Media Releases

April

City of Welland branches out to residents with free tree giveaway celebrating Earth Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 11, 2024

The City of Welland, with support from its Green Advisory Committee, is hosting a free tree giveaway event for residents of Welland. Pre-registration is required through the City’s Active Portal.

March

Preparing to safely experience Welland’s total solar eclipse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 22, 2024

On April 8, residents and visitors in Welland will experience an historic total eclipse of the sun, beginning at 2:04 p.m. and ending by 4:31 p.m.

March

City of Welland raising the flag in celebration of Francophonie Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 19, 2024

The City of Welland is preparing to commemorate International Francophonie Day on March 20, a day dedicated to celebrating the French language and Francophone culture worldwide.

March

Multi-sector information session hosted by Welland’s economic development office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 13, 2024

The City of Welland’s economic development office, in collaborative partnership with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) of Canada, hosted an information session at Welland City Hall to launch Project Arrow 2.0.

March

City rewarded $1.72 million for exceeding provincial housing target

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 1, 2024

Today, Matthew Rae, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced the City of Welland would receive $1,720,000 in Government of Ontario funding through the Building Faster Fund. Welland broke ground on a total of 868 new housing units last year. These funds are the result of the municipality exceeding its 2023 housing target by 176 per cent.

February

Unsafe tree removal and replanting efforts underway on Merritt Island trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 5, 2024

The City of Welland continues to tackle dead ash and hazardous trees within City-owned recreational spaces by removing unsafe trees as a result of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

February

City of Welland offers financial support for Holy Trinity Church’s temporary emergency shelter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 1, 2024

With unanimous support, Welland City Council approved $52,150 – to be funded through the operating surplus reserve fund – to offset costs incurred by Holy Trinity Anglican Church for an emergency overnight shelter offered seven days a week through February and March.

January

FPO Michael Atkins trends with 2023 Viddy Individual Achievement Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 19, 2024

Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) Fire Prevention Officer Michael Atkins has received an Individual Achievement Award by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals’ Viddy Awards.

January

Council allocates $35,000 to fund a temporary eight-bed shelter for February and March

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 18, 2024

In light of the increasing demand for homeless support in Welland, City Council has taken decisive action to address the immediate needs of its unhoused residents.

January

City of Welland welcomes two key leaders to its departmental and leadership teams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 15, 2024

The City of Welland is pleased to announce the recent appointments of Stephanie Nagel as the General Manager of Corporate and Enterprise Services/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Jessica Ruddell as the Director of Community Services.

2023 Media Releases

December

Council finalizes 2024 budget; City’s portion of the overall tax increase set at 3.15 per cent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | December 6, 2023

The City of Welland's 2024 budget is set after Councillors provided and voted on their final amendments to the Mayor's proposed budget, settling on a municipal tax levy increase of 3.15 per cent after assessment growth of 3.08 per cent.

December

City of Welland now offers electronic entries for annual Sports Awards ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | December 1, 2023

The City of Welland is seeking nominations through its new electronic nomination form for local athletes, coaches, and teams with outstanding achievements in their respective sports in 2023.

November

Community invited to City on the Move, Transportation Master Plan PIC #2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 13, 2023

The second of two Public Information Centres (PIC) for Welland’s Transportation Master Plan is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at City Hall.

November

City of Welland’s 2024 budget review kicks off November 6 with new process and timetable

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 3, 2023

The City of Welland’s 2024 budget review will undergo similar deliberations as previous years; however, the process for finalizing the budget will have some modifications.

November

Rob Axiak appointed City of Welland’s next CAO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 1, 2023

Mayor Frank Campion and the City of Welland are pleased to announce Rob Axiak as the City's new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective immediately.

October

Driving environmental stewardship, two new electric vehicle charging stations open at City Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 25, 2023

Two new Commercial Level 2 ChargePoint Stations and the necessary electrical infrastructure, allowing up to four electric vehicles to charge simultaneously, are now operational behind City Hall.

October

Tree Canada and LCBO plant $10,000 grant in Welland to help replace trees lost to disease

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 24, 2023

An area along Kingsway that saw the removal of approximately 250 trees due to Emerald Ash Borer will begin a rejuvenation of its tree canopy thanks to a $10,000 grant from Tree Canada and the LCBO’s Spirit of Sustainability initiative.

October

City of Welland and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation come together to plant 20 trees at Rotary Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 17, 2023

With an $8,000 grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, trees damaged by the Emerald Ash Borer in Rotary Park will begin to be replaced.

October

City of Welland Kicks off Fire Prevention Week October 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 10, 2023

From October 8 to 14, the City of Welland recognizes Fire Prevention Week to help educate the community on fire safety and preparedness. This year's theme, as announced by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is "Cooking Safety Starts With You: Pay Attention to Fire Prevention"

October

Fire Code enforcement fines in September surpass $60,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 3, 2023

The fire prevention division of Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) continues to inspect and enforce the Ontario Fire Code at properties across the City of Welland. In some instances, fire safety issues and inaction from property owners resulted in several prosecutions in Provincial Offences Court.

September

City welcomes the Welland Jackfish to City Hall in celebration of IBL Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 25, 2023

The City of Welland is proud to celebrate and honour the Welland Jackfish's Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) championship win with a special event at Civic Square on Thursday, September 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.

September

Welland celebrates Francophone community with flag raising for Franco-Ontarian Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 19, 2023

The City of Welland is recognizing its Francophone population today with a flag raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag at City Hall on Monday, September 25, at 9:30 a.m.

September

Sparrow Meadows Park grand opening set for September 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 12, 2023

The grand opening for Sparrow Meadows Park at 321 Julia Drive is set for September 18 at 10 a.m., with a rain date scheduled for September 20 at 11 a.m. if required.

August

City of Welland and NPCA invite volunteers to support planting a new community pollinator garden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 31, 2023

The City of Welland and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) seek volunteers to help plant a native pollinator garden at Sparrow Meadows Park this September.

August

City of Welland’s fall and winter program registration opens on August 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 24, 2023

Starting on August 30, residents of Welland can register online for the city's recreational programs for the fall and winter seasons. The city offers a comprehensive list of activities and programs for these upcoming sessions.

August

Sherri-Marie Millar named City of Welland interim Chief Administrative Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 2, 2023

Sherri-Marie Millar, the City of Welland’s director of infrastructure services, has been named the interim CAO.

July

City celebrates the completion of the Rec Rentals @ the Docks mural

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 26, 2023

The recreational canal just got a little more colourful, thanks to the new mural welcoming residents to the City’s Rec Rentals @ the Docks location. This installation, completed at the hub of waterway usage, celebrates the City of Welland and its connection to the trails, parks, and waterway.

July

City of Welland adopts Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 20, 2023

During their council meeting on July 18, Welland City Council officially adopted an Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP). This program aims to establish a new housing partnership with multiple providers to address the city's affordable housing needs.

July

City of Welland parts ways with CAO Steve Zorbas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 18, 2023

As of July 18, 2023, Steve Zorbas is no longer working as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Welland.

June

Awareness the key for recreational canal safety plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jun 29, 2023

As summer activities on Welland's recreational waterways are in full swing, the City is taking measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

June

Fire Department enforcement collects $30,000 in fines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jun 28, 2023

The fire prevention division of Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) continues to inspect properties across the City of Welland to increase the level of fire safety in the community. Two convictions in Provincial Offences Court were recently registered against two properties in the city for fire safety violations.

June

City of Welland offers $1 million in physician recruitment incentives to triage doctor shortage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jun 28, 2023

The City of Welland approved a budget of $1M for a physician recruitment incentive program; the Economic Development Reserve Fund will provide the funds.

June

Yasaman Mehrsa answers the call to transform public art space at Rec Rentals @ The Docks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jun 20, 2023

Rec Rentals @ The Docks will have a different look late this year after Brock University graduate Yasaman Mehrsa was chosen as the artist to transform exterior surfaces with a creative theme celebrating the City and its connection to trails, parks, and the waterway.

June

City of Welland launches redesigned website to kick off implementation of award-winning brand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jun 15, 2023

The City of Welland has officially launched its new, award-winning brand, as judged by members of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

June

City of Welland implements fire ban effective immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jun 8, 2023

The City of Welland, upon the direction of the Fire Chief, has issued a complete ban on all open-air burning in the city due to the prolonged dry weather conditions and to reduce local impacts of smoke plumes due to the ongoing forest fires in Quebec and Northern Ontario.

June

City of Welland adopts 2023-2026 bold, trailblazing Strategic Plan driven by a future-focused vision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jun 7, 2023

The City of Welland’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan: Charting our Future is a bold, innovative, and trailblazing commitment focusing on economic growth, environmental stewardship, health and well-being, and livability.

May

Love My Park initiative kicks off in June

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 31, 2023

The Love My Park initiative launches this June, capturing the ideas and imagination of neighbourhoods throughout the city.

May

Second annual Welland Girls Sports Day coming to the Empire Sportsplex June 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 30, 2023

The City of Welland, in partnership with Niagara College and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, is hosting the second annual Welland Girls Sports Day on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Empire Sportsplex.

May

Funeral route planned for Captain Craig Bowman; King Street to be temporarily closed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 29, 2023

– Captain Craig Bowman's final alarm funeral route is mapped and scheduled for Tuesday, May 30, beginning at Welland Fire Headquarters at 400 East Main Street and concluding at the Welland Main Arena at 501 King Street.

May

City’s access to menstrual products pilot programs begins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 26, 2023

The City of Welland's access to menstrual products pilot program begins today and continues for the remainder of the calendar year.

May

City of Welland recognized as having one of the best innovative HR teams in Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 18, 2023

The City of Welland’s human resources department has recruited a 2023 Innovative HR Team award from one of Canada’s most known HR publications, Canadian HR Reporter (CHRR).

May

City hosting its annual tulip giveaway May 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 15, 2023

The beautifying of Welland's residential gardens begins with the City's annual tulip giveaway.

May

City’s Economic Development Department supports second trades promotion night alongside Niagara Catholic DSB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 12, 2023

The City of Welland’s Economic Development Department continues to support local partners and the trades, teaming with the Niagara Catholic District School Board to host the second leg of this year’s trades promotion nights.

May

City of Welland the new home for Linamar’s new, industry-leading giga casting factory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 11, 2023

The City of Welland is now home to Linamar’s new, state-of-the-art giga casting factory, producing significant structural components of electric vehicles.

May

Emergency Preparedness Week reminds everyone to be prepared for an emergency situation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 8, 2023

The City of Welland, along with all Niagara municipalities, encourages its residents to take heed of the Emergency Preparedness Week's theme and 'Be Prepared'.

April

Ongoing Fire Department enforcement at 69 Southworth Street nets $12,500 in conviction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Apr 25, 2023

Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) has continued dealing with ongoing fire safety issues at 69 Southworth Street, City of Welland.

April

Welland artists invited to submit preliminary designs and plans for Rec Rentals @ the Docks mural

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Apr 21, 2023

The City of Welland's Recreation, Sport, and Culture Division is seeking artists and artist collectives with exterior mural experience to submit preliminary designs and plans of execution for the outdoor painting of the Rec Rentals @ The Docks buildings. Applications are due May 26, 2023.

April

Welland community invited to provide input on strategic plan through digital survey, open houses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Apr 20, 2023

The City of Welland is seeking input from its residents on the draft Strategic Plan (2023-2026). The plan outlines the city's vision and priorities for the next four years, seeking input from residents, businesses, service agencies and not-for-profit organizations, to ensure the plan reflects your collective needs and aspirations.

April

Community reminded that motorized vehicles are not permitted on public parks and trails

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Apr 17, 2023

With the warmer weather of spring brings increased use of the City’s public parks and trails. The City of Welland reminds all residents that using motorized vehicles on public parks and trails is strictly prohibited. Those violating by-law 2000-175 face a $500 fine for the first offence; subsequent offences carry a $1,000 fine.

March

Empire Sportsplex receives 2023 Parks and Recreation Ontario Park or Facility Design Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Mar 31, 2023

Entering its first full year of operation, the Empire Sportsplex opens in 2023 as a Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) award winner in the Park or Facility Design category.

March

Emergency shelter pilot program comes to a close

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Mar 29, 2023

The seasonal emergency shelter pilot program has concluded.

March

City of Welland adopts a bold and modern new brand focused on resiliency and opportunity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Mar 29, 2023

The City of Welland is adopting a new brand.

March

Accessibility ramp coming to Maple Park Pool as part of $100K EAF funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Mar 28, 2023

The City of Welland received a grant from the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to fully fund the construction of the Maple Park Pool Ramp. Council voted to approve the funding at their meeting on March 21, 2023.

March

The City of Welland receives Longstanding Community Service Award from the United Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Mar 24, 2023

The City of Welland is a proud recipient of the United Way’s Longstanding Community Service Award, an honour acknowledged on March 22 at the United Way’s Campaign Celebration event.

March

The City of Welland marks Francophonie Day with annual flag raising

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Mar 17, 2023

The City of Welland celebrates its Francophone community on March 20, International Francophonie Day. As a designated Francophone community, the City will highlight its unique heritage through a ceremonial flag raising at City Hall at 9:30 a.m.; Bridge 13 will illuminate in green and white.

March

City receives application for partial demolition permit for 350 Prince Charles Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Mar 2, 2023

The City of Welland received an application from the builder of 350 Prince Charles Drive for a partial demolition permit. The scope of work is “to eliminate overhead safety hazards as specified in the Safe Working Procedure”.

February

Additional section of building at 350 Prince Charles Drive experiences structural failure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 26, 2023

Around 10 a.m. on February 26, a 911 call was placed indicating that more of the 350 Prince Charles Drive building had collapsed.

February

Enbridge Gas Assists Welland Fire and Emergency Services in Supporting Firefighter Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 21, 2023

Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) is helping Welland Fire and Emergency Services purchase firefighting training materials, through Safe Community Project Assist–a program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) that supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates

February

City issues Order to Remedy an Unsafe Building under Building Code Act for 350 Prince Charles Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 19, 2023

– After structural damage caused part of the building under construction at 350 Prince Charles Drive to collapse, the City of Welland has issued an Order to Remedy an Unsafe Building under the authority of Section 15.9 of the Building Code Act.

February

Celebrate Family Day with a full slate of family-filled activities at the Welland Arena

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 15, 2023

Don’t miss out on this year’s Family Day fun activities at the Welland Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, February 20. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item.

February

Welland’s 2023 budget set, prioritizing investments in infrastructure, community services, and growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 9, 2023

Welland City Council approved the 2023 municipal budgets on February 7 at their regularly scheduled meeting, bringing forward a budget with a -3.05% tax decrease on the municipal tax levy

February

Bus terminal warming centre and overnight shelter operational as temperatures drop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 3, 2023

As temperatures continue to drop, the downtown bus terminal and temporary, seasonal emergency shelter is operational in Welland.

February

City launches temporary emergency shelter pilot program at Welland Tennis Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 1, 2023

The City of Welland is launching a pilot emergency homeless shelter operated on the City’s behalf by the Hope Centre at the Welland Tennis Club at 45 Hooker Street during February and March. The shelter will offer five beds.

February

Determining fact versus fiction a key focus of new Engage Welland project page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb 1, 2023

Through its public engagement platform Engage Welland, the city endeavours to correct misinformation, clarify misconceptions, and drill down to the root sources of issues that create confusion with a new project called Fact vs. Fiction.

January

Welland staff on-site for seasonal recruitment blitz during February college and university job fairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 31, 2023

Welland staff will be on-site at Brock University and Niagara College, generating excitement and anticipation for this year’s seasonal recruitment campaign blitz.

January

Impact of proposed 2023 Regional Transit Levy on Welland taxpayers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 26, 2023

Welland City Council received a staff report at their special council meeting on January 25, outlining the impact of the Niagara Regional Transit (NRT) Levy on Welland taxpayers based on NRT’s proposed budget.

January

City’s digital engagement and education efforts score two AVA Digital Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 23, 2023

The City of Welland’s effort to connect, engage, and inform the community has been recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals (AMCP) with two AVA Digital Awards.

January

The City of Welland is seeking nominations for its annual Sports Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 20, 2023

The City of Welland is seeking nominations to recognize local athletes, coaches and teams that had outstanding achievements in their respective sports in 2022. The honourees will be recognized at the annual Sports Awards ceremony on April 14.

January

Community invited to Transportation Master Plan PIC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 19, 2023

The first of two Public Information Centres (PIC) for Welland’s Transportation Master Planning has been scheduled for February 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at City Hall. The PIC allows residents to provide feedback and input on the plan’s direction.

January

City’s Economic Development Department partnering with Niagara Catholic DSB to promote the trades

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 17, 2023

Welland’s Economic Development Department is pleased to partner with the Niagara Catholic District School Board to promote apprenticeship pathways and re-education to the public about the value of skilled tradespeople.

January

Season 2 of What’s Up, Welland podcast debuts Jan. 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 17, 2023

After 52 episodes, downloads in 18 countries and 179 cities, and thousands of downloads and streams, the City of Welland’s podcast is back for another season on January 19.

January

Fire Code enforcement nets over $20,000 in fines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan 6, 2023

The Fire Prevention Division of Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) continues to inspect properties across the City to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. WFES has had extensive dealings with the property 188 Maple Avenue, City of Welland.