Go Back

North Welland Trails Connection

Share North Welland Trails Connection on Facebook Share North Welland Trails Connection on Twitter Share North Welland Trails Connection on Linkedin Email North Welland Trails Connection link

Consultation has concluded

North Welland Trails Connection Project - Get Involved!

Virtual Public Engagement - Q and A file posted

We have compiled all of the questions asked during the Virtual Public Engagement here.

We hosted a lively and informative virtual engagement session on August 16th, 2023. A recording of the session will be available here. Stay tuned for these updates.

In the meantime, we invite you to use the Mapping tool at the bottom of this page to provide us with your detailed comments on the alignment. We have allowed for the upload of images on comments on the map if you have items that you'd like to share with us.

We have also updated the responses to all questions received prior to the Virtual Engagement session. You can see those in the Q and A tab below.

Questions? Ask them here!

If you have any questions about the project, submit them at the bottom of this page using the "Q and A" Tab - the project team will respond within 5 business days.

About the Community Trails Strategy (CTS):

In February of 2022, the City of Welland adopted its new Community Trails Strategy - a blueprint for expanding cycling, walking, and recreational trail networks over the next 20 years. With a focus on creating an active, connected community, the CTS guides the City in improving and enhancing active transportation and trail infrastructure across the City.

As part of the implementation of the CTS, the City of Welland is refining plans to create high-quality connections through the North End of the City. The Trails will connect from Niagara College to the Welland Canal Parkway Trail, providing comfortable, convenient access for people walking, cycling and wheeling. These connections were identified as a high priority for implementation based on forthcoming development and the feasibility of constructing these connections in the near term.

The CTS was developed to give the City of Welland a clear direction for the investment in its existing trails networks. The CTS was created through extensive consultation with City and Regional stakeholders and members of the public, and was informed by existing policy documents and best practices. The goals of the CTS are to:

  • Enhance connectivity between trail networks, sidewalks, and on-road cycling routes to create an integrated, connected system of trails and active transportation infrastructure.
  • Refine existing plans, particularly the City's Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, to develop an implementation strategy, project phasing, and cost estimates.
  • Connect residents and visitors alike to Welland's Trails and natural heritage to provide more opportunities for recreation, transportation, and access to amenities and;
  • Reinforce Welland's position as the Trails Centre of Niagara Region, bringing new tourism and economic development opportunities to the city.

About these Trails:

The CTS identified a number of high-priority Trails that could be constructed in the near term. One of the highest priority routes was identified in the North End of the City, connecting Niagara College to the Welland Canal Trail. Another high-priority trail connection that was identified within the CTS was a connection from Hilda Street to the Welland Canal Parkway Trail. When taken together, these projects expand access to the City’s most well-used Trail, bringing new users to the Trail and expanding access to Welland’s waterfront. You can review details of the trails, including notes from the project team on alignment, vegetation and working around existing structures here. Other key pieces of information about the Trails are that:

  • The trails are all located on publicly owned lands – no private property will be impacted by the Trails. Where private landowners have created semi-permanent structures within the public lands, those structures will be subject to removal.
  • Trails will be constructed to a fully accessible, 3m wide standard with a crushed limestone surface. The City will assume all maintenance responsibilities for the Trail, including enhanced maintenance for the areas abutting the trail.
  • The trail is being designed to minimize the impact on trees and other vegetation in the area. Some minor trees may need to be removed, but any large trees slated for removal are either invasive species (Manitoba Maple, Scots Pine) or are already dying (Ash trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer). Some trees will also be trimmed to accommodate the Trail.
  • Environmental studies are being included in this project. The Trail traverses an existing woodlot and lands regulated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, which requires a survey of existing conditions and mitigation efforts to ensure the preservation of natural habitat and water quality.
  • All roadway crossings are being designed per existing standards to create safe, accessible crossings.



North Welland Trails Connection Project - Get Involved!

Virtual Public Engagement - Q and A file posted

We have compiled all of the questions asked during the Virtual Public Engagement here.

We hosted a lively and informative virtual engagement session on August 16th, 2023. A recording of the session will be available here. Stay tuned for these updates.

In the meantime, we invite you to use the Mapping tool at the bottom of this page to provide us with your detailed comments on the alignment. We have allowed for the upload of images on comments on the map if you have items that you'd like to share with us.

We have also updated the responses to all questions received prior to the Virtual Engagement session. You can see those in the Q and A tab below.

Questions? Ask them here!

If you have any questions about the project, submit them at the bottom of this page using the "Q and A" Tab - the project team will respond within 5 business days.

About the Community Trails Strategy (CTS):

In February of 2022, the City of Welland adopted its new Community Trails Strategy - a blueprint for expanding cycling, walking, and recreational trail networks over the next 20 years. With a focus on creating an active, connected community, the CTS guides the City in improving and enhancing active transportation and trail infrastructure across the City.

As part of the implementation of the CTS, the City of Welland is refining plans to create high-quality connections through the North End of the City. The Trails will connect from Niagara College to the Welland Canal Parkway Trail, providing comfortable, convenient access for people walking, cycling and wheeling. These connections were identified as a high priority for implementation based on forthcoming development and the feasibility of constructing these connections in the near term.

The CTS was developed to give the City of Welland a clear direction for the investment in its existing trails networks. The CTS was created through extensive consultation with City and Regional stakeholders and members of the public, and was informed by existing policy documents and best practices. The goals of the CTS are to:

  • Enhance connectivity between trail networks, sidewalks, and on-road cycling routes to create an integrated, connected system of trails and active transportation infrastructure.
  • Refine existing plans, particularly the City's Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, to develop an implementation strategy, project phasing, and cost estimates.
  • Connect residents and visitors alike to Welland's Trails and natural heritage to provide more opportunities for recreation, transportation, and access to amenities and;
  • Reinforce Welland's position as the Trails Centre of Niagara Region, bringing new tourism and economic development opportunities to the city.

About these Trails:

The CTS identified a number of high-priority Trails that could be constructed in the near term. One of the highest priority routes was identified in the North End of the City, connecting Niagara College to the Welland Canal Trail. Another high-priority trail connection that was identified within the CTS was a connection from Hilda Street to the Welland Canal Parkway Trail. When taken together, these projects expand access to the City’s most well-used Trail, bringing new users to the Trail and expanding access to Welland’s waterfront. You can review details of the trails, including notes from the project team on alignment, vegetation and working around existing structures here. Other key pieces of information about the Trails are that:

  • The trails are all located on publicly owned lands – no private property will be impacted by the Trails. Where private landowners have created semi-permanent structures within the public lands, those structures will be subject to removal.
  • Trails will be constructed to a fully accessible, 3m wide standard with a crushed limestone surface. The City will assume all maintenance responsibilities for the Trail, including enhanced maintenance for the areas abutting the trail.
  • The trail is being designed to minimize the impact on trees and other vegetation in the area. Some minor trees may need to be removed, but any large trees slated for removal are either invasive species (Manitoba Maple, Scots Pine) or are already dying (Ash trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer). Some trees will also be trimmed to accommodate the Trail.
  • Environmental studies are being included in this project. The Trail traverses an existing woodlot and lands regulated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, which requires a survey of existing conditions and mitigation efforts to ensure the preservation of natural habitat and water quality.
  • All roadway crossings are being designed per existing standards to create safe, accessible crossings.



Consultation has concluded

If you have a question about the development of these Trails, we want to hear from you! Post your question here, and a member of our team will answer it.

  • Share In the 2019 Parks and Recreation strategy , the Trails note and The diagram showing east-west trails , figure 7, page 52/53 Conceptual Trail Network , shows a network that does not include Rollins, Cedar Park, Whiteoak, Madison etc but shows west east north of Quaker Rd , and on Rice Road….who made the decision to change and put thru rear yards and who identified high priority and don’t tell me the overall trail strategy, someone called this out and I certainly hope it was not some paid consultant because as a “stakeholder “ no one talked to residents, students etc before these decisions were made. on Facebook Share In the 2019 Parks and Recreation strategy , the Trails note and The diagram showing east-west trails , figure 7, page 52/53 Conceptual Trail Network , shows a network that does not include Rollins, Cedar Park, Whiteoak, Madison etc but shows west east north of Quaker Rd , and on Rice Road….who made the decision to change and put thru rear yards and who identified high priority and don’t tell me the overall trail strategy, someone called this out and I certainly hope it was not some paid consultant because as a “stakeholder “ no one talked to residents, students etc before these decisions were made. on Twitter Share In the 2019 Parks and Recreation strategy , the Trails note and The diagram showing east-west trails , figure 7, page 52/53 Conceptual Trail Network , shows a network that does not include Rollins, Cedar Park, Whiteoak, Madison etc but shows west east north of Quaker Rd , and on Rice Road….who made the decision to change and put thru rear yards and who identified high priority and don’t tell me the overall trail strategy, someone called this out and I certainly hope it was not some paid consultant because as a “stakeholder “ no one talked to residents, students etc before these decisions were made. on Linkedin Email In the 2019 Parks and Recreation strategy , the Trails note and The diagram showing east-west trails , figure 7, page 52/53 Conceptual Trail Network , shows a network that does not include Rollins, Cedar Park, Whiteoak, Madison etc but shows west east north of Quaker Rd , and on Rice Road….who made the decision to change and put thru rear yards and who identified high priority and don’t tell me the overall trail strategy, someone called this out and I certainly hope it was not some paid consultant because as a “stakeholder “ no one talked to residents, students etc before these decisions were made. link

    In the 2019 Parks and Recreation strategy , the Trails note and The diagram showing east-west trails , figure 7, page 52/53 Conceptual Trail Network , shows a network that does not include Rollins, Cedar Park, Whiteoak, Madison etc but shows west east north of Quaker Rd , and on Rice Road….who made the decision to change and put thru rear yards and who identified high priority and don’t tell me the overall trail strategy, someone called this out and I certainly hope it was not some paid consultant because as a “stakeholder “ no one talked to residents, students etc before these decisions were made.

    Dougm asked about 1 year ago

    The trails shown in the 2019 Parks and Recreation Strategy were conceptual in nature, and were further evaluated through the process of the Community Trails Strategy. The CTS reviewed parcel ownership, connectivity and future developments to determine the feasibility and prioritization of the Trails network.

    The decisions made in the CTS were the result of extensive technical reviews with a prioritization of utilizing City-owned property for the development of new trails, as well as consultation with the community that has been outlined in other responses on this page. 

  • Share Budget almost 4 years ago was $20 million, with inflation that now is over $23 million, where is that $$ coming from? What is maintenance budget for trails and where is staff coming from? Whose paying , taxpayers?? Should they not have say in these incremental $. on Facebook Share Budget almost 4 years ago was $20 million, with inflation that now is over $23 million, where is that $$ coming from? What is maintenance budget for trails and where is staff coming from? Whose paying , taxpayers?? Should they not have say in these incremental $. on Twitter Share Budget almost 4 years ago was $20 million, with inflation that now is over $23 million, where is that $$ coming from? What is maintenance budget for trails and where is staff coming from? Whose paying , taxpayers?? Should they not have say in these incremental $. on Linkedin Email Budget almost 4 years ago was $20 million, with inflation that now is over $23 million, where is that $$ coming from? What is maintenance budget for trails and where is staff coming from? Whose paying , taxpayers?? Should they not have say in these incremental $. link

    Budget almost 4 years ago was $20 million, with inflation that now is over $23 million, where is that $$ coming from? What is maintenance budget for trails and where is staff coming from? Whose paying , taxpayers?? Should they not have say in these incremental $.

    Dougm asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your comments. 

    Price escalation is a normal feature of Master Planning Documents. While a review of the Community Trails Strategy as a whole is outside of the scope of this project, the ongoing efforts to enhance maintenance and operations as the City grows and adds new amenities is routine part of operating budget considerations.

  • Share Will there be a fence along the part that runs parallel to St Lawrence Dr so the public will not have direct access to the back yards along that stretch? on Facebook Share Will there be a fence along the part that runs parallel to St Lawrence Dr so the public will not have direct access to the back yards along that stretch? on Twitter Share Will there be a fence along the part that runs parallel to St Lawrence Dr so the public will not have direct access to the back yards along that stretch? on Linkedin Email Will there be a fence along the part that runs parallel to St Lawrence Dr so the public will not have direct access to the back yards along that stretch? link

    Will there be a fence along the part that runs parallel to St Lawrence Dr so the public will not have direct access to the back yards along that stretch?

    Judy asked about 1 year ago

    The final design considerations such as vegetation, fencing or other barriers will be determined once a preferred alignment is selected, but the City’s general approach is to not provide fencing between private property and City-owned lands.

  • Share We are not in support of the trails being developed through our residential neighbourhood. There has been no community consultation either. on Facebook Share We are not in support of the trails being developed through our residential neighbourhood. There has been no community consultation either. on Twitter Share We are not in support of the trails being developed through our residential neighbourhood. There has been no community consultation either. on Linkedin Email We are not in support of the trails being developed through our residential neighbourhood. There has been no community consultation either. link

    We are not in support of the trails being developed through our residential neighbourhood. There has been no community consultation either.

    Kelsey H asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your comments. 

    To date, there have been consultations with residents through this forum, online open houses and an in-person open house, in addition to the 2-year consultation process that resulted in the development of the Community Trails Strategy.

    We appreciate your feedback and are exploring ways to work with the community to create these valuable connections through the City in a way that reflects both their importance in the connectivity of the City's broader trails objectives as well as the needs of the residents of these neighbourhoods.

  • Share When asked about keeping atv’s , dirt bikes off trail , you quote a by-law…..how is quoting a by-law helping? My guess is you are leaving it up to residents to call police or bylaw by which time they show up , culprits are long gone so they can/will use it and not o th8ngvwe can do to prevent it !! on Facebook Share When asked about keeping atv’s , dirt bikes off trail , you quote a by-law…..how is quoting a by-law helping? My guess is you are leaving it up to residents to call police or bylaw by which time they show up , culprits are long gone so they can/will use it and not o th8ngvwe can do to prevent it !! on Twitter Share When asked about keeping atv’s , dirt bikes off trail , you quote a by-law…..how is quoting a by-law helping? My guess is you are leaving it up to residents to call police or bylaw by which time they show up , culprits are long gone so they can/will use it and not o th8ngvwe can do to prevent it !! on Linkedin Email When asked about keeping atv’s , dirt bikes off trail , you quote a by-law…..how is quoting a by-law helping? My guess is you are leaving it up to residents to call police or bylaw by which time they show up , culprits are long gone so they can/will use it and not o th8ngvwe can do to prevent it !! link

    When asked about keeping atv’s , dirt bikes off trail , you quote a by-law…..how is quoting a by-law helping? My guess is you are leaving it up to residents to call police or bylaw by which time they show up , culprits are long gone so they can/will use it and not o th8ngvwe can do to prevent it !!

    Dougm asked about 1 year ago

    To reduce likelihood of ATVs and other motorized uses, access barriers will be included at key points along the trail to deter motorized users.

    Previous responses have prioritized reminding residents of the bylaws that limit motorized uses on trails, but the inclusion of access barriers has been a consistent element of the design of these trails.

  • Share Why is there a feeling that there would be more positive impact to bringing people in back yards (public land or not) of existing homes where people cannot be seen and can have escape routes rather than to complete the sidewalk on Quaker road that would finally allow this neighbourhood to have a full loop of sidewalk? This neighbourhood has already suffered with enough petty theft in our cars and homes with normal street traffic let alone FREE access into our back yards. on Facebook Share Why is there a feeling that there would be more positive impact to bringing people in back yards (public land or not) of existing homes where people cannot be seen and can have escape routes rather than to complete the sidewalk on Quaker road that would finally allow this neighbourhood to have a full loop of sidewalk? This neighbourhood has already suffered with enough petty theft in our cars and homes with normal street traffic let alone FREE access into our back yards. on Twitter Share Why is there a feeling that there would be more positive impact to bringing people in back yards (public land or not) of existing homes where people cannot be seen and can have escape routes rather than to complete the sidewalk on Quaker road that would finally allow this neighbourhood to have a full loop of sidewalk? This neighbourhood has already suffered with enough petty theft in our cars and homes with normal street traffic let alone FREE access into our back yards. on Linkedin Email Why is there a feeling that there would be more positive impact to bringing people in back yards (public land or not) of existing homes where people cannot be seen and can have escape routes rather than to complete the sidewalk on Quaker road that would finally allow this neighbourhood to have a full loop of sidewalk? This neighbourhood has already suffered with enough petty theft in our cars and homes with normal street traffic let alone FREE access into our back yards. link

    Why is there a feeling that there would be more positive impact to bringing people in back yards (public land or not) of existing homes where people cannot be seen and can have escape routes rather than to complete the sidewalk on Quaker road that would finally allow this neighbourhood to have a full loop of sidewalk? This neighbourhood has already suffered with enough petty theft in our cars and homes with normal street traffic let alone FREE access into our back yards.

    DMC asked over 1 year ago

    A sidewalk or other type of active transportation facility on Quaker Road is outside the scop of this project, but is being considered by the City in connection with other projects.

    Numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown that the installation of multi-use trails have either a positive impact on crime rates or have no impacts, primarily due to a higher sense of ‘eyes on the street’ which creates a more visible public space.

  • Share Is there a way to make cross the bridge on Woodlawn between the mall and Canadian tire/rona/ Walmart safer for bikers ? on Facebook Share Is there a way to make cross the bridge on Woodlawn between the mall and Canadian tire/rona/ Walmart safer for bikers ? on Twitter Share Is there a way to make cross the bridge on Woodlawn between the mall and Canadian tire/rona/ Walmart safer for bikers ? on Linkedin Email Is there a way to make cross the bridge on Woodlawn between the mall and Canadian tire/rona/ Walmart safer for bikers ? link

    Is there a way to make cross the bridge on Woodlawn between the mall and Canadian tire/rona/ Walmart safer for bikers ?

    Jason Chill asked over 1 year ago

    This would be outside the scope of this project, but that connection is identified in the Community Trails Strategy.

  • Share How can we appeal this? Also, Mr Axiak stressed that he had held multiple community info sessions about this project for residents to speak up prior to the one last night, can we please see the advertising for and recordings of these sessions? Residents would have obviously appealed this for the trails going in their back yards when this project started had they had the chance. on Facebook Share How can we appeal this? Also, Mr Axiak stressed that he had held multiple community info sessions about this project for residents to speak up prior to the one last night, can we please see the advertising for and recordings of these sessions? Residents would have obviously appealed this for the trails going in their back yards when this project started had they had the chance. on Twitter Share How can we appeal this? Also, Mr Axiak stressed that he had held multiple community info sessions about this project for residents to speak up prior to the one last night, can we please see the advertising for and recordings of these sessions? Residents would have obviously appealed this for the trails going in their back yards when this project started had they had the chance. on Linkedin Email How can we appeal this? Also, Mr Axiak stressed that he had held multiple community info sessions about this project for residents to speak up prior to the one last night, can we please see the advertising for and recordings of these sessions? Residents would have obviously appealed this for the trails going in their back yards when this project started had they had the chance. link

    How can we appeal this? Also, Mr Axiak stressed that he had held multiple community info sessions about this project for residents to speak up prior to the one last night, can we please see the advertising for and recordings of these sessions? Residents would have obviously appealed this for the trails going in their back yards when this project started had they had the chance.

    NadiaKPotter asked over 1 year ago

    The design and construction of these trails was approved by a City Council vote authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Federal Government to access the funding from the City's successful Federal Active Transportation Fund grant. A City Council vote to revisit a decision would require a 2/3 majority vote. Returning the funding from the federal government is an available option should the City pursue this course of action, but the City would be responsible for all costs incurred related to this project to date.

    With regards to the community engagement for the Community Trails Strategy, the strategy was developed over nearly 2 years with multiple avenues for feedback.

     Engagement for that project included:

    • Interviews with 8 different community organizations, including the North Welland BIA, Downtown Welland BIA, Niagara College, Niagara Region, Accessibility Advisory Committee, NPCA, Tourism Operators and City Staff
    • 2 Stakeholder Workshops to refine alignments and discuss next steps with relevant technical agencies (Niagara Region, NPCA, City Staff, Niagara College, BIAs etc)
    • A City Council Survey that was circulated early in the project
    • 2 online open houses – one in mid 2021 and one in early 2022 – to gather public feedback about routes and priorities 
    • 2 online engagement activities – a community survey and a mapping tool with proposed alignments
    • Council Presentation of final report


    The development of the Community Trails Strategy was not subject to the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Act, but the project included outreach and engagement efforts that went far beyond what would have been required even if it were to fall under that Act.

  • Share As daily users of the trail, we have concerns about Trail safety. We are often overcome by people on dirt bikes on the trail as well as the increase number of homeless that are on the downtown part of the trail. We have had homeless people jump out in front of us and there is a lot of garbage left on the trail now. It is becoming a risk so expanding the trails is great as long as we can figure out a way to keep them safely maintained. Have we considered that high school students or college students could be hired to maintain the trails outside of Union Workers because they don't seem to be able to manage to keep the trails safe and clean. How can this be better managed on Facebook Share As daily users of the trail, we have concerns about Trail safety. We are often overcome by people on dirt bikes on the trail as well as the increase number of homeless that are on the downtown part of the trail. We have had homeless people jump out in front of us and there is a lot of garbage left on the trail now. It is becoming a risk so expanding the trails is great as long as we can figure out a way to keep them safely maintained. Have we considered that high school students or college students could be hired to maintain the trails outside of Union Workers because they don't seem to be able to manage to keep the trails safe and clean. How can this be better managed on Twitter Share As daily users of the trail, we have concerns about Trail safety. We are often overcome by people on dirt bikes on the trail as well as the increase number of homeless that are on the downtown part of the trail. We have had homeless people jump out in front of us and there is a lot of garbage left on the trail now. It is becoming a risk so expanding the trails is great as long as we can figure out a way to keep them safely maintained. Have we considered that high school students or college students could be hired to maintain the trails outside of Union Workers because they don't seem to be able to manage to keep the trails safe and clean. How can this be better managed on Linkedin Email As daily users of the trail, we have concerns about Trail safety. We are often overcome by people on dirt bikes on the trail as well as the increase number of homeless that are on the downtown part of the trail. We have had homeless people jump out in front of us and there is a lot of garbage left on the trail now. It is becoming a risk so expanding the trails is great as long as we can figure out a way to keep them safely maintained. Have we considered that high school students or college students could be hired to maintain the trails outside of Union Workers because they don't seem to be able to manage to keep the trails safe and clean. How can this be better managed link

    As daily users of the trail, we have concerns about Trail safety. We are often overcome by people on dirt bikes on the trail as well as the increase number of homeless that are on the downtown part of the trail. We have had homeless people jump out in front of us and there is a lot of garbage left on the trail now. It is becoming a risk so expanding the trails is great as long as we can figure out a way to keep them safely maintained. Have we considered that high school students or college students could be hired to maintain the trails outside of Union Workers because they don't seem to be able to manage to keep the trails safe and clean. How can this be better managed

    Pam Moore Voth asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for this feedback. Adding resources to improve maintenance for trails, especially as the City grows its trails network, is an important consideration in improving the level of service offered by the City of Welland to its residents. Alternative methods of maintaining and enhancing trails may be considered as the CTS is implemented in the coming years.

  • Share What happens when council changes in the next few years and they possibly decide to cancel this expensive project because of funding? How can you guarantee that your 20 year plan will be completed in it's entirety and that we aren't left with a random rarely used path that will go to rack and ruin? No government should plan for 20 years down the road. This use of funds both federally and municipally is irresponsible. The federal funds should be respectfully declined and the municipal funds put to better use, particularly in this time of inflation and rising costs. on Facebook Share What happens when council changes in the next few years and they possibly decide to cancel this expensive project because of funding? How can you guarantee that your 20 year plan will be completed in it's entirety and that we aren't left with a random rarely used path that will go to rack and ruin? No government should plan for 20 years down the road. This use of funds both federally and municipally is irresponsible. The federal funds should be respectfully declined and the municipal funds put to better use, particularly in this time of inflation and rising costs. on Twitter Share What happens when council changes in the next few years and they possibly decide to cancel this expensive project because of funding? How can you guarantee that your 20 year plan will be completed in it's entirety and that we aren't left with a random rarely used path that will go to rack and ruin? No government should plan for 20 years down the road. This use of funds both federally and municipally is irresponsible. The federal funds should be respectfully declined and the municipal funds put to better use, particularly in this time of inflation and rising costs. on Linkedin Email What happens when council changes in the next few years and they possibly decide to cancel this expensive project because of funding? How can you guarantee that your 20 year plan will be completed in it's entirety and that we aren't left with a random rarely used path that will go to rack and ruin? No government should plan for 20 years down the road. This use of funds both federally and municipally is irresponsible. The federal funds should be respectfully declined and the municipal funds put to better use, particularly in this time of inflation and rising costs. link

    What happens when council changes in the next few years and they possibly decide to cancel this expensive project because of funding? How can you guarantee that your 20 year plan will be completed in it's entirety and that we aren't left with a random rarely used path that will go to rack and ruin? No government should plan for 20 years down the road. This use of funds both federally and municipally is irresponsible. The federal funds should be respectfully declined and the municipal funds put to better use, particularly in this time of inflation and rising costs.

    L Hodgson asked over 1 year ago

    Investing in Trails throughout the City of Welland is identified as a strategic priority for the City, as outlined in the Council-approved Community Trails Strategy, which was developed to directly align with the City's existing planning documents, including the Official Plan, Recreation Master Plan and more. 

    The design and construction of these trails was approved by a City Council vote authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Federal Government to access the funding from the City's successful Federal Active Transportation Fund grant. 

    A City Council vote to revisit a decision would require a 2/3 majority vote. Returning the funding from the federal government is an available option should the City pursue this course of action, but the City would be responsible for all costs incurred related to this project to date.