Public invited to help shape updates to Welland's Community Improvement Plans

The City of Welland is inviting residents, businesses, property owners, and the development community to attend a public open house on updates to two important Community Improvement Plans (CIPs): the Brownfield Community Improvement Plan and the Downtown and Connected Districts Community Improvement Plan.

The drop-in open house will give participants an opportunity to review the draft plans, ask questions, and provide feedback. There will be no formal presentation.

The updated Downtown and Connected Districts CIP (formerly the Downtown and Health and Wellness Cluster CIP) and accompanying Urban Design Guidelines are intended to encourage investment, support high-quality urban design, strengthen economic opportunities, and help create vibrant, attractive places for residents and visitors. Proposed updates include expanding the existing CIP area, introducing a new vision and objectives, enhancing municipal financial incentive programs, and supporting coordinated community improvement.

The updated Brownfield CIP builds on the City's existing 2018 plan and is designed to encourage the assessment, remediation, and redevelopment of brownfield properties. The draft plan supports economic growth, environmental sustainability, public safety, housing opportunities, and the efficient use of existing infrastructure while helping return underutilized properties to productive use.

Public open house details:

• Date: Wednesday, August 12
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Location: Welland Civic Square, Community Room, 60 East Main Street

Residents who are unable to attend can review the draft plans and submit comments through the City's Engage Welland project pages:

• Downtown and Connected Districts CIP: https://engagewelland.ca/downtown-and-surrounding-area-community-improvement-plan-update
• Brownfield CIP: https://engagewelland.ca/brownfield-community-improvement-plan-update