Township acquires Fergus, Belwood properties
Commercial property in Fergus cost $1.4 million; land around Belwood ball diamond just $2
ELORA – Last week, Centre Wellington Township acquired two pieces of property – one for over $1.4 million and one for next to nothing.
The properties are located on St. Patrick Street West in Fergus and around the Belwood ball diamond, respectively.
Commercial Fergus land
On Sept. 23 the township announced it purchased a 0.24-acre site at 140 St. Patrick Street West in Fergus for $1,407,515.
Located directly beside the Provost Lane/St. Patrick Street parking lot in downtown Fergus, the property is zoned commercial (C1) and includes an existing structure currently used as a barber shop and gym.
"The acquisition gives the township a significant opportunity to secure a strategically located site in the downtown core, with a range of potential future uses under consideration, including parking," stated the township press release.
About $667,515 of the purchase price will be covered by reserves/reserve funds and $740,000 by a donation from the McCabe family (in return for eventual naming rights).
“We are very grateful to the McCabe family for their meaningful generosity and their commitment to this community,” stated CAO Dan Wilson.
A McCabe family statement noted, “Fergus has been an important part of our family’s story, and we are pleased to support an opportunity that we believe will create a vibrant and welcoming downtown Fergus for generations to come."
The family added it is "proud to work with the township to help ensure it can continue to serve the community’s future needs.”
Township officials say the municipality will discuss 2027 lease extensions with the property's existing tenants.
Belwood property
Also on Sept. 23, the township announced it has acquired land surrounding the Belwood ball diamond for $2.
Owning the property, municipally known as 509 Fifth St. S. (a private road), allows the township to establish "clear property boundaries around the ball diamond and ... consider potential future trail connections," officials stated.
"There is no decision at this time regarding the future use of the property," stated the press release.
While the township purchased the land from the Grand River Conservation Authority for next to nothing, it will have to cover about $15,000 in legal fees and pay about $14,000 to install a fence around the new boundary.
The costs will be covered by the township's general capital reserve.
