Waterford, Ontario, is a charming community nestled in Norfolk County. As of the 2016 Census, it had a population of 3,132. This quaint town offers a rich history, a thriving agricultural industry, and a vibrant community spirit.
Waterford was founded in 1794, initially serving as a saw and grist mill community. The first successful grist mill venture was operated by Paul Averill at the start of the 19th century. The settlement underwent several name changes, including Sayles' Mills, Sovereign's Mills, and Lodersvile, before finally adopting the name Waterford in 1826 with the opening of its first post office.
Waterford became the northernmost marketplace in Norfolk County, complementing Simcoe as its central marketplace. The village was incorporated in 1878 when its population reached 1,100 people. The arrival of the railway in 1871 spurred growth, and by 1851, Waterford was home to the Township Hall and numerous industries, including a large agricultural implements factory built by James Green.
Waterford's economy is largely supported by Norfolk FS, a major base of operations that provides chemicals, agriculture-related goods, and animal feed for local farmers. The Townsend Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, started by farmers in 1879, also has its headquarters in Waterford. As a mutual insurance company, every customer is also a member and owner.
The community is conveniently located for travel, with close access to railway and air travel. This allows local travelers to maintain a low-cost "home base" in Waterford while having access to regional, national, and international destinations.
Waterford District High School, founded in 1892, serves the community's educational needs. The school's sports teams, known as the Wolves, have a rich history. The high school rugby program, initiated in 1991 by teacher David Zeldon, is considered one of the most dominant teams in the NSSAA boys' rugby league.
The area surrounding Waterford is primarily agricultural land, with tomatoes, tobacco, and corn among the chief crops. Despite the decline of the tobacco industry, area farmers are exploring natural health and organic crops such as ginseng, lavender, and wine grapes.
Every October, Waterford celebrates Pumpkinfest, a festival inspired by a similar event in Connecticut. The festival features a "pumpkin pyramid" of 1,500 carved pumpkins, a car show, and a soap box derby. Many local businesses, including stores, restaurants, banks, and the LCBO dealership, participate in the festival, providing a boost to the local economy.
Waterford traditionally belongs to the humid continental climate zone. However, like many communities worldwide, it has experienced changes due to global warming, with recent years seeing milder winters and extremely warm, dry summers.
Waterford, Ontario, is a community that cherishes its history while looking forward to the future. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a fan of community festivals, Waterford has something to offer.
