The Bracket: 2025 Tribune Tournament
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Last Christmas Market: Saturday, Dec. 21. Santa on site for a special reading!
Welland’s Kingsway Tree Replanting Project Completed With $12,000 Grant
WELLAND – Through an ongoing initiative to restore the tree canopy in the Kingsway recreational area, the City of Welland has added 70 native trees. This project was made possible through a $12,000 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation earlier this year.
This tree restoration project continues to address the loss of approximately 250 large ash trees that were felled in response to the emerald ash borer insect infestation. With the planting of new trees, the Kingsway recreational corridor now boasts improved shade and windbreaks, contributing to a more inviting space for walking, running, cycling, and community events.
“The Kingsway holds a special place in our community as a hub for recreation and connection,” said Dave Steven, manager of parks, forestry, and cemeteries. “Thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to continue replacing the trees lost to the emerald ash borer infestation and create a welcoming, shaded environment that will benefit residents and wildlife alike.”
The tree planting project aligns with the City of Welland’s Strategic Plan and its commitment to environmental stewardship. It represents an investment in supporting the policies and programs that maintain and improve the quality of the local ecosystem. Restoring the tree canopy in the Kingsway area enhances biodiversity, contributes to the health of Welland’s green spaces, and reinforces the City’s vision of being an environmentally responsible community.
The City of Welland extends its gratitude to the Niagara Community Foundation for their continued support of environmental initiatives that enhance quality of life and foster sustainability.
Attribution: City of Welland media release
Mayor Frank Campion Supports Forthcoming Provincial Legislation To Deal With Encampments
WELLAND – Mayor Frank Campion and other mayors from across the province, including those from St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, were in Toronto on Thursday, December 12, for Premier Doug Ford’s announcement of forthcoming legislation to assist municipalities dealing with encampments.
Mayor Campion supports the Ontario government’s proposed legislation and funding initiatives to enhance community safety and provide solutions to homelessness and drug use in public spaces. These measures, introduced Thursday, include new enforcement tools for municipalities and police, along with $75.5 million in additional investments for homelessness prevention and alternative accommodations.
“This is a significant step forward in helping our communities address the complex challenges posed by homelessness and addiction,” said Mayor Campion. “Welland residents deserve safe, accessible public spaces, while those experiencing homelessness and addiction deserve meaningful support and alternative housing solutions. These new measures bring us closer to achieving both goals.”
Mayor Campion commended the provincial government’s action to address encampments and illegal drug use, recognizing the importance of balancing community safety with compassionate care for vulnerable populations.
The legislation and funding include the following:
- Expanding Shelter Capacity: $20 million will create temporary accommodations such as modular units and climate-controlled structures, providing immediate housing alternatives for those living in encampments.
- Long-Term Housing Support: $50 million is designated for affordable housing projects nearing completion, focusing on providing stable, long-term housing.
- Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB): An additional $5.5 million will immediately transition shelter occupants into longer-term housing, freeing up emergency shelter spaces.
The proposed Safer Municipalities Act, 2024 introduces stricter penalties for repeat trespass offences and provides law enforcement with tools to address encampments effectively. Furthermore, the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2024 would enable officers to prohibit the use of illegal drugs in public spaces, enhancing safety in parks and playgrounds.
In Welland, a new 50-unit shelter, run by The Hope Centre and funded and overseen by the Niagara Region, will offer 24/7 staffing to clients, up to 50 spaces for adult men, adult women, couples and adult children, overnight, indoor accommodations, security cameras and privacy fence, and regular exterior site walkabouts will happen every 15 to 30 minutes to boost safety.
A full range of indoor programming is available to help clients work towards their goals during the day, including case management, income support, health support, mental health and addiction referrals and supports, housing support, and life skills guidance.
The City of Welland remains committed to providing safe spaces for its residents and will continue to take a compassionate approach to those experiencing homelessness.
Attribution: City of Welland media release
Trillium Foundation Grant Moves Central Fire Hall Restoration Project Forward
WELLAND – On Thursday, Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch met with the Central Station Education Initiative (CSEI) team at the historic Central Fire Station to hear more about the $ 128,500 Capital Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to complete restorations and upgrades to the 104 year old Fire Station, a designated heritage building under the Ontario Heritage Act.
“I want to commend everyone involved for their unwavering support in obtaining funding for this important community project. The Central Station restoration stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of everyone involved, blending history with today and serving as a beacon of knowledge and community engagement for years to come,” said Jeff Burch, MPP for Niagara Centre.
This grant has allowed CSEI to complete restorations of Central Station’s historic interior features such as original plaster, double hung windows and patterned tin ceilings along with upgrades that will allow us to move forward with installation and opening of our main floor Firefighting History Exhibit and expand our ability to use our third floor meeting room and artefact storage area.
“This capital grant has made possible real progress on our project to restore and repurpose one of the most unique historic fire stations in North America to include a main floor Firefighting History Exhibit with building fixtures and firefighting artefacts from over 100 years of Welland and Niagara’s Fire Service. We expect to open for visitors, tours and educational programming by appointment in the new year and full time during the summer”, said Nora Reid, president of Central Station Education Initiative.
CENTRAL STATION EDUCATION INITIATIVE (CSEI) is a Registered Charity and incorporated not-for-profit whose mandate is to preserve and to educate about the material and cultural history of the fire and other emergency services in the Niagara Region. Your financial support for this project would be gratefully accepted. Please donate at www.centralfirehall.ca
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Central Station Education Initiative deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Attribution: Central Station media release.
CITY BRIEF: Water Bills Being Delivered By Hand
WELLAND – In response to the Canada Post strike continuing to impact mail delivery, the City of Welland is implementing a solution to ensure residents receive their December water bills on time.
Beginning today (December 11), UPS Welland will hand-deliver approximately 5,600 water bills directly to mailboxes.
This proactive, temporary measure alleviates residents from being inconvenienced by postal delays and demonstrates the City’s commitment to maintaining essential services.
“With the ongoing postal disruptions, we needed to find an immediate and reliable way to get water bills to our residents,” said Stephanie Nagel, general manager of corporate and enterprise services/CFO. “Hand-delivering these bills ensures timely delivery and helps residents avoid potential late fees.”
The delivery process will take place over the next week, and residents are encouraged to monitor their mailboxes or the front entry areas in their buildings. If a bill has not been received by December 18, residents should contact the City’s Finance Department at 905-735-1700 or water@welland.ca.
Payments can be made through a variety of convenient options, including online banking, in-person at City Hall, or cheques—not cash—deposited to the after-hours drop box at the City Hall entrance closest to Cross Street. The City appreciates residents’ understanding and cooperation as this temporary delivery solution is implemented.
For more information about Welland’s payment options for water and municipal taxes, visit https://www.welland.ca/Finance/EBilling.asp.
Attribution: City of Welland meda release
Christmas Concerts: Do You Hear What I Hear?
Others to be added as they become available
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Please support this seasonal outreach
For $10, you can ensure someone will receive a hot meal this Christmas!
Bring your donations to Customer Service or e-transfer to accounting@seawaymall.com with “Make a Meal Donation” in the notes! /Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the site.
City of Welland Budget Adopted With A 3.95% Tax Levy Increase
WELLAND – The City of Welland’s 2025 budget has been finalized, following Council’s review and adoption of amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget on December 4. The municipal tax levy increase is set at 3.95%, supported by the city’s steady growth, which was assessed at 2.91% for 2025.
The final budget included several Council-supported items from the original proposal, including:
- Part-time Seasonal Garbage Collector
- Facilities Working Foreperson
- Labourer Roads
- Installation of a drinking fountain at Empire Sportsplex
- Part-time Social Services Advisor
- Supervisor of By-law Enforcement
In addition, Council supported additional funding for the Museum, Library, and Municipal Emergency Management.
“We worked diligently as a council and corporation to create a budget that supports city services, programs, and sustainability while addressing the evolving needs of our community,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “This budget reflects an investment in the collective well-being of Welland, both now and in the future.”
The estimated municipal tax levy increase for a residential property with an average assessment of $232,000 is approximately $72.78. Residents will also see an approximate increase of $ $111 on their water and wastewater bills for the low residential user.
Budget highlights:
- Capital spend for roadways; approx. $7.8 M
- Capital spend for facilities; approx. $3.5 M
- Capital spend for parks/open spaces; approx. $2.2 M
- Capital spend for water; approx. $4.0 M
- Capital spend for wastewater; approx. $22.9 M
The 2025 operating budget totals just over $121 million. The budgets are comprised of the tax-supported operating budget of $80.6 million, the rate-supported operating budget for water and wastewater of $40.8 million, and the combined capital budget of $50.8 million.
A testament to the collaborative nature of governance, Council introduced 37 changes through amendment motions – during special council meetings on November 20, 27 and December 4 – with 12 impacting the tax supported budget being adopted, committing to address the community’s needs effectively.
In Niagara, property tax bills include municipal, regional and school board levies. The total property tax increase for 2025 will be calculated by combining Welland’s portion to the increases with the Region and School Boards once those rates are finalized.
On December 5, Mayor Campion shortened the 10-day veto period for amendment resolutions, officially adopting the budget as amended during the December 4 meeting.
Visit the Current Budget webpage for more on the budget.
Attribution: City of Welland media release
Board Chair, Vice-Chair Returned To Roles For 2025
“The traditions and practices that make Niagara Catholic unique must continue to guide us”: Chair Di Lorenzo.
WELLAND – Danny Di Lorenzo and Rhianon Burkholder will return to their respective roles as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Niagara Catholic District School Board for the third consecutive year in 2025.
Chair Di Lorenzo was acclaimed to his role, and Vice-Chair Burkholder was elected to her role by 4-3 vote over trustee Doug Joyner, at the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Niagara Catholic District School Board on Dec. 3.
During his remarks, Chair Di Lorenzo thanked his fellow trustees for their continued confidence in him and focused on the importance of maintaining a distinct Catholic identity based on the teachings of Jesus Christ while preparing students for 21st century careers.
“The traditions and practices that make Niagara Catholic unique must continue to guide us,” said Chair Di Lorenzo. “Our distinctiveness has positioned us as leaders in Catholic education across the province. It is essential that we preserve this identity while embracing innovation to prepare our students for their chosen pathways. Every graduate should leave our system with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their aspirations, be it university, college, apprenticeships, or the workforce. “
Vice-Chair Burkholder focused on moving forward with optimism and enthusiasm in the coming year.
“I am deeply honored to serve as Vice-Chair and look forward to working with Chair Di Lorenzo, my fellow trustees, dedicated staff, and broader community to ensure our students receive the best possible education rooted in faith, compassion and excellence,” she said.
Director of Education Camillo Cipriano congratulated Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder on being returned for third terms.
“I am again pleased to congratulate Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder on being returned as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Niagara Catholic District School Board for the coming year,” said Director Cipriano.
“Over the past two years, Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder have provided excellent leadership and collaboration with their fellow trustees. They continue to put students and staff at the forefront of their decision making, ensuring that we offer innovative programs, supports, and services while maintaining financial stewardship of our board. I look forward to working with Chair Di Lorenzo and Vice-Chair Burkholder as Executive Council throughout 2025.”
Attribution: Niagara Catholic media release
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