Barky’s Billboard

Art Exhibition: A celebration of 75 years of artistic expression

Join us for a special afternoon of art and celebration at the Welland Museum as we unveil a new exhibition marking the75th anniversary of the St. Catharines Art Association. This vibrant exhibit highlights the creativity, legacy, and lasting impact of one of Niagara’s cornerstone art organizations. Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle with fellow art lovers and take in the exhibition during the opening reception on Thursday, March 5, from 3:00–5:00 pm. Come celebrate 75 years of artistic expression with us.The exhibit will run from March 5 to April April 24,

Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the blog. / Supplied graphic.

Mayor Campion’s Statement On Municipal Amalgamation In Niagara

I appreciate the Regional Chair’s outreach and his request for input as he considers potential governance restructuring for Niagara.

The Chair is seeking feedback from mayors on two governance options: a four-city and a single-city model. This is part of a broader review of Niagara’s current governance structure, including potential municipal restructuring and amalgamations. After careful consideration, I firmly believe the four-city model is the right path forward.

A four-city structure would better align municipalities by population and shared interests, create stronger and more balanced municipal partners, reduce duplication and streamline decision making, while preserving meaningful local representation.

It would also strengthen coordination on priorities such as housing, transit integration, infrastructure delivery, and economic development. Niagara’s residents deserve a governance model that is efficient, accountable, and aligned with today’s realities.

I will be strongly requesting that the Chair advance the four-city model in his recommendations to Minister Flack. I believe this approach will better serve our communities, protect taxpayers, and position Niagara for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Frank Campion, Mayor

Attribution: City of Welland release

Canadians Denied Hockey Gold In Heartbreaking Overtime Loss

But our players ‘can still hold their heads high’, Wayne Redshaw writes

By Wayne Redshaw

  It may be a tough pill to swallow after Canada suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to their arch-rivals, the United States, in the men’s gold medal game of the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy on Sunday but the Canadians, I feel, can still hold their heads high.

  Yes, it was disappointing, especially after dominating the game from the second period on. Unfortunately, the Canadians couldn’t cash in on those opportunities they had around the U.S. net. They gave it all they had but came up short.

   When you get to overtime, anything can happen as all it takes is one shot. In fact, that‘s all the U.S. had by Jack Hughes at the 1:41 mark of the three-on-three overtime. It‘s interesting to note the U.S. also scored their only other goal at the six-minute mark of the first period on their very first shot on Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington.

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  The hockey we witnessed in the Olympics was first-class and no doubt that was because NHL players were participating in the Games for first time since Sochi in 2014. The 12-year wait was well worth it and players didn’t disappoint us one bit. They delivered in every respect.

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   These Games also served as a coming-out-party for Canada’s 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini. A first-round draft pick by the San Jose Sharks in 2024 the 19-year-old Vancouver native really proved he belonged in the Canadian lineup every time he stepped on the ice whether he was playing on the big line with Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon or with other Canadian players.

  In fact, I thought Celebrini was one of Canada’s top performers in every outing of the Games. We don’t get the opportunity to see Celebrini on TV that often during the NHL season with San Jose based on the west coast and three-hour time difference. But he was showcased in the Olympics and the youngster delivered on all fronts.

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 The Olympic gold medal victory for the United States was their first since 1980 in Lake Placid. The last International victory for the U.S. came in 1996 when they defeated Canada in the finals of the World Cup.

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  Sunday’s victory also gave the United States a hockey sweep in Italy as the U.S. women defeated rival Canada 2-1. That game was also decided in overtime.

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   Now with the Games history the big question is what will the NHL do before the next Winter Olympic Games scheduled for 2030 in France?

   Last year if you recall, the NHL did away with the mid-season All-Star Game and sideshow and staged the Four Nations Cup, which proved to be highly successful and entertaining.  It spoiled us to say the least as the brand and calibre of hockey equaled just what we witnessed in these Games.

  Hopefully NHL CommissionerGary Bettman  plans to continue the Four Nations Cup on an annual basis until the next Olympics come around in 2030.

(Wayne Redshaw has covered hockey at the amateur and professional levels spanning four decades. He was named a Life Member of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association in 1997 and in 2000 was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Hall of Fame. He can be reached at wredshaw@icloud.com).

LIV Communities Arena Hosts Dan Girardi Autograph Signing For Kraft Hockeyville Campaign

WELLAND – The City of Welland is inviting residents to show their community pride as LIV Communities Arena competes in the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville campaign, and one of its own is stepping up to help lead the charge.

Dan Girardi played 13 seasons in the NHL with the Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

As part of the final rally leading up to the March 1 deadline, former NHL defenceman Dan Girardi will make a special appearance for an autograph signing on Friday, February 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the front foyer of LIV Communities Arena. Girardi played more than 900 NHL games and appeared in the 2014 Stanley Cup Final with the New York Rangers.

Girardi grew up playing minor hockey in Welland and developed his game at this rink. He is now lending his support to help build momentum for the community’s Hockeyville bid. Attendees can meet Girardi and scan on-site QR codes linking directly to Welland’s official rally page to submit their stories, photos, and notes in support of the arena.

Kraft Hockeyville is a national program that celebrates the important role local hockey arenas play in their communities. The winning community receives $250,000 in arena upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.

“The Kraft Hockeyville campaign is about more than a prize, it’s about celebrating what our arena means to families across Welland,” said Jennifer McPetrie, director of community services. “Hosting Dan Girardi gives residents a fun and memorable way to come together, show their support, and share the stories that make LIV Communities Arena such an important part of our community.”

If selected as the grand prize winner, the $250,000 would support priority upgrades at the arena, including an electric ice resurfacer, information screens, and locking systems for changerooms. These improvements are transferable to a future arena and represent long-term value for the community.

The campaign aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan priority of Livability, which focuses on creating a sense of belonging and enhancing recreation opportunities and community connections. By investing in quality sport and recreation facilities, the City continues to support spaces where residents of all ages and abilities gather, play, and build lasting memories.

Residents are encouraged to submit their stories, photos, and notes before the March 1 deadline by visiting Welland’s rally page at https://hockeyville.kraftheinz.com/community.

 Those who cannot attend the autograph signing are encouraged to visit the rally page and share their experiences and memories of the arena. Every submission strengthens Welland’s bid and showcases the pride and passion that define this community.

Attribution: City of Welland media release

 

Weather Alert

WEATHER ALERT | Freezing rain and heavy rainfall.

Freezing rain with ice build-up of 2 to 5 mm in some areas, beginning overnight or early Wednesday morning and ending by Wednesday evening, will create icy and slippery conditions. Rainfall totals of 10 to 20 mm are also expected. Localized flooding and ponding in low-lying areas is possible.

Things to remember:

 Roads and walkways will likely become icy and slippery. Use caution to avoid slips and falls.

 Stay away from creeks, rivers and all waterbodies due to slippery banks and elevated water levels.

 Help reduce flooding risk by ensuring culverts, catch basins and ditches are clear and storm drains are not blocked. 

Attribution: City of Welland alert.

Heritage Lives: The Man Of Steel Returns

Remember This?: ‘Faster Than A Speeding Bullet, More Powerful Than A Locomotive, Able To Leap Tall Buildings In A Single Bound’

By Terry Hughes

Yes, he’s back as noted in recent discoveries of copies of early issues fetching millions of dollars for those in possession of two such documents, one displayed above. The fact that the authors were Canadian and American adds to the story of developing a super hero during the Depression who already had Tarzan, Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon in the media and outlasted them all.

 Since 1938 this comic book hero has enjoyed radio and television broadcasts and numerous movies as well as the popular paperback comics that have entertained millions of fans throughout the decades.

In the beginning, he would champion the rule of law and order much needed during the crime ridden years of the 1930’s and oppose those enemies who threatened the democracies during the Second World War. Time after time he would work his wonders until the present day still bringing truth and honour to the American way. 

The evaluation of his character and physique is timely. His physical features were enhanced in each period thanks to superior artistry in comics and better images in television and recent movies.

The image of George Reeves stuffed with rubber in the t.v. series as opposed to Christopher Reeve’s musculature in the first movie is a prime example. His personal dealings with women evolved from his initial hands-off engagements with fellow newspaper reporter Lois Lane to more intimate relationships with characters shown below that included Wonder Woman and the Mermaid.

Superman would spawn many other heroes to comic books and later, movies which brings me to an accompanying  picture celebrating his fiftieth birthday, image shown below. How many characters can you identify that played a role in the times in which we have seen Superman evolve over the years? The answer will be found in our next article.   

(Credit: the 1988 edition of Time magazine for the colourful images used here.)

Next column: A Tale of Two Canal Cities 

(Terry  Hughes is a Wellander who is passionate about heritage and history. His opinion column, Heritage Lives, appears on the blog once or twice monthly.)

Barky’s Billboard

Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the blog. /Supplied graphic

Sign Language

Timely reminder: Julia’s Hope Cup, a fundraiser for Welland’s Hope Centre, this Saturday in Welland’s Chippawa Park. Pond hockey, food, silent auction, games and more! For background, read: Julia’s Hope Cup: Welland pond hockey tournament built on love in The Tribune. /Sign Language is a recurring feature on the blog. Joe Barkovich photo.

Barky’s Billboard

Celebrating Black History Month at Welland Museum February 21

Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the blog. /Supplied graphic

Mayor’s Message: Advocating For Long-Term Care In Our Community

Earlier this week, Niagara Health System announced changes related to the long-term care home at the Welland Hospital site. This news is understandably concerning for residents and families who depend on this home, as well as for the dedicated staff whose livelihoods are tied to the care they provide.

I want to reassure residents that the City of Welland is already taking steps to be part of what comes next. I have reached out directly to the Minister of Long-Term Care to discuss the situation and to begin important conversations about the path forward.

While it is still too early to know what upcoming discussions will look like, our goal is clear. The City will work collaboratively with the Ministry of Long-Term Care, Niagara Health System (NHS), and others involved to identify viable, long-term solutions that best serve our community. A key priority for us is retaining and increasing long-term care beds in Welland, so residents can continue to access care close to home.

We also recognize that there may be opportunities ahead, and we are preparing to explore them thoughtfully. This includes working with NHS and the Niagara Region to consider approaches that could support the development and operation of a new long-term care home. Our strong preference is for long-term care to continue at the existing Welland Hospital site, where care has long been an integral part of our community.

I also want to acknowledge the staff affected by this decision. Behind every announcement are people and families, and the City will work closely with our partners to support efforts that help affected workers through this period of uncertainty.

As more information becomes available, I remain committed to keeping residents informed.

Frank Campion, Mayor

Attribution: City of Welland release: