A stairway flanked by greenery helps give a picture postcard-look to this photo taken from the west side of the recreation waterway, or old canal as some still call it. It is located a few metres north of the Main Street Bridge. Known and used by relatively few, it may be another of those out-of-the-way Welland treasures waiting for discovery by curious newcomers. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
Nothing but blue skies would make it too easy. That’s why clouds come along to test our faith – and us. It helps to know you are in our corner, thank you, Lord. (Words and photo by Joe Barkovich)
(A former reporter and city editor, Joe Barkovich lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario, Canada’s Rose City. Morning Offering is a recurring feature on the blog, posting by 8 a.m.)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
From you, ripples of love unconditional and without end. Thank you, Lord. (Words, photo by Joe Barkovich)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
(A former city editor and reporter, Joe Barkovich lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario, Canada’s Rose City. Morning Offering is a recurring feature on the blog, posting by 8 a.m.)
The Illuminaqua Concert Stage and canal-side amphitheatre in Welland’s Merritt Park, prior to the start of tonight’s concert headlined by Jimmy Rankin. (All photos by Joe Barkovich)
Welland’s Main Street Bridge as a major rehab project and painting nears completion. The east tower, covered, is still to be finished. The re-opening is expected around September 12.
The curved Division Street crossing, foreground, with Main Street Bridge partly visible in the background.
The International Flatwater Centre in Welland, where 2015 Pan Am Games paddling events will be held. A gem of a facility by anyone’s measure.
A section of Welland’s recreation waterway near the flatwater centre, looking north.
The old railway swing bridge off Canal Bank road, between Sixth and Seventh streets in Welland. It’s an eyesore to say the least. What’s to be done with this bridge?
(A former reporter and city editor, Joe Barkovich lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario, Canada’s Rose City.)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
A clear night and water almost as smooth as glass combine to make the recreational waterway near Welland’s International Flatwater Centre a reflecting pool. Prettier places on evenings like this night are difficult to find. Welland is a city that abounds in natural beauty. (Photo by Joe Barkovich)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
This bridge has a past but what is its future? (All photos by Joe Barkovich)
By Joe Barkovich, Scribbler-at-large
Has this bridge been forgotten by Welland and the people who run the city?
A slew of words come to mind when describing it, none of them positive:
This bridge is an eyesore;
This bridge is a potential threat to public safety;
This bridge is dilapidated;
This bridge is a rusted relic.
The old train bridge is situated between Sixth and Seventh streets, off Canal Bank road.
It sticks out like a sore thumb. No. It sticks out like a decrepit, unsightly bridge. This is a beautifully remediated area, a welcoming people place. A trail runs through it. The grass is kept neat and tidy and trees dot the landscape giving it a park-like setting.
Then there is the bridge, the former railway swing bridge, the bridge with a past but with no apparent future.
Someone should make a model of this bridge and stick it in the Children’s Safety Village where it could be used to teach children about the dangers lurking in neglected, ignored infrastructure.
I’ve asked this question before and will again: What’s to be done with this bridge?
The City of Welland and CP Rail, the bridge owner, need to provide answers. This is a disgrace to the city and people of Welland.
This view, through the closed, east-side gate at the old railway bridge In Welland, provides a clear look across to the west side, where the closed gate is easily seen. (Photo taken Friday, August 22)
Near the middle of the bridge, lying partly on the track, can be seen a bicycle. (Photo taken Friday, August 22)
Photo shows hole cut into fence on east side, at the south corner of the bridge through which a pedestrian, with or without bike can easily fit, possibly explaining the presence of the bike on the bridge. Although the east and west-side gates are kept closed to thwart trespassers, obviously they don’t do the job. (Photo taken Friday, August 22; I have not been back to the bridge to see if the damage has been repaired.)
These crumbling pilings are located only a few feet from the east-side water’s edge. Is no one from the city aware of this potential threat to public safety? Does Welland city council ever tour its recreational waterway assets? Perhaps an outdoor excursion is warranted, sooner rather than later.
The land on the east-side bank near the eyesore bridge has a beautiful, park-like setting and is well used by walkers, cyclists, family visitors.
This photo shows the railway bridge over the Welland River in Niagara Falls, off Montrose Road and under the QEW overpass. Notice the condition of this bridge deck is comparatively better than its counterpart in Welland.
(A former reporter and city editor, Joe Barkovich lives in Welland, Ontario, Canada’s Rose City.)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
For someone who now bears the cross of health uncertainty and fear that comes with it. Just as you took up your cross, Lord, he has taken up his. He prays for strength of spirit to pick himself up should he fall along the way. (Words, photo by Joe Barkovich)
(A former city editor and reporter, Joe Barkovich lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario, Canada’s Rose City. Morning Offering is a recurring feature on the blog, posting by 8 a.m.
Art in this photo: Second Station of the Cross, St. Kevin Roman Catholic Church: Jesus Takes Up His Cross.)
The Stikks Family is a local content political cartoon appearing on the blog from time to time. Follow the adventures of political junkies Pops, Mom, Dick and Jane as the municipal election approaches. (Cartoon humour by Joe Barkovich)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
This early show of fall colour points to what’s ahead. What happened to summer? (Photo by Joe Barkovich)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
At times when we are blinded by the light, it helps to see things with your eyes. Thank you, Lord. (Words, photo by Joe Barkovich.)
(A former city editor and reporter, Joe Barkovich lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario, Canada’s Rose City. Morning Offering is a recurring feature on the blog, posting by 8 a.m.)
© Joe Barkovich 2014
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