Fergus, Ontario, the largest community in Centre Wellington, is a charming township nestled within Wellington County, Canada. Located on the Grand River, approximately 18 km NNW of Guelph, Fergus is a growing community with a population of 20,767 as per the 2016 Census. The community continues to expand with new homes being built for sale.
Fergus has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1999 when the Township was formed by amalgamating the Town of Fergus, the Village of Elora, and the Townships of Nichol, Pilkington, West Garafraxa, and part of Eramosa.
The first settlers in this area were freed slaves who formed the Pierpoint Settlement, named after their leader, Richard Pierpoint, a United Empire Loyalist originally from Bondou, Senegal in Africa. The settlement was later purchased by Scottish settlers after 1838.
The primary developers of Fergus were Adam Fergusson and James Webster, who purchased 28 km² (7,000 acres) of land and were later known for their professions as lawyers. The first bridge over the river in the heart of the settlement was built in 1834 by Fergusson.
Fergus was a hub of activity with the first house built in 1833, a hotel in 1844, and by 1835, a sawmill, grist-mill, church, and school were opened. The post office was established in 1836. Fergusson was also a founder of the first curling club in Ontario; it was opened in 1834, and is still active today.
In 1877, the Wellington County House of Industry and Refuge, or Poorhouse as it was called, opened on Wellington Road 18 between Fergus and Elora. Over the years, approximately 1500 "deserving" poor, including those who were destitute, old and infirm or suffering from disabilities were housed here. In 1975, the building reopened as the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
Fergus is located north-northwest 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. Fergus is a mostly residential community filled with streets lined with trees, many stone buildings, modern schools, and attractive parklands.
Fergus has a humid continental climate (Dfb) under the Köppen climate classification with cold winters and warm summers.
The 2016 Census indicated a population of 20,767.
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 Scotland and Cape Breton Island. Fergus is also home to the Fergus Highland Rugby Football Club and the Fergus Curling Club, Ontario's oldest continuously running Curling Club.
Fergus is served by Kasper Transportation's Owen Sound to Guelph intercity bus route, which began operating in January 2020 with a fourteen-seat passenger van.
Fergus, Ontario is twinned with Blairgowrie and Rattray, Scotland and Pleasanton, California, United States.
