Fergus, Ont. – The County of Wellington, alongside community partners, celebrated the grand opening of the Fergus EarlyON Child and Family Centre today at the Skyline Community Hub, 900 Towers Street South.
The newly renovated space is the first permanent, full-time EarlyON location in Centre Wellington, offering free programmes and services for children from birth to six years and their caregivers. The project was supported through provincial operating funding, with a $160,000 renovation investment from the County of Wellington.
“Today’s opening represents an important investment in families and the future of our community,” said Centre Wellington Mayor and County Councillor, Shawn Watters. “Centre Wellington has never had a dedicated, full-time EarlyON space until now. This new centre ensures families have a consistent place to connect, access supports, and help their children learn and grow.”
Operated by the Community Resource Centre, the centre is open six days a week and offers early learning activities, parenting supports, and opportunities for families to connect. It also features a food pantry and sharing library to further support local families.
“This centre represents a significant step forward for early years services in Wellington County,” said Ashley Vanderlaan, Director of Children’s Early Years. “Having a permanent location allows us to better meet growing demand and provide consistent, high-quality programmes for families.”
For more information about EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Wellington County, visit: www.wellington.ca/EarlyON
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Media Contact:
Ashley Vanderlaan
Director of Children's Early Years Division, County of Wellington
519.837.3620 x 3845
ashleyv@wellington.ca
In photo from left to right: Luisa Artuso, Social Services Administrator for Wellington County; Steve O'Neill, County Councillor, Jeff Duncan, County Councillor; Shawn Watters, Mayor of Centre Wellington and County Councillor; Mary Llyod, County Councillor; David Anderson, Vice Chair, Joint Social Services and Land Ambulance Committee and County Councillor; Alyssandra Kent, Executive Director of Community Resource Centre; Ashley Vanderlaan, Director of Children's Early Years Division for Wellington County; Dylan Cunningham, Cunningham Contracting; Lindsey Cowen, Community Resource Centre; Kerry Storr, Community Resource Centre; Dave Turton, County Councillor; Earl Campbell, County Councillor