County CAO Recognized by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario

TORONTO, ON - Recently, County Chief Administrative Officer, Scott Wilson, was recognized by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) with the 2022 Carlos Ventin Award for Municipal Heritage Leadership.

The Carlos Ventin Award for Municipal Heritage Leadership recognizes elected municipal leaders, municipal staff and appointed representatives who have championed the rehabilitation and/or adaptive reuse of public heritage buildings in their community. These buildings may include libraries, town halls, city halls, community centres, theatres, schools, and other civic spaces. Communities of all sizes that have demonstrated a commitment to reviving their heritage structures are eligible for this award.

“During his 24+ years as the County’s CAO, Scott has championed the rehabilitation of several significant public heritage buildings in Wellington County and the City of Guelph,” said Warden Kelly Linton. “On behalf of County Council and the residents we proudly serve, I want to congratulate and thank Scott for all he has done for the County.”

During amalgamation, the responsibility for the library system was uploaded to the County. Scott championed and oversaw the complete rebuild of the library system, which includes 14 branches that make the Wellington County library system the envy of many across the country.

The Wellington County library system includes five Carnegie libraries. These historic libraries have been completely restored and adapted while preserving the architectural integrity and heritage of the buildings.

In 2015, Scott championed the purchase and renovation of a historical residential property in Hillsburgh (c. 1835) and acquisition of the adjacent Mill Pond. This property was completely adapted and renovated into a modern public library and community meeting space, including a community kitchen that is used by local business and for private functions.

Recently, Scott encouraged the County to acquire the historical Grist Mill property in Erin where a new library will be built, adapting the Mill into a new public library and community space.

Scott’s leadership in the restoration of historical community properties is not limited to just libraries. Scott has also championed the rehabilitation of important historical properties in Guelph/Wellington to other public uses including:

• Dominion Public Building (acquired 2005, renovated 2007). The former Canada Post Office in downtown Guelph was rehabilitated and reimagined into a public facing Social Services office for employment and housing services for Guelph and Wellington residents
• 129 and 133 Wyndham Street (the Alma Block) in downtown Guelph for public facing social services – including Ontario Works casework and Children’s Early Years services for Guelph and Wellington
  • 129 Wyndham was acquired and renovated in 2002
  • 133 Wyndham was acquired in 2018, renovated in 2019
• A state-of-the-art archives addition added to Wellington County Museum – the oldest house of industry and refuge in Canada and a National Historic Site
• The historic Governor’s residence located on the County Administration Centre property in Guelph - renovated to house the Economic Development office in 2013.

The ACO released this video announcing Scott’s win.

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Media Contact:
Andrea Ravensdale, Communications Manager
T 519.837.2600 x 2320
E andrear@wellington.ca