The tale of two Waterloo Counties
In 2017, Flash from the Past has been exploring various Waterloo Region communities in the era of Confederation (capital “C”: Canada). Today, on the cusp of the 151st July 1 in our national federal history, a look at an earlier confederation (small “c”: county) that has, arguably, had a greater effect on this area. This first essay looks at how the County of Waterloo evolved from colonial decrees. Next week: once the county’s boundaries were settled, how was the county seat determined? Two types of “confederation” and both have extensively affected 165 years-plus of Waterloo County/ Region of Waterloo.
At the June 13, 2017, Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation meeting, guest speaker Geoff Hayes of the University of Waterloo reminded us that Canada’s Confederation not only lagged behind our county’s confederation by 15 years, but generated much less debate and discussion locally. My appreciation to Geoff for planting this seed of thought.
Only a minority of today’s population can recall when the outdated structure of county government was still in effect, i.e. before 1973. Even fewer have the vaguest idea of local government workings before that county system, i.e. pre-1853. For political junkies wearing local history hats, that 1816 to 1850s era is a fascinating and ever-changing chronicle. In 1997’s “Waterloo County: An Illustrated History,” Hayes plotted the numerous battles at both the “colonial provincial” level and in area townships and villages. From that text, here are some pilfered highlights: The Battle for Waterloo County, Part One.
1816-1823: Upper Canada (the future Canada West and Ontario) is divided into huge districts. Dumfries, Waterloo and Woolwich townships (all created in 1816) are part of Gore District based in Hamilton. Locals are seldom appointed or elected as representatives.
1823-1836: “Our” townships (including Wilmot, 1825) plus several others are part of the West Riding of Halton County. Locals elected over the years include
Absalom Shade and Richard Beasley.
1836: District of Wellington proposed by Legislative Assembly. This large district centred in Guelph encompasses parts of earlier Gore, London and Home Districts including Waterloo, Wilmot and Woolwich townships. Local municipalities including Berlin protest at changes made without consultation. “Canada Museum,” a German-language weekly in Berlin, urges area voters to band together to elect “good German candidates” to the Legislative Assembly and proposes tiny Berlin as a district town. Galt chafes at not being named the district centre instead of Guelph. 1840/1841: District of Wellington is created, known for legal reasons as the county of Waterloo (small “c” to differentiate from the later County of Waterloo) but Guelph remains district town. Lord Durham’s Report, resulting from the Rebellions of 1837 in Upper and Lower Canada, is issued and creates one colony (Canada West and Canada East) with one legislature. It also generates many clamorous meetings in local townships (including Wellesley Township, 1843) and villages discussing tentative local government reforms. Appointed district officials are out; townships and villages now elect councillors who may spend small amounts of tax income. District council meetings in Hamilton and Guelph are still too distant and many local protests are sent to the Legislative Assembly criticizing dictates from the
district councils.
1845: West Riding of Halton now named county of Waterloo Riding.
1848: First election in Waterloo Riding won by Tories but Reformer Adam Fergusson protests “scenes of outrage, violence and intimidation ... fearful threats ... kidnappings.” A Legislative Assembly committee declares him elected. He supports the Baldwin/ LaFontaine government’s reforms which add small upgrades to responsible local governance.
1849: Municipal Corporations Act defines townships and villages as basic units of local government and gives them power to elect local officials and to assess and collect taxes for local improvements such as roads and education. A county-level council made
up of township and village reeves and deputy reeves becomes the senior local government body ... responsible for justice, land registry, major roads, schools, bridges, jail, etc.
1850: This county of Waterloo is bloated — it has 27 townships.
Think that political landscape was hard to navigate? Now it gets nasty!
Next week: The Battle in Waterloo County, Part Two begins in earnest.
“Waterloo County: An Illustrated History” is available at libraries in Waterloo Region and for sale through Waterloo Historical Society.