Wellington Town Hall independent ownership expected Jan. 1

– Municipality of Prince Edward County photo

By Sharon Harrison
Transition of the responsibility for the management of the Wellington Town Hall has moved forward another step it was heard at Tuesday’s council meeting. There was no discussion around the horseshoe.

Council was told the community group, the not-for-profit Wellington Town Hall Stewardship Association (formerly the Wellington Town Hall Foundation), has successfully satisfied the requirements outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding approved by council in January, and “has demonstrated readiness to assume future stewardship responsibilities for the Wellington Town Hall”.

Transfer to independent ownership and operation is expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Upon transfer of ownership, responsibility for future operating, maintenance, lifecycle replacement, insurance, utility, and capital rehabilitation costs associated with the Wellington Town Hall would transition from the municipality to the Wellington Town Hall Stewardship Association.

No direct municipal financial contribution is proposed as part of the ownership transfer.

Staff will now undertake the necessary preparatory work, public notice requirements, and agreement development and property disposition process required to facilitate a future land transfer.

Sarah Bobas and Christina Ziedler of the Wellington Town Hall Stewardship Association provided a deputation to council Tuesday night, although much of what was said couldn’t be heard via the livestream (and recording) due to issues with the microphone.

“We want to acknowledge that this is a capable and passionate team who are backing this project,” Bobas said.

An update was provided by Lisa Lindsay, director of recreation and community facilities, who stated the purpose of the transition period was to provide the association with the opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to assume ownership and stewardship of the Wellington Town Hall through the development of governance, financial, operational and community stewardship frameworks.

“Staff are satisfied that the association has met the conditions necessary to proceed to the next phase of the transition process, and has demonstrated readiness to assume responsibility for the long-term ownership, operation, and stewardship of the Wellington Town Hall,” said Lindsay.

“The association has established the governance and administrative structures required to support ongoing operations, developed financial planning tools and fundraising strategies, undertaken extensive community engagement activities, and prepared stewardship and development plans intended to guide the future use and preservation of the facility,” she outlined.

In addition, they have completed incorporation requirements and obtained the necessary insurance coverage.

“Collectively, these actions provide staff with confidence that the association is positioned to assume ownership and stewardship responsibilities and advance the long-term community vision for the Wellington Town Hall,” confirmed Lindsay, adding the land transfer will likely come back to the new council in January.

“Wellington has been through a little bit of pain the last couple of years, and this has been a kind of shining light to say the least,” said Wellington councillor Corey Engelsdorfer. “It’s been a nice feel-good project to be a part of, and I have enjoyed watching you move forward quicker than I even thought you could.”

The association has three board members currently, namely Christina Zeidler, Sarah Bobas and treasurer Kirk Marshall.

Joanna Green, Wellington Community Association Steering Committee member, provided a comment in support of the project.

“The Town Hall Stewardship Association has done a great deal of leg work, investing many hours of research, consultation, time, energy and creativity,” expressed Green. “Wellington Town Hall is more than just bricks and mortar, it is a beloved cornerstone of our local heritage.“

The association intend to protect the building’s heritage and manage long-term capital needs, while facilitating inclusive programming, partnerships and events. A phased renovation plan will allow early community use and gradual, heritage-sensitive upgrades that enhance accessibility and capacity.

“Wellington Town Hall Stewardship Association is committed to honouring and preserving the built heritage and character of the Wellington Town Hall while ensuring it remains an active communal space for all to gather, learn, and connect.”

As a municipally-owner heritage property located within the Wellington Heritage Conservation District, and one the municipality had decided no longer could be justified to maintain, they sought alternative solutions from the public.

One Expression of Interest was received in August 2025 from the Wellington Town Hall Foundation. Council agreed to a phased transition process establishing a 12-month transition period ending Jan. 31, 2027.

Mayor Steve Ferguson said this could serve as an example to how to re-purpose some of the other buildings in the County, of which he said there are many.

“This is a great model for something that could get more legs and help us out a great deal.”

The staff report and associated documentation can be found on the agenda for the Aug. 25 council meeting on the County’s website, along with the meeting recording.

Not for sale: Town hall group given 12 months to transition to ownership