What's Up, Welland?

We’re keeping the 2025 budget process conversation going with a chat about the capital budget. Anka Vuksan Scott is ready to help us understand this specific element of Welland’s municipal budget. All the essential information about the budget, and the opportunity to ask questions, is available at www.engagewelland.ca/2025budget . You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.wellan...

We’re returning to the Welland Farmers Market for a catch up on one season and a preview of the fresh happenings for fall. Back to chat vendors, activities, and events for all ages is Justin Beaulieu, market attendant and customer service clerk. Before paying a Saturday morning visit to one of Niagara’s oldest markets, check it out at www.welland.ca/market .  You can catch all past episodes and le...

Our series of focused episodes about Welland’s 2025 budget process starts with a look at the operating budget. Bringing us the understandable insights about our municipal budget is Anka Vuksan Scott, manager of budgets and financial services/deputy treasurer. Learn more about the budget, ask questions, and complete the survey before October 4 at www.engagewelland.ca/2025budget .  You can catch all...

This What’s Up, Welland? is an insightful dive into the power of partnerships and the collaborative spirit that underlies organizations sharing resources and support. Chandra Hardeen, director of community impact, and Alyson Montovani-Ozaki, development officer, annual giving from United Way Niagara are chatting alongside Jessica Stephenson, program manager at Niagara Nutrition Partners. Why are t...

We’re kicking off a special series of episodes focused on our 2025 budget process. Helping us understand what goes into crafting a municipal budget is Anka Vuksan Scott, manager of budgets and financial services/deputy treasurer. What’s a municipal budget? How will this year’s budget be developed? Anka’s got the answers for these important questions, and we’re just getting started. She also sets u...

You’re in for an episode that shines a light on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara and the meaningful services that are shaping the next generation. Chatting with Franklyn Searle, director of development and communications, and Rocco DiPaola, a dedicated mentor, means learning about the organization’s mission and goals, and the mentoring relationships that ignite the potential of young people acr...

As an initiative that supports a broad range of activities, events, and services, the Community Grant Program is sure to enrich the lives of Welland residents. Before eligible applicants can start applying on September 13, we’re learning about the program from Amanda Degazio, manager of business and community service. This chat delves into a grant opportunity that will elevate local projects, fost...

On the heels of returning from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, Mayor Frank Campion is sharing insights from this year’s event. Discover how the City of Welland’s participation in this annual gathering initiates impactful conversations with provincial ministers that translate into tangible benefits for our community. From advocating for local priorities to exploring c...

Before the leaves change and the temperature cools, the City of Welland has a whole lot of programs and activities to keep people active and engaged through the fall and winter months. From fitness programs to aquatic activities, coding classes to artistic endeavours, there are programs suited for all ages to enjoy. Ahead of registration opening on August 28, Laura Chatterton, recreation coordinat...

A guest-less episode means Marc and Paul recap what’s been happening in Welland and look ahead to what’s in store. Hint: it’s a lot of what makes this a great community. You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.welland.ca/podcast/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a career firefighter with Welland Fire and Emergency Services? Are you curious about the onboarding experience that’s in store for new recruits? Well, this is the informative episode that dives into those questions and more. Burt Lamoureux, deputy fire chief, shares keen insights about the department’s recruitment process, highlights the comprehensive...

The skyward spectacle of fireworks is beyond pleasing, but it’s paired with essential safety precautions to consider and follow. And, beyond those safety concerns, there are rules and bylaws about when fireworks may occur in the city of Welland. Matt Richardson, deputy fire chief, and Michael Atkins, fire prevention officer, for Welland Fire and Emergency Services, let us know the safe ways to enj...

An official plan is a core, legislated document that guides a community’s growth. When such a significant document is due for an update, a process is involved, engagement from residents is necessary, and an important opportunity to educate is presented. With the City of Welland currently updating its Official Plan, the time is right to ask questions, share answers, and encourage the community to p...

If there’s an episode to dive into this season, it’s this one. With insights from Nicole Pilote, supervisor of aquatics and recreation programs, and Josh Turriff, recreation programming student, we’re learning more about Welland’s newly renovated Memorial Park pool. From a shallow beach-like area to a deep-end with a diving board and climbing wall, a 50-metre lane swim area with an accessibility r...

City of Welland’s Chief Administrative Officer Rob Axiak is back on What’s Up, Welland? to share the updates and insights about the latest happenings in our community. Tune in to hear Rob discuss exciting new initiatives, ongoing projects, and his observations for Welland’s bright future. Whether it’s relationship building, plans for downtown revitalization, or the everyday hustle and bustle of a...

Each time guests from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority pay us a visit, we’re left with outstanding awareness of the bounty of nature-based opportunities across our watershed. From the conservation areas close to Welland to the ecological diversity within all these areas, from why greenspaces are so important to how we can be mindful and responsible stewards when visiting them, this ric...

Six months have gone somewhere, and the wheels of community development certainly haven’t slowed. From significant development in north Welland to the sparks igniting downtown revitalization, a wonderful picture book to the value of annual conferences, there’s no one better to catch us up—and help us glance ahead—than Mayor Frank Campion. So, let’s learn what’s been going on and how much Welland h...

Welcome to a What’s Up, Welland? that shares some of the story behind the City’s latest storytelling adventure – Wonders of Welland , an original, illustrated children’s book now available for all to enjoy. From the local landmarks inspiring the vibrant images to the community collaborations that made it all possible, there’s much to be said about this heartwarming project. And who better to hear...

It’s time we paid a visit to our friendly neighbourhood farmers market, and we’ve got the perfect guest to take us on a tour. A fixture in Welland’s downtown since 1907, the Welland Farmers Market is much more than a place to shop – it’s a bustling hub where farmers, families, and friends come together across all seasons in the spirit of community and shopping fresh and local. Justin Beaulieu, the...

If you’re ready to get your groove on by the water, you’ll want to tune into this episode. We’re turning up the volume on this year’s Concerts on the Canal series. One of Welland’s most anticipated summer traditions is back with a rocking lineup of acts and artists that’ll have folks tapping their toes and swaying to the sounds of live music. Aaron Berger brings us the scoop on the summerlong setl...

It’s been just over a year since the organization formerly known as Women’s Place of South Niagara rebranded as Birchway Niagara, and they are thriving. Services continue to expand and they’re reaching and helping more people than ever before. Today, Amanda Braet and Jennifer McQuestion join us to discuss Birchway’s offerings, especially here in Welland, and to highlight their biggest fundraising...

You’re in for an episode that’s rich in all things recreation across the City of Welland. As the sunshine and warm weather beckon us outdoors, today’s guests come inside to run the gamut of what’s available, where to find it, and how many ways folks of all ages can get active on land, in and around the water, or a blend of both. You won’t want to miss Nicole Pilote and Laura Chatterton share their...

When a municipality commits to downtown revitalization, the pivotal place to start is with a visionary and well-informed plan. That’s where the City of Welland finds itself and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Consultants have been chosen, community engagement will soon commence, and a downtown-focussed improvement plan will take shape. Grant Munday, the City’s director of planning and development...

A municipal career spanning more than two decades. A lifetime of lived experience, academic achievements, and professional development. Fresh insights and inspired observations about people, community, and the City of Welland. It’s all in the mix when Jessica Ruddell, director of community services, makes her What’s Up, Welland? debut.  You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www....

Prepare yourself for an episode that’s all about being prepared in the event of an emergency. We can’t control the unexpected or predict when the unforeseen may occur, but with some thought and action beforehand, we can at least be ready. Unsure what that readiness should be? Well, Matt Richardson, deputy fire chief with Welland Fire and Emergency Services, is here with the right advice. And not o...