Elora and Fergus shuttle bus has new sponsors, new look this year

ELORA – The Elora and Fergus shuttle bus has some new clothes.

The bus, which runs through the summer from the GrandWay Events Centre to the Fergus sportsplex with many stops in between, has some new sponsors and dignitaries met on May 22 to thank them and reveal the new bus wrap.

“I want to offer special thanks to SV Law and Nexans, who came to the table in our time of need,” said Adam Gilmore, Centre Wellington's managing director of community services.

“We really appreciate that relationship.”

SV Law, Nexans, Wellington County, the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Grand River Agricultural Society are sponsoring the bus this year.

This allows visitors and residents alike to ride the shuttle for free.

It runs Fridays through Sundays, plus holiday Mondays, from 11am to 5pm, until Sept. 7.

It departs from the GrandWay on the hour with stops at MacDonald Square, Elora Centre for the Arts/Bissell Park, Wellington County Museum and Archives, the Fergus Marketplace/Downtown Fergus and the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, making the same stops on the return loop.

This will be the fifth season for the shuttle, which seems to gain popularity year over year.

“It’s an important part of the summer experience in Centre Wellington,” said Mayor Shawn Watters.

“Park once and explore.”

County councillor Jeff Duncan said the county’s share of sponsorship came from the business retention and expansion fund in recognition of the fact that tourism is a huge economic driver in the township.

“The bus has demonstrated is value over the past four years and is an important part of the tourism strategy,” he said.

“It reduces parking pressures and encourages people to see the rest of Centre Wellington. And with tourism ambassadors on board, it enhances the tourism experience. It’s such a unique vibe.”

Eric Davis, a partner at SV Law, said the firm has a long history in the township and wants to promote economic development here.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to support this,” he said.

Whitney Polkiewicz, manager of HR at Nexans, said the shuttle bus reflects the values of the company: sustainability, social responsibility and encouraging community engagement.

“Two hundred and twenty local residents are employed at Nexans. This is meaningful for us,” she said.

“We like to invest in the community we are part of.”