Fergus, Ontario
Fergus | |
|---|---|
Unincorporated community | |
 The Fergus post office. | |
 | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| County | Wellington County |
| Township | Centre Wellington |
| Government | |
| • Township mayor | Joanne Ross-Zuj |
| Area | |
| • Land | 15.08 km2 (5.82 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 19,126 |
| • Density | 1,268.4/km2 (3,285/sq mi) |
| [2] | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Forward sortation area | |
| Area code(s) | 519 and 226 |
| NTS Map | 040P09 |
| GNBC Code | FBDWO |
Fergus (2011 population 19,126) 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 7,000 acres (2,832.80 ha) (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. The local economy also benefits greatly from tourism.
Demographics
| Census | Population |
|---|---|
| 1841 | 184 |
| 1871 | 1,666 |
| 1901 | 1,396 |
| 1911 | 1,534 |
| 1921 | 1,796 |
| 1931 | 2,594 |
| 1941 | 2,832 |
| 1951 | 3,387 |
| 1961 | 3,831 |
| 1971 | 5,433 |
| 1981 | 6,064 |
| 1991 | 7,940 |
| 2001 | 10,017 |
| 2006 | 18,211 |
| 2011 | 19,126 |
The 2001 Census was the last Canadian census to record demographic statistics for Fergus as a separate community. The 2006 Census, statistics were published only for Centre Wellington.
For 2001 census:[3]
| Population: | 10,017 (12.8% from 1996) |
| Land area: | 7.23 km² |
| Population density: | 1,383.4 people/km² |
| Median age: | 35.2 (males: 34.2, females: 36.0) |
| Total private dwellings: | 3,764 |
| Mean household income: | $53,115 |
Education
Fergus and Centre Wellington have two major school boards that operate inside the municipality at a public level. The Wellington Catholic District School Board administers Catholic education in Guelph and Wellington County, operating St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School (JK-8). The Upper Grand District School Board administers to the area surrounding the upper Grand River operating in Fergus, J. D. Hogarth Public School (7-8), John Black Public School, James McQueen Public School (K-6), Victoria Terrace Public School (K-6).
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
- 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 outside of Scotland and Cape Breton Island.[citation needed] Competitions are held for music, dancing and 'heavy' events such as the caber toss. A 10 km (6.21 mi) run is also contested.
It also is home to North America's largest truck-show that is held every July, and the Fergus fall fair in September.
Fergus is also home to the Fergus Highland Rugby Football Club. The club plays in the Ontario Rugby Union, and has two Men's teams, two Women's teams 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. The County Museum and Archives are located in a two-storey Italianate-style stone building on a former working farm. The building is the oldest known state-supported poorhouse or almshouse in Canada, and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1995.[4]
A community complex was completed in fall 2006. It includes a 25 metre indoor swimming pool and a second ice rink to complement the previously existing ice facilities.
Notable Fergusites
- Craig Norris, lead singer of The Kramdens, Host of The Craig Norris Hour and The R3-30 on CBC Radio 3 and Laugh Out Loud on CBC Radio One.
- Patrick Anderson, wheelchair basketballer and paralympic gold medalist.[5]
- Lori Bowden, professional triathlete, Ironman Triathlon World Champion.
- Ed Chadwick, former National Hockey League goalie who played most notably with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Ryan Laird, country musician.
- Bucko McDonald, former Member of Parliament and NHL defenceman who won three Stanley Cups.
- Jamie McGinn, current member of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.
- Tye McGinn, OHL Player of the Ottawa 67's and Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL.
- Brock McGinn, OHL Player of the Guelph Storm.
- Ariel Waller, actress (Life with Derek).
- Pat Mestern, author, (Clara, Anna, Child of the Poor House, Rachael's Legacy, Magdalena's Song, No Choice But Freedom, Granite, Fergus, A Scottish Town By Birthright, Stonehome Cookery).
- Abraham Groves [6] (1847-1935) a pioneering surgeon who was first to use modern aseptic technique in 1873.[7]
Twin cities
References
- "Fergus, Ontario (Code 0278) Census Profile". 2011 census. Government of Canada - Statistics Canada. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
Notes
- ^ Statistics Canada: 2012
- ^ Statistics Canada: 2012
- ^ "2001 Community Profiles". Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 2010-09-10.
- ^ Wellington County House of Industry and Refuge. Canadian Register of Historic Places.
- ^ "Athlete Profiles - Patrick Anderson". Canadian Sport Centre. Retrieved 3 March 2010.
- ^ Christopher R. Geddes and Vivian C. McAlister. "A Surgical Review of the Priority Claims Attributed to Abraham Groves (1847-1935)" Canadian Journal of Surgery 52.5 (2009): E126-E130. Available at: [1]
- ^ Groves A. Case of ovariotomy. Canada Lancet 1874; 6: 345-347 Available at: [2]
External links
- Fergus & Elora Tourism -- What to do, where to stay, where to eat, and where to shop.
- Fergus & Elora Business Directory
- Fergus Elora District Soccer (FEDS)
- Highland Rugby Club
- Fergus at Geographical Names of Canada
Places adjacent to Fergus, Ontario | |
|---|---|
