March 7, 2023

Council Meeting Video

Full Agenda

Downtown Cultural and Heritage District

Resident of Welland, James Takeo, took to the microphone on Tuesday night to support downtown cultural and heritage districts. Cultural Districts are designed areas within a city or town that are recognized for their unique cultural assets and resources.

In addition, Takeo referenced economic, educational, social, and environmental benefits. As Take’s presentation mentions, cultural districts are an important asset to any community, providing economic, social, and educational benefits. By investing in, supporting, and developing these areas, we can help preserve and promote our cultural heritage while creating vibrant and thriving communities. Downtown Welland has a concentration of cultural and heritage assets that can be promoted, developed, and encouraged for the benefit of the area and for the community of Welland.

Council directed staff to come back with a report.

Health Care Committee dissolving but not disappearing

The purpose of the Health Care Committee was to represent the best interest of the residents of Welland as it related to the Niagara Health System Hospital Improvement Plan, introduced in 2008.

The Committee was inactive during the 2018-2022 term of Council, and with the NHS Hospital Improvement Plan concluded, the requirement for the committee is no longer required.

Staff will come back with a report outlining what a new healthcare focus committee be presented to Council by no later than the end of April 2023.

Civic Square Urban Park Redevelopment

The Civic Square Urban Park redevelopment concept was approved by Council to be considered in the 2024 budget process.

On January 31, 2023, Council referred a report back to staff to provide an update to Council requesting more information, summarizing updating costs, clear financial strategy, and clarification of historical information.

The proposed project is for a full development of the outdoor space at Civic Square, the outdoor space to be transformed into a highly functional, four-season, urban park to be used for recreation and beautifying the downtown. The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.46M.