Wellington County CAO, engineer recognized with provincial awards

Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) has recognized Wellington County’s chief administrative officer (CAO) Scott Wilson with the 2022 Carlos Ventin Award for municipal heritage leadership.

Also, the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) presented Don Kudo, county engineer, with a 2022 Municipal Engineers Award for “outstanding service to society and the community.”

Kudo was nominated by his peers as a candidate to receive the MEA award. He’s worked in the municipal engineering field for over 34 years and worked with the MEA, Ontario Good Roads Association and Ontario Public Works Association.

Don Kudo
Don Kudo

“I would like to congratulate Don Kudo on this well-deserved recognition,” CAO Scott Wilson said in a statement. “The county is very fortunate to have Don as our County Engineer. Don’s experience and knowledge of public infrastructure and dedication to public service make him a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.”

With more than 24 years as CAO, Scott Wilson has supported the rehabilitation of several significant public heritage buildings in Wellington County and the City of Guelph, including the complete rebuild of the library system, which includes 14 branches. Five historic Carnegie libraries were completely restored and adapted while preserving the architectural integrity and heritage of the buildings.

In 2015, Wilson led the purchase and renovation of a historical residential property in Hillsburgh (c. 1835) and acquisition of the adjacent Mill Pond. This property was completely adapted and renovated into a modern public library and community meeting space, including a community kitchen that is used by local business and for private functions.

He also encouraged the county to acquire the historical Grist Mill property in Erin and the rehabilitation of historical properties including:

  • Dominion Public Building (acquired 2005, renovated 2007). The former Canada Post Office in downtown Guelph was rehabilitated and reimagined into a public facing Social Services office for employment and housing services for Guelph and Wellington residents
  • 129 and 133 Wyndham Street (the Alma Block) in downtown Guelph for public facing social services – including Ontario Works casework and Children’s Early Years services for Guelph and Wellington
    • 129 Wyndham was acquired and renovated in 2002
    • 133 Wyndham was acquired in 2018, renovated in 2019
  • A state-of-the-art archives addition added to Wellington County Museum – the oldest house of industry and refuge in Canada and a National Historic Site
  • The historic Governor’s residence located on the County Administration Centre property in Guelph – renovated to house the Economic Development office in 2013.

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