CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Township of Centre Wellington has been honoured by Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) as Municipality of the Year in the population under 50,000 category.
The award ceremony, held in Richmond Hill on Feb. 27, recognizes contributions to the festival and events industry by municipalities, volunteers, organizations, sponsors and performers.
“The importance of supporting the festivals and events industry cannot be undervalued and for this reason, the Municipality of the Year Award was created to recognize and honour leaders,” said Christine Morgan, Festival and Events Ontario awards committee chair, in a press release.
“We wish to thank the Township of Centre Wellington for its contribution to your community and for your dedication to providing quality experiences and quality of life to your residents and visitors alike. The township’s commitment to support numerous festivals and events has undoubtedly been instrumental in ensuring their success."
Centre Wellington is known to host festivals such as Riverfest Elora and the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games. In a press release, Mayor Kelly Linton said the staff and community were very deserving of this award.
“Our staff encompass the ability to host and assist world class events and festivals,” Linton said. “They work tirelessly to put Centre Wellington on the map and provide a rich quality of life for our residents. I could not be prouder to live in such an amazing community.”
Centre Wellington’s tourism and destination coordinator, Deb Dalziel, was also inducted into the FEO hall of fame. FEO has inducted 43 people into its hall of fame since 2000. Each individual named to the hall of fame is someone who has made a lasting contribution to the festival and event industry.
“I learned at a very young age that I never wanted to watch a parade, I wanted to be in it or behind it,” Dalziel said as she accepted her award. “To my township family, there is so much amazing support and a fostering nature that comes from our community. I consider it an absolute privilege to live, work and play in this amazing backdrop we live in.”
Linton said in a press release he was not surprised Dalziel was honoured.
“I have seen Deb work relentlessly throughout her career, through snow, rain, last minute location changes and all other circumstances to ensure that our events and festivals are always a success,” Linton said. “I have not met anyone so dedicated to her community and her passion for her role in tourism.”
