14 14 2 0 16 14

Township of Mapleton

26 15 19 1 45 16

Town of Minto 23 14 11 8 34 22

Township of Puslinch

38 25 0 0 38 25

Township of Wellington North

37 20 24 15 61 35

Wellington County

256 172 155 78 411 250

Consistent with declining household sizes across Canada (2.5 person average), shifts in household composition (one person households on the rise), an aging population and the increasing concentration of population in urban centers; medium and high residential developments have accounted for a rising share

of new homes in the County.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2002-20072008-2013

2002-2013

New Residential Permits

High (condo/apt)

Med (semi)

Low (single home)


Page 22

Commercial Industrial Development Activity

Musashi auto manufacturing 25,400 sqft expansion $2.3 million, 25 new jobs

University of Guelph Research Centre $15 million for a new building

NR Stor $3 million new construction in the Harriston Industrial Park

Tim Hortons Harriston renovation $464,000

Vehicle sales, showroom and service bays in Guelph Eramosa 33,000sqft

Completion of Maple Leaf Foods 300,000sqft eastern distribution centre in Puslinch

All Treat Farms completed their 21,951 sqft expansion in 2013, $1 million, 10 new jobs

Planning and design underway for new emergency department and ambulatory care expansion at Louise Marshall Hospital Mount Forest, target 2017 completion

Homestyle Flavours food products supplier completed $130,000 addition

Metrolinx adding parking land and storage with potential truck repair garage

Leslie Motors addition and renovation $300,000

Agricultural Development Activity

Agricultural permit numbers and construction values continue to be strong year over year. As was noted earlier, many renovations to existing agricultural facilities were completed in 2013, such that a total of 216 permits valued at $18.9 million were processed during the year.

In Centre Wellington, for example, five new large dairy barns were constructed worth $1 million each.

Agricultural Permits and Values 2011



Centre Wellington 38 permits ($4,124,167)

34 permits ($6,101,500)

45 permits ($26,783,000)

Erin 25 permits ($2,147,500)

27 permits ($4,727,500)

17 permits ($2,603,700)

Guelph/Eramosa 12 permits ($916,500)

21 permits ($1,958,600)

21 permits ($1,630,000)

Mapleton 99 permits ($8,743,800)

109 permits ($11,367,237)

95 permits ($8,817,927)

Minto 26 permits ($944,000)

47 permits ($3,396,000)

27 permits ($2,662,000)

Puslinch 3 permits ($239,000)

5 permits ($388,000)

n/a

Wellington North 66 permits ($4,300,000)

76 permits ($7,859,780)

56 permits ($3,181,000)

Total 269 permits ($21,414,967)

319 permits ($35,798,617)

216 permits ($18,894,727)



LOCAL BUSINESS RESULTS

The County committed to conducting 270 in person interviews with local companies in 2013, which

provided a depth of information as well as sentiments from executives on why they decide to conduct

business in Wellington.

The top rating factors for doing business in the community were as follows:

Fire and police services, local community support, local and provincial road infrastructure, snow

removal, local business support, workforce, availability of natural gas and adequate electricity.

When asked if there were product or service opportunities in the local economy, grouping all businesses

regardless of geography indicated the following gaps:

Office supplies

Steel and other raw materials

Small business financing and consulting

Materials and supplies

Restaurant options

Information Technology support

Grocery options

Commentary below is from County businesses on their perspective of the economic advantages for

Wellington. The comments derive from results of all 270 recently completed in-person business interviews

across the seven municipalities, representing the manufacturing, health care, professional services,

agriculture, transportation and downtown business sectors.

Lots of growth in the area with a business dynamic. Being close to the 401 is convenient.

Moved into the area from Downtown Guelph into the rural area. It has been a terrific move for business.

Affordable prices of lease and land, good availability of storefronts and industrial lands.

New businesses coming in to the area. There has been a lot of new development in the last 8-10 years.

Scenic community with great residents and businesses.

Diversified workforce, easy to retain, availability of educated people and good employees.

Very supportive community!

-----

Jana Reichert BA, MSc

Economic Development Officer


[email protected]

Tel: (519) 837.2600 ext. 2525

Fax: (519) 837.0285

mailto:[email protected]

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