Township of Wilmot

Welcome to the Township of Wilmot. Rounding off Waterloo Region’s western border, industrious Wilmot demonstrates what can be achieved and shows no sign of slowing down. Come experience the success the local players in Wilmot Township have come to know. While the area's agricultural tradition still plays a role in the Township, the emergence of a number of local businesses and the arrival of foreign-owned firms has propelled the manufacturing sector to the number one spot in Wilmot's economy. Wilmot is home to internationally recognized brands such as Ontario Drive and Gear, as well as local companies such as Genfoot, Alloy Casting and the Erb Group of Companies. In 2005, these established companies were joined by the Pestell Group Corp., a producer of agricultural products, on a 12 acre site in the New Hamburg industrial area. With its diversified economic base Wilmot Township has proven that it can meet the needs of almost any type of operation.

All of Wilmot is wired with fiber optics ensuring the proper communication infrastructure is present in all locations. Known for its transportation networks, the Township continues to offer a number of sites with railway access.

In addition to region-wide organizations such as Communitech and Canada's Technology Triangle Inc, companies can find assistance and resources from the Baden Chamber of Commerce and the New Hamburg Board of Trade.

We needed a large property that could accommodate our new facility and provide room for future expansions. We found a suitable property in New Hamburg. Another factor in our decision to locate in New Hamburg was the very warm welcome we received from the residents. - Joerg Stieber, President, Ontario Drive and Gear

Quick Facts

Population (2006)	17,097
Unemployment Rate (2001)	2.8%
Highways	Hwy 7, 85, 8 with access to the 401
Building Permit Fees (2007)	Industrial (finished) $0.60/sq.ft Commercial (finished) $0.60/sq.ft
Property Tax Rates (2007)	Industrial 4.86% Commercial/Office 3.83%
Development Charges (2007)	Township $1.17/sq.ft Region $4.37/sq.ft Total $5.54/sq.ft

Strategic Location

Wilmot Township's southwestern Ontario location is within a day’s drive of markets 130 million people strong. The township provides easy access to the 401, Canada's most important transportation corridor. The Region of Waterloo International Airport offers daily service to Detroit, which provides service to international destinations. Canada's busiest airport, Toronto's Pearson International Airport, is approximately one hour away.

Development Opportunities

Wilmot has recently made available a new fully serviced 57 hectare industrial land parcel between Baden and New Hamburg. A portion of the lands have been rezoned to industrial (Zone 10) to permit a manufacturing, fabricating, processing, repair, storage, distribution or transportation operation. This is ideal for operations establishing themselves in the area to support the new Toyota assembly plant in nearby Woodstock.

Rich Traditions and a Vibrant Lifestyle

Wilmot Township was originally comprised of three land parcels: one was owned by the Crown and known as the German Block, while the other two were held by the Canada Land Company. The Township was originally settled by Pennsylvanian settlers as well as a large number of English, Irish and Scottish settlers. Today, Wilmot is home to over 17 designated heritage sites including the beautiful and historic Castle Kilbride. Another claim to fame is possession of North America’a largest operational waterwheel located in Baden. Along a different cultural vein, the Township is host to Moparfest, bringing car enthusiasts from all over Canada and the United States together for a weekend-long exhibition of mopars/AMCs. The event raises money for the community and since its inception, has contributed over $1,000,000 to various community organizations.

Success Stories

If someone had told Vernon D. Erb 40 years ago that his one man trucking operation would one day be the largest employer in Wilmot Township, he would have been skeptical. Now serving over 1800 companies and their over 24,000 customers across North America, the Erb Group of Companies continue to grow. By carving out a niche market in transporting time and temperature sensitive goods, what began as Erb Transport Ltd. has grown to include Erb Transport International Inc., Erb Transport Inc., and Erb Expedite Inc. Throughout its 40-year tenure, Erb has managed to maintain its devotion to customer service, the principle on which the firm was founded. It has been honoured with a variety of awards, most recently being named “Premier Carrier” by Sysco Corporation. Erb is a fine example of the entrepreneurial spirit alive and thriving within Wilmot Township.

Ontario Drive and Gear (ODG) was founded in 1962 as a subsidiary to a German company manufacturing transmissions and gears for the North American market. After producing the transmission for a six-wheeled ATV called the Amphicat, ODG saw the ATV market’s potential and in 1967 introduced the now world-renowned Argo. In 1969 ODG outgrew their facilities in Kitchener and constructed a new plant in New Hamburg. Today, ODG also produces the Cenataur, a more industrial application of ATVs, as well as continuing to manufacture quality gears and transmissions. Products are exported across the globe, while sales have grown from $2 to $35 million. In addition to building its own success, ODG is an active proponent of our region through the CTT Ambassador program, sharing the opportunities offered within the Township to companies around the world.