Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation

The Township of Centre Wellington has created a new corporation to deliver Economic Development and Tourism services to the community.  The Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation (EDTMSC) is a Township-owned, non-profit organization created to deliver economic development and tourism services in a focused, accountable, and strategic way, while maintaining full public oversight by Township Council.

The Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation (EDTMSC) is a non-profit corporation that is 100% owned by the Township of Centre Wellington. It was created by Township Council to deliver economic development and tourism services on behalf of the Township through a dedicated and accountable organization.

The EDTMSC is a separate legal entity, however the Township remains the sole owner.  The Board of Directors of the EDTMSC is accountable to Township Council. This structure allows services to be delivered in a focused and business-oriented way while ensuring strong public oversight and alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.

The EDTMSC was established to:

  • Bring economic development and tourism services together under one organization
  • Increase capacity and focus on job creation, business growth, and tourism management
  • Implement the Council approved Economic Development and Tourism Strategy
  • Meet provincial requirements related to the implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
  • Provide a flexible, efficient delivery model while maintaining municipal accountability.  

Economic Development

The EDTMSC supports the local economy by:

  • Supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion
  • Encouraging new investment and job creation
  • Supporting downtowns and other key economic areas
  • Building partnerships that strenthen the local economy
  • Implementing Council-approved economic development strategies and initiatives 

Tourism

The EDTMSC is responsible for tourism management and development, including:

  • Acting as the Township's Eligible Tourism Entity
  • Managing Centre Wellington as a tourism destination with a focus on regenerative tourism
  • Developing and delivering tourism strategies and programs
  • Working with regional and provincial partners to grow tourism

The EDTMSC is governed by a skills-based Board of Directors appointed by Township Council. The Board includes:

  • The Mayor and one Councillor as voting members
  • Five community members appointed as voting members based on skills and experience
  • The Township CAO and Treasurer as non-voting members

The Board of Directors provides strategic direction and oversight, while day-to-day operations are managed by the EDTMSC staff (i.e. Executive Director).

A Sole Member’s Declaration approved by Council sets out the Township’s ownership, authority, financial controls, reporting requirements, and decision-making limits to ensure transparency and accountability.

Although the EDTMSC is a separate corporation:

  • Staff remain Township employees, ensuring an effective and efficient operation
  • The Township provides administrative, financial, human resources, IT, communications and other support
  • Services are delivered through a formal Administrative Services Agreement
  • The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and has an administrative and operating reporting relationship to the Township CAO.

This shared-services model ensures efficiency, consistency, and strong public accountability.

The EDTMSC is funded through Council-approved sources.  While still in development and subject to Council approval, funding sources could include:

  • A minimum 50% share of Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) revenues
  • Potential allocations from Township parking revenue and Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) funds
  • Property tax funding as required
  • Sponsorship and donation revenue
  • Other funding approved by Council

All MAT funding directed to the EDTMSC is governed by a MAT Financial Accountability Agreement and must be used exclusively for eligible tourism purposes. Township Council will approve the EDTMSC budget annually.

The EDTMSC is required to:

  • Prepare a Township Council approved four-year Strategic Plan
  • Submit annual business plans and budgets for Township Council approval
  • Provide regular reports to Council
  • Produce audited financial statements using the Township's auditor
  • Operate transparently and in compliance with provincial legislation

Sign up to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.