CENTRE WELLINGTON – The township has purchased a long-coveted property outside of Elora, seemingly ending the decades-long Middlebrook well saga once and for all.
Centre Wellington officials announced the purchase of 7334 Middlebrook Road in a press release on April 2.
The release did not indicate a sale price, but officials told the Advertiser the property cost $1.8 million plus closing costs.
“Securing this land for a future water supply is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of our community,” stated Mayor Shawn Watters in the release.
“I’m proud of the proactive approach taken by both the council and staff to make this purchase a reality.
“Their foresight and commitment to planning are essential for protecting the future of our residents.”
The township previously missed out on multiple opportunities to acquire the Middlebrook well over the years.
Constructed in 1984, the artesian well was operated by longtime owner Middlebrook Water Bottling Company.
The 5.5-acre property was listed for sale around 2005 and sat on the market for about a decade.
Nestle Waters Canada made a conditional offer on the property in March 2015 and the purchase was finalized in August 2016.
Previous township officials, local residents/organizations and media outlets have for years falsely claimed Nestle Waters “outbid” the township for the property.
In fact, in July 2016, the company activated a clause to proceed with the purchase after another offer was made by an anonymous party, which was later revealed to be Centre Wellington Township.
Later that year, Nestle Waters offered to donate the property to the municipality, but township officials rejected the offer.
BlueTriton Brands Inc. took over all water bottling operations from Nestlé Waters, including the Middlebrook site, in May 2021.
Centre Wellington issued a demolition permit to BlueTriton in late 2021, allowing the company to take down a derelict structure on the site.
All that remains is a concrete foundation and small well-house that contains the well.
Primo Brands purchased BlueTriton Brands last November and announced it was closing all its water-bottling sites in Ontario.
‘Now our water is 100 per cent safe’
Members of the local activist group Save Our Water were delighted the well has finally landed with the township.
Co-founder Donna McCaw said she was at a Blue Jays’ game on April 2 when her phone started to “blow up.”
“I finally checked it and I screamed,” she said. “It was a very welcome message. Jan and I are both thrilled with this outcome. Now our water is 100 per cent safe.”
McCaw and Jan Beveridge founded the group 10 years ago to protest Nestle’s purchase of the well and voice their concern that a commercial well would put the local water supply at risk.
McCaw said it’s been difficult to track the sale of the property since BlueTriton announced it was closing its operations.
Knowing it’s been sold to the township means mission accomplished for the group.
“As far as I’m concerned it does [mean the end of Save Our Water],” she said, thanking the community for its involvement and support over the years.
“I do have a bottle of champagne I can now put on ice.”
Centre Wellington officials say the Middlebrook well will “become the third new water supply location” in the Fergus and Elora system.
There are currently six wells in Fergus and three wells in Elora.
