The Township of Wellesley, located in the north-western part of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, is a rural gem with a rich history. Covering an area of 277.79 km2, it had a population of 11,260 according to the Canada 2016 Census.
The history of Wellesley dates back to 1805 when Mennonites from Pennsylvania settled in the nearby area of Berlin. However, Wellesley Township itself was not surveyed until 1842-43 due to its location in the Queen's Bush, a region with a large Black settler population.
The village of St. Clements was settled in 1840, and by 1864, it had a large Roman Catholic church, two stores, three hotels, and some tradesmen, despite a population of only about 100. The village of Wellesley, originally called Schmidtsville, was first settled in 1847 and quickly grew to be the largest economic centre in rural Waterloo County.
The township of Wellesley comprises the communities of Bamberg, Crosshill, Dorking, Hawkesville, Kingwood, Linwood, St. Clements, and Wellesley. The population was 576 in 2016.
Wellesley, Ontario, is known for its country scenery, rolling hills, and small-town feel. The township has gradually transformed into a growing commuter town, with most of its population living in suburban developments and commuting to the nearby cities of Kitchener and Waterloo for work.
Hawkesville, a part of Wellesley, is known for its charm, surrounded by sugar maple woods and the quiet banks of the Conestogo River. Paradise Lake, located near Bamberg, is surrounded by cottages on private land, with no public access to the water or a public beach.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Wellesley had a population of 11,318 living in 3,366 of its 3,444 total private dwellings, a change of 0.5% from its 2016 population of 11,260. With a land area of 277.74 km2, it had a population density of 40.8/km2 in 2021.
Wellesley, Ontario, is a hub of cultural activities. The Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival, first held in 1975, is an annual event held on the last Saturday in September. The festival includes street market venues, coach rides, remote-controlled boat races, open heritage sites, and amusements, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Linwood, a community in Wellesley, hosted its first Elvis festival in August 2008, featuring Elvis impersonators from throughout Ontario. The town also holds an annual Art Around the Pond gala, where artisans exhibit and advertise their creations.
The Wellesley Fall Fair is held once every year on the second Tuesday and Wednesday of September following Labour Day. Wellesley has also held the Wellesley Santa Claus Parade early in December since 2005.
Hawkesville, a part of Wellesley, has been the birthplace of several congregations. The first Catholic Church built in the township was a log church built in St. Clements around 1840. The Region of Waterloo Library operates branches in St. Clements, Linwood, and Wellesley Village, hosting author readings, family storytimes, and a variety of other programs.
