What's Up, Welland?

When words for an episode description won’t compare to the rich conversation, you simply encourage folks to listen. Ashleigh Doyle, manager of marketing and communications, and Alyson Montovani-Ozaki, development officer of annual giving, share much awareness about United Way Niagara and the upcoming Period Promise campaign. And not only that, they open the door to more conversations about the org...

When a return visit with Niagara Nutrition Partners coincides with National Volunteer Week, the conversation is sure to be celebratory, insightful, and uplifting. Not only do we get added awareness about the organization’s nourishing programs and inspiring initiatives, but we get to recognize the scores of incredible volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference. As a truly special bonus, we...

A follow up episode about the Welland Museum means another opportunity to satisfy our historical and cultural curiosity. This time we’re shifting the focus and exploring the immersive programs, educational experiences, and interactive camps that are curated for kids and adults to enjoy. Lisa Mooney, executive director, returns to expand our awareness of how much the museum offers beyond the collec...

Get ready to soak up invaluable insights about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s important role in monitoring and communicating seasonal risks of flooding across our watershed. From flood monitoring and forecasting to proactive measures to follow, Ryan Kitchen, flood risk management officer, and Erika Navarro, communications specialist, help us understand how the NPCA’s flood awarenes...

When a first-time guest brings awareness of their organization to What’s Up, Welland?, it’s a given there is much to talk about. Get ready to meet Community Crew and learn who they are, what they do, and where their efforts are felt in Welland. Primed to provide some backstory and share the ambitious ideas, plans, and hopes for now and into the future is Stephen Cooper, executive director. It’s ti...

Grab your library card for another look into what’s happening at the Welland Public Library. Today’s guests have us delving into the local history resources that are collected and carefully cultivated, and looking ahead at the assortment of new collections that continue to expand the library of things. From a revamped local history section on the website to interactive items that appeal to all age...

It’s time to get charged for a chat about lithium-ion batteries and fire safety. From smartphones to scooters, computers to cameras, these powerful energy sources are everywhere in our everyday lives. So, let’s learn how to handle them safely. As an emerging topic in the world of fire safety, we know just who to call. Fire prevention officer and Viddy Award winner Michael Atkins shares important i...

We are many things at the City of Welland — creative, innovative, supportive. We also proudly embrace and encourage an inclusive culture of diverse perspectives. As we look forward to celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s a true honour to share stories from one of the women setting an inspiring example of outstanding leadership. Tara Stephens, City clerk, generously offers insight...

Just because we’re in one season doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to another one. Especially when it’s a season of fun, sun, and summer camp. Here in Welland, we offer outstanding summer camp options, and we know just who to call to get the scoop. Laura Chatterton, recreation co-ordinator, is ready to stoke the excitement and share what parents need to know for getting their kiddos registered – hi...

You’re in for an educational episode as we get to know an organization that’s supporting Niagara’s learning landscape. The Education Foundation of Niagara follows an inspired mandate to remove barriers to learning in District School Board of Niagara schools, extending a helping hand to students and educators alike. Wolfgang Guembel, executive director, shines a light on how the foundation operates...

You’re in for an informative and potentially life-saving episode of What’s Up, Welland? as we welcome back Nicole Pilote, supervisor of aquatics and recreation programs, who also happens to be a seasoned expert in water safety. And, since water safety is a year-round practice, we’re talking about the risks and precautions we can take when venturing on or near the Welland Recreational Canal. From p...

Care to guess who are guaranteed to bring the joy when joining us for an episode of What’s Up, Welland? Amanda Braet and Andrea DiCenso from Birchway Niagara, that’s who! As ardent advocates assisting those in our community, it’s our pleasure to welcome them back. Whether it’s continuing to share Birchway’s mission, educating us about impactful events, or brightening the day with off-air conversat...

We may know what a museum is by definition, but we’re here to tell you to put your jump to conclusions mat away because what you may not know is that the Welland Museum offers far more than a jaunt through the past. With interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages – you can try stuff on! – and a curated approach focussing on Welland’s history, this is the right place to discover how we got here a...

Whether you're out and about braving the winter chill or comfortably sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, we've got you covered with the latest information on how the City’s dedicated Public Works team is working hard to keep Welland safe and accessible during these winter months. James Sticca, manager of public works, is back on What’s Up, Welland? to share insights into our winter opera...

Brief pause over, let’s get back to it. We're thrilled to welcome Mayor Frank Campion to kick off a new season of What's Up, Welland? In keeping the streak of season openers alive at three years and counting, Mayor Campion's commitment to Welland and passion for community development make him the perfect guest to set the tone for what’s going to be an incredible year ahead.  But bef...

And just like that, it’s the end of another season of What's Up, Welland? This year seemingly zipped by in a flash, but we’ve got 61 conversations to show that it happened. In true What’s Up, Welland? tradition, we thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories from inside city hall, folks and groups across the Welland community, and a handful of drop-ins with Niagara College. What’s in store for Season...

24,000 students served daily 1,000+ volunteers 200+ elementary and secondary school locations 42 programs in Welland 6 staff The numbers behind Niagara Nutrition Partners are pretty striking. Even more captivating are the stories detailing the connection between nutrition and learning, and the current challenges of sustaining school nutrition programs. Here to highlight the inherent importance of...

Do you have a passion for supporting others? Are you inspired to enhance the well-being of people of all ages? Well, this episode and Niagara College’s School of Community Services are for you. With a home at the Welland campus, Community Services offers a slate of programs to prepare students to support the varying needs of individuals and families, spanning all ages from young children to the el...

When an essential annual process undergoes modifications and inherits a bunch of new words, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to bring back Mayor Frank Campion for a clarifying conversation. The newly legislated Strong Mayor Powers mean the City of Welland’s mayor is responsible for bringing forward a municipal budget, the crucial document that guides staff on allocating the community’s tax d...

A new mental health walk-in clinic at Seaway Mall. An overwhelmingly generous and supportive turnout for the Hope Gala. An in full swing Project Plaid campaign that encourages us to talk openly about mental health. An update on the recently opened River House in the city of Welland. It’s undeniable that Pathstone Mental Health is active and committed to being there for children and youth in Niagar...

Remembrance Day holds profound significance as a time to honour and reflect upon the sacrifices made by military personnel who served in times of war. Today, Marc and Paul take a trip down a personal path, reflecting on the immediate connections to the day. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and selflessness displayed by those who fought for freedom. It is a moment for collective...

Today is National Indigenous Veterans’ Day, a day for commemorating the accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans who have served to protect Canada. Karl Dockstader, Indigenous cultural consultant with Niagara College’s Indigenous Education Centre, returns to share stories, offer insights, and encourage actions that compel our ongoing journey of understanding. Toda...

We like written words and could easily expound on what today’s episode is all about. We could also simply suggest you listen to hosts Marc and Paul banter about a What’s Up, Welland? milestone. The latter it is. You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.welland.ca/podcast/

After more than 30 years, the first Saturday in November is well-known in Welland as the day for the city-wide Welland Food Drive. This is when the community comes together in generous support of restocking the depleted shelves of the city’s food banks. At a time when The Hope Centre, Open Arms Mission, and Salvation Army continue to serve an alarming number of visitors and families struggling for...

As a thriving community for students and employees to learn and work, Niagara College recognizes that a variety of perspectives is necessary to foster and sustain a welcoming and inclusive culture. But it doesn’t stop there.  NC is committed to ensuring their environment is equitable, diverse, and inclusive. Understanding that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are shared responsibilities is a...