Over the past five years, Welland has experienced a number of economic successes through redevelopment initiatives. At the centre of plans for revitalization sits Welland's Recreational Waterway; the vacant lands along the waterway could transform the economic viability of the city.
Interest in the revitalization of Welland’s downtown peaked this summer as the Building and Facade Improvement Grant Program took off, so much so, that funding had to be pulled from the Brownfield CIP in order to continue to accommodate applications. While businesses who are living and breathing in the city are busy putting down deeper roots, city staff and council have turned their focus to development of the lands along the waterfront.
Welland's waterfront development plans
Plans to develop the lands on either side of the waterway have been around for at least four decades. City council is finally putting those plans into motion, accepting private investment proposals for both residential and commercial developments. Applications are being accepted by the city until January 29. Proposals will then be decided upon by an evaluation committee.
The land is owned by the city of Welland and will not be sold off, investors will be required to contribute to lease payments.
Development to date
To kick off redevelopment of its downtown, Welland commissioned a new Civic Square. The Civic Square was completed in April of 2005, it includes a 71,000 sq. ft. building that houses city hall and a public library. The award winning build sits just steps from the waterway and was designed by CS&P Architects.
Welland International Flatwater Centre recently underwent upgrades to accommodate the Pan Am Games, turning it into a world class facility that hopes to attract major sporting events moving into the future. In 2008, with help from the province the city also constructed a 750-seat amphitheatre and soon after a floating stage for performances.
New businesses have also opened including Taris restaurant, which many see a the aesthetic trend for future waterway development.
Economic development in Welland
Welland’s development commission recently announced that over $200 million in investments had been made in Welland in the past 5 years, with 20 new businesses set up and another 6 undergoing expansion. Staff points to the Gateway incentive program and their own “ease of doing business” as successes of the economic development process.
The city is focused on developing a community through the lands that appeals to both residents and tourists. This new phase for the city will continue to build Welland’s economic appeal moving into the future.
