New space for temporary doctors opens in Fergus
Locum doctors can now stay at Craighead Cottage
FERGUS – Locum doctors at Groves Memorial Community Hospital now have a new place to stay after the official ribbon cutting at Craighead Cottage on May 21.
Visiting doctors had a hard time finding short-term accommodation in Centre Wellington and that was impacting the hospital’s ability to attract doctors and other health care specialists.
In 2023 the township offered up Gartshore House, the old farmhouse on land it had purchased on Gartshore Street for a new operations centre.
It was always a temporary fix, and when construction of the operations centre began, locum doctors had to move out of Gartshore House.
But the township also owns Craighead Cottage and now, after an interior renovation and exterior restoration, the historic cottage is the new home for locum doctors through an agreement between Centre Wellington Township and Groves.
The home, 495 Union St. W. in Fergus, was purchased by the township because it’s beside a pumping station and across the river from a wastewater facility.
But it sat empty for several years.
CAO Dan Wilson said the infrastructure situation in Fergus has changed with the approval of the Fergus South Secondary Plan and the cottage property won’t be needed for water or wastewater capacity.
The cottage was built by Hugh Black almost 200 years ago, and Senator Rob Black, his great-great-great grandson, was extremely happy to see the historic building put to good use.
“It’s a great way to use this space,” Black said at the ribbon cutting, accompanied by many of his family members.
The home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry area, kitchen and living room, with two narrow sitting rooms that overlook the Grand River.
There’s also a detached garage and at least four parking spots.
Mayor Shawn Watters said he’s also pleased to see the historic house back in use supporting health care professionals.
“It’s very much a community endeavour and I thank staff, council and the Black family for supporting this," said Watters.
"I’m happy it’s back in the community."
