Heritage Lives, Extra: The City Needs To Better Inform Residents About The Changes That Are Coming Concerning Urban Development

Illustration of a high-density housing proposal for Welland that would include three 25-storey apartment buildings, a 12-storey residential tower and two four-storey stacked townhouses. Columnist Terry Hughes argues residents need to know sooner rather than later in the planning process what’s coming in their community /NPG Planning Solutions image

By Terry Hughes

Welland is the last of the many cities that are a part of the economic zone known as the GOLDEN HORSESHOE  to experience urban growth on a grand scale. Unfortunately, recent announcements have caught us by surprise, and alarm, about high-rise projects. Although this problem is a separate issue, future growth patterns are coming and we need to know what is involved. 

If you recall, the issue of permitting power boats on the old canal was dealt with through four public meetings at the Wellness Centre. Input was also received via e-mail. The public meetings were well attended and were most productive.

 This method  using rules that govern controversial issues yields the best results where input is heard from all parties. Wellanders need to be aware that it is our turn for new forms of urban growth. The city and region need to initiate such opportunities. Call your councillor if you agree with this approach.

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