December 2021

Welland Firehouse Subs now open; third restaurant for family in Niagara

Brothers Purvang and Pete Patel and their cousin Vishal Patel opened the third Firehouse Subs location in Niagara at 905 Niagara St. in Welland Friday FIREHOUSE SUBS Firehouse Subs‘ 48th Canadian location opened in Welland Friday. Located at 905 Niagara St., the franchise marks the fourth owned and opened by brothers Purvang and Pete Patel and their cousin Vishal Patel. “As we open up our fourth location, we’re thrilled to have assisted in growing the brand across Ontario,” said Purvang in a release. READ MORE:

Limited Bridge 13 Whisky another nod to Welland, says distillery owner

In another nod to its new home, a limited edition, handcrafted aged whisky will bear the name Bridge 13, says Welland-based NB Distillers owner Neeraj Bakshi. The whisky will join the small-batch craft distiller’s Rose City Gin, released in June. The gin features 14 botanicals and a touch of India with ginger and red peppercorn that hits at the end of a sip. “When this company formed, there were two barrels of whisky kept aside for aging. We opened them on Oct. 1,” said Bakshi from the distillery’s retail shop in Unit 1, 36 Darte Dr. READ MORE:

NB Distillers owner Neeraj Bakshi holds a poster showing its upcoming releases — Bridge 13 Whisky and Red Admiral Cardamom Vodka. The whisky is a limited release of 600 bottles. DAVE JOHNSON / TORSTAR

Residential building permits in Welland on pace to doubling in 2021 compared to last year

The Grand Canal Retirement Residence is nearing completion along the east bank of the Welland Recreational Canal. JULIE JOCSAK / TORSTAR

A projection made last year by city planning staff that the number of residential building permits given in Welland in 2021 would be double the amount from 2020 is on its way to becoming an accurate forecast. By the end of 2020, Welland had hit a new residential development record of 519 units for the year, following previous single-year records of 474 units in 2019 and 401 units built in 2018. The city added a record of more than $200 million in building permit construction value for the year. READ MORE:

Welland's residential boom is 'not all retired people': mayor Campion

Nearly two full years of pandemic have changed the way business operates in Welland, but that doesn’t mean it’s slowed things down. “Nothing has stopped, it’s just delivered differently. We’re not out of the woods yet,” said Welland Mayor Frank Campion during his virtual fall update on Oct. 28, hosted by the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce. “But as we start to exit the pandemic, looking back at the last two years and seeing what’s been going on in the city, despite the pandemic, the city has been busy. It’s been moving forward with a lot of different plans.”

Welland mayor Frank Campion gave his fall update on the state of the city as is moves out of the pandemic. CITY OF WELLAND PHOTO READ MORE:

Urban boundary expansion in northwest Welland could result in more than 1,800 new residential units

Close to 2,000 residential units could go up in northwest Welland in coming years as a result of an urban boundary expansion. The change saw an additional 190 hectares of land included in the boundary, with 125 hectares designated for residential development. Currently, 23 hectares of residential properties already exist in that part of the city. READ MORE:

A property on Quaker Road in Welland ready for development. KRIS DUBE / TORSTAR

Tesla rental, smart technology part of new Welland housing units

From left, Drew Toth of Elevate Living Niagara, Welland economic development manager Lina DeChellis, Mayor Frank Campion and HÖM Residential founder Clive Lobo break ground at the future site of a six-storey, 129-unit building at 697-699 Niagara St. DAVE JOHNSON / TORSTAR Residents of a six-storey, 129-unit building on Welland’s Niagara Street will have access to a Tesla 3 and shared electric scooters and bicycles when they move in, says developer/builder Drew Toth. They’ll also be able to access and control HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, and enter the building, one of two going up at 697-699 Niagara St., via smartphones. Toth, of Elevate Living Niagara, along with HÖM Residential, Better Neighbourhoods planners, Brouwer Construction and others were on site Monday to break ground for construction. READ MORE:

Welland's Maple Park getting a $400,000 makeover; aging washroom facility to be replaced

A 60-year-old washroom that doesn’t meet accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act standards will be replaced as the city spends more than $400,000 to upgrade Welland’s Maple Park. DAVE JOHNSON / TORSTAR FILE PHOTO A 60-year-old washroom that doesn’t meet accessibility standards under the Ontarians Disabilities Act will be replaced, as the city spends more than $400,000 to upgrade Welland’s Maple Park. “The project includes three pieces. The construction of new, accessible washrooms and separate storage space, the installation of a hard-surface pathway to the washrooms from the adjacent splash pad and nearby (Clare) street, and enhanced beautification of the area for safe outdoor play,” said director of community services Rob Axiak. READ MORE:

City of Welland waives businesses licence fees again for 2022

The City of Welland is waiving license fees for 2022 to continue to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city will also continue to permit temporary patios, like the one beside Mr. Mikes Steakhouse on Niagara Street, and outdoor displays. DAVE JOHNSON / TORSTAR Welland is waiving license fees for 2022 to continue to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuesday, city councillors unanimously supported a staff recommendation to waive the fees, except for fire inspections, for the second year in a row. Last year, it waived fees and refunded those already paid. The city issues approximately 300 business licences a year. READ MORE:

Retired Welland economic development officer Dan Degazio honoured for his work

Welland’s former economic development officer Dan Degazio was recently honoured for his work over the past few decades. JULIE JOCSAK / TORSTAR FILE PHOTO Even though Dan Degazio retired as Welland’s economic development officer in the spring, his work is being recognized by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO). Degazio, who spent 30 years as a city councillor and employee, was named in the EDCO’s top 10. The honour is awarded to an individual who demonstrated overall excellence in the economic development profession and delivered local initiatives that resulted in a positive impact in their respective community, a city news release said. READ MORE: 

Housing development at Seaway Mall has building heights lowered

Idrakoth Ltd. will fund or build a new transit terminal at Seaway Mall as it develops six hectares of land on the Niagara Street north property, Welland city council heard recently. The developer is proposing 1,300 housing units on the northeast corner of the mall and will tear down the former Target store as part of the project. The project will feature internal streets, parks, small-scale commercial uses and a mix of buildings including townhouses, two-unit dwellings and accessory dwelling units.

A developer proposing to build 1,300 housing units on six hectares of land at Seaway Mall, including the former Target store, has lowered the planned heights of apartment buildings. JULIE JOCSAK / TORSTAR READ MORE:

Welland to allow short-term rentals like Airbnb; properties subject to licensing and fees

Short-term rentals in Welland through online platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo and Flipkey will be regulated and licensed in early 2022. That comes after city council approved zoning changes to allow short-term rental accommodations as a secondary use in residential, agricultural, and institutional zones and the principal use of dwellings in commercial zones that allow residential uses. Tuesday, councillors also approved the definition of short-term rentals, which were not permitted in the city but already existed.

Short-term rentals in Welland through online platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo and Flipkey will be regulated and licensed in early 2022. DREAMSTIME PHOTO READ MORE:

Brownfield lands in Welland to undergo environment assessments under community improvement program

The owners of 450 Major St. were successful in applying to the City of Welland’s environmental study grant program under its brownfield community improvement program. The funds will be used to carry out a Phase 2 environmental site assessment on the land. DAVE JOHNSON / TORSTAR Welland Ward 4 Coun. Bryan Green is excited to see what will become of three properties in the city now that they’ve been granted funding to carry out environmental assessments. The three include 450 Major St., 154 Riverside Dr. and Drew Street at Kline’s Avenue and were cited in a quarterly report to council on community improvement plan incentive applications. “Some good brownfield lands that may get some attention,” said Green last week. READ MORE:

Adding to fleet an important step for Welland Transit

Welland transit buses making their way along East Main Street. KRIS DUBE / TORSTAR FILE PHOTO Addressing a shortage of buses will be a step taken by Welland Transit when it receives its portion of $345 million the provincial government has committed to municipal transportation systems. The province made an announcement last week that it will be providing cash infusions to transit operators across Ontario. Welland Transit manager Edward Zahra said it’s too early to know what the city’s portion of this amount will be. “Right now, our fleet is the most important (concern),” he said, noting Welland Transit has 25 conventional buses and at least three more would be ideal when service resumes at a much higher capacity than the 31 per cent it is operating at now. READ MORE:

New fire stations shaping up, says Welland Fire Chief Adam Eckhart

Welland Fire and Emergency Services’ new Station 1 headquarters at 400 East Main St. is shaping up, says Chief Adam Eckhart. DAVE JOHNSON / TORSTAR Chief Adam Eckhart can’t wait for construction on Welland Fire and Emergency Services’ new headquarters to finish. “Let’s cut the ribbon and get in there,” he said. He said the new Station 1 headquarters at 400 East Main St. and Station 2 at 636 King St. are shaping up, despite schedule revisions caused by delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. READ MORE:

"Spotlight On" looks at Welland's new and existing businesses, providing a glimpse into what makes them a staple in the community.

Type of Business: Restaurant Started in Welland: 1993 Number of Employees: 55 December's Spotlight is on MT Bellies Tap & Grill. With a clever name, inviting atmosphere, and diverse menu, M.T. Bellies has welcomed guests and satisfied diners with big food and big fun since 1993. John and Rebecca Clark are the husband-and-wife team who recognized Welland’s need for a casual dining establishment, developing the family-friendly M.T. Bellies brand. Through several remodels and renovations, Rebecca is instrumental in the unique design and character of the restaurant, always preserving a sense of warmth, comfort and fun that visitors enjoy. Staying on top of consumer trends and tastes, John and the team continue to create delectable menu options from traditional pub fare to signature dishes and drinks.

In addition to a welcoming and lively customer service experience, M.T. Bellies offers: Seasonal activities and events Online ordering Group catering for meetings and special functions READ MORE:

Type of Business: Heating & Air Conditioning Started in Welland: 2009 Number of Employees: 20 November's Spotlight is Enviro-Niagara Group. Since 2009 the family-operated Enviro-Niagara Group has grown from one truck and a single toolbox into a thriving business with a fleet of six vehicles, a diverse range of home comfort products and services, and a stunning fireplace and barbeque showroom. Originating in Welland, the Enviro-Niagara brand was developed in 2013 and has continued to expand, with staff and technicians specializing in heating and cooling systems, keeping them working efficiently, and delivering quality value to clients. The first brick-and-mortar location opened in 2016 and was soon renovated and expanded by 2017. In early 2020 they opened a second retail location in Port Colborne before the pandemic. Available services include: Sales, service and installation of all things heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) Residential and commercial duct cleaning Indoor air quality protection and treatment Fireplace sales, service and installation BBQ grills, smokers, and a range of accessories, sauces and rubs READ MORE: Type of Business: Florist Started in Welland: 1923 Number of Employees: 7 October's Spotlight is Goodan's Florist. Goodman’s Florist first bloomed in Welland in the early 1920s. Like the heartiest of plants, this family owned business has continued growing, proudly serving the community for over 98 years. The original store opened at 350 King Street in 1923. People could expect to pay $3 to $7 for most arrangements when the doors first opened. This was also a time when local families struggling to manage sudden funeral expenses could barter and trade homegrown or homemade goods to commemorate a lost, beloved family member. The business moved to 42 Division Street in the late 1940s. For 70 years, the flower shop was a fixture in the City’s bustling downtown. A creative and friendly team of florists rely on daily deliveries of fresh flowers and foliage to design and expertly handcraft bouquets and meaningful gifts. In addition to exceptional customer service, available specialty floral services include: Arrangements for weddings and graduations Corporate and holiday events Sympathy and funeral arrangements Flowers and plants for feel better wishes and “just because” occasions Hand deliveries to guarantee satisfaction READ MORE:

Contact: Lina DeChellis, Manager, Economic Development Corporation of the City of Welland Telephone: 905-735-1700 ext 2110 or 1-800-735-3771  Fax:905-735-1543  [email protected]  www.madeinwelland.ca About Us: City of Welland Economic Development Office 60 East Main St. Welland, Ontario L3B 3X4 905-735-3771 www.madeinwelland.ca

WELLAND/NIAGARA GATEWAY ECONOMIC ZONE & CENTRE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) The Gateway CIP provides financial incentives to property owners who revitalize, strengthen and diversify the economy in Welland by promoting private sector investment, development, redevelopment and construction activity on employment lands in the Gateway CIP Project Area which includes all employment lands (both strategic and non-strategic locations for investment) within the urban area of the City.

In partnership with the Niagara Region, three Incentive Programs are available through the Gateway CIP. The Tax Increment Based Grant Program (TIBG); The Development Charge Grant Program (currently both the Region of Niagara and the City of Welland offer a 100% exemption in Development Charges); City of Welland Planning Application Fee Grant Program (available in Strategic locations for Investment.