Village Square in Arthur receives $1,321 for new signs

WELLINGTON NORTH – The township is helping to fund new signs at The Village Square in Arthur. 

The work, including removing the old signs and installing new ones, is set to cost just over $2,000, and the owners are eligible for $1,321 in grants through Wellington North signage grants. 

“The Village Square was created to bring people together and strengthen community connections,” states a report about the grant. It includes a gently used children’s clothing store in the front and a community hub in the back where programs, events and celebrations take place.  

“It is where toddlers sing their first songs, children perform on stage, youth gather, families celebrate milestones, neighbours connect through creative workshops, and community members enjoy activities such as day camps, baby showers, yoga classes and other events,” the report states. 

According the report, “the building at  238 George St. S. in Arthur has been part of the community for more than 50 years, with the front portion believed to be well over 100 years old.” 

It was originally a blacksmith shop, and later housed Sussman’s Insurance, before becoming The Village Square. 

“Over the past 17 years, owners Len and Paula Coffey have continually invested in the building through regular maintenance and upgrades, including a new furnace, flooring, partial roof replacement, upgraded lighting, repainting of the front roof and the installation for a new front window.” 

Since the program was launched in 2011, 190 applicants have been approved for funding under the program. 

According to the report, “the total value of improvements made in our community in partnership with these applicants, is conservatively estimated at over $4 million. 

“Of this amount, 88 per cent has been covered by the applicants with the remaining 12% covered by grants or loan.”

So far in 2026, the township has supported 12 projects, approving $40,526 in grants towards improvement work totalling over $200,000.

The township included $60,000 in funding for community improvement grants in the 2026 operating budget.