Does this ‘rebranding’ mean that finally decision makers will see Welland for all its unrecognized potential. As a place where people can take advantage of an amazing waterway through it’s central core, is yet to be utilized in the downtown core as a place for people to gather/socialize/ go for a stroll… not just on the island, but along the walkways on either side of the canal & have places for people to gather along the way for…. refreshments in the Spring & Summer. Benches to sit & converse upon. Lit pathways & the other two bridges(Division St & Lincoln St,) be light up in the evenings. Reasons people wd want to take a walk to the downtown core & canal walkway & park. Not only when a band is playing. Attracting unique business where people might enjoy looking through, which are not those big box stores that basically carry the same items. Unique stores that will attract tourists who are in the city for tournaments. Tourists from ‘around the globe’ who visit the Falls … only 20min away! There is SO MUCH Potential!! Lost examples of European downtown cores. Some are closed off to traffic during certain times to encourage people to walk/talk/sip a cup of something while sitting outside & relaxing. Stroll through downtown shop’s & restaurants. Again… much potential! I grew up in Welland… left for 30+ yrs. Have now returned, yes there are a few new restaurants that are trying their best on East/West Main Streets, my heart breaks at how Welland has fallen behind. I am sure that council can put individual differences aside& work together for the City we ALL Love & Respect. A city that stays relatively stagnant for so long, forgets how to move forward & that its citizens realize that there is life elsewhere. The new test that Welland has acquired over the last few years need a reason to stay. Cheaper housing than elsewhere will not keep those, especially who have moved here to retire or raise their families in a more affordable home, here for very long! Again… I & many of those I have spoke w feel that if these things are not acted upon quickly… our potential for making this city something extra special will have come & gone.

"City of Welland" or "The Rose City" is our communities brand name, one that is irreplaceable. Whether you change the logo, use a different font, or actively describe our community in expanded detail, it will always be the City of Welland. A place of leisure, activity, nature, sports, recreation, and local business. Known well across the globe for our exceptional variety of pizza parlors, beautiful recreational waterway, the only "free" place in Ontario with a Scuba Park, and our only iconic brand symbol, the light up Bridge 13. (Either that or the Rose) In what way do we plan on changing any of that, in which we take so much pride in, as well as are known for across the map? Changing identity is a growing discussion in many areas of society, but Welland's identity speaks for itself no matter how we try to word it.

This city council along with Regional council neither has the mental capacity nor the spirit capability to fight to keep Niagara green. What do they care if the songbirds are no longer here. You need wetlands for red-wing blackbirds. Do you think turning Niagara into a city of cement and glass is what the Niagara brand represents? If you want Niagara to be different then be different. This ain't Campbells Soup where you change the label and become more than what you are. You are what you are and Welland is a rust belt city of a post-industrial era. Thank goodness we have the Metro train. It takes us into the future on the other side of the skyway.