Welland, Ontario, a city nestled in the heart of the Niagara Region, is a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future. Known as the place where rails and water meet, Welland is a city that has grown and developed around the Welland Canal and Welland River. With a population of 55,750 as of 2021, Welland is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
The history of Welland, Ontario dates back to 1788 when the area was settled by United Empire Loyalists. These settlers were granted land by the Crown as compensation for their losses during the American Revolutionary War. The city's development was significantly influenced by the extension of the First Welland Canal in 1833, which connected Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
The city was initially known as Merrittsville, named after William Hamilton Merritt, the initiator of the Welland Canal project. However, it was renamed Welland when it was incorporated on July 25, 1858, and later became a city in 1917.
Welland's industrial growth was spurred by the establishment of the Plymouth Cordage Company in 1906. By the 1930s, Welland had become an important industrial city in the region. The city continued to grow and evolve, with the Welland By-Pass project in the 1960s moving the Welland Canal from downtown Welland to the city's outskirts.
Today, the City of Welland is focused on revitalizing the downtown core through a community improvement plan, promoting revitalization and redevelopment.
According to the 2021 census, Welland, Ontario is a diverse city with a population of 55,750 living in 23,656 of its 24,530 total private dwellings. The city has a land area of 81.16 km2, resulting in a population density of 686.9/km2.
The majority of the population is white/European (87.0%), with visible minorities making up 8.7% of the population and Indigenous people accounting for 4.3%. The largest visible minority groups include Black, South Asian, Latin American, Filipino, Southeast Asian, and Chinese.
English is the mother tongue for 80.2% of residents, with French being the first language for 7.2% of the population. Other non-official languages spoken include Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, Polish, Korean, German, and Chinese languages.
Welland, Ontario is located in the centre of south Niagara. The city has grown significantly over the years, with urban growth uniting the northwest part of Welland with the community of Fonthill. The Welland Canal and Welland River divide the city, creating a distinct east side and west side.
The city also includes several distinct communities, including Cooks Mills and Dain City, each with their own unique histories and characteristics. A notable geographic feature is the Merritt Island, a strip of land created when the First Welland Canal was constructed parallel to the Welland River.
Welland, Ontario experiences a humid continental climate typical of the Great Lakes region. The city experiences cold, snowy winters, mild, wet springs, warm to hot, humid summers, and cool, wet falls. The winter is the driest season, while autumn is the wettest.
Welland, Ontario is home to several notable parks, including Chippawa Park, Memorial Park, and Merritt Island Park. The city also boasts the Welland Canal Parkway Trail, a paved recreational path that follows alongside the Welland ship and Recreational Canals.
Welland, Ontario is well-served by a variety of transportation options. The Welland Canal, linking Lake Ontario with Lake Erie, is a significant transportation mode for the city. The city is also served by Highway 406, which provides easy access to Thorold, St. Catharines, and beyond.
Welland has a rich railway history, with several railway lines passing through the city. Today, Welland is the location of one of only two remaining railway crossings that span the Welland Canal.
The closest airport to Welland is the Welland/Niagara Central Airport, although most air travellers use Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, or Hamilton's John C. Munro International Airport.
Public transit in Welland is provided by Niagara Region Transit, which acquired Welland Transit in 2023.
Welland, Ontario is a city that knows how to celebrate. From the Concerts on the Canal series to the Welland Rose Festival, the city hosts a variety of events that promote community participation and enjoyment. Other notable events include the Welland Dragon Boat Festival, Welland FloatFest, and the Welland Zombie Walk.
Welland's cultural scene has also gained national attention, with the city's Seaway Mall featuring in a viral flash mob video in 2010. The city was also the filming location for the first scene of the movie Meatballs, featuring actor Bill Murray.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Welland, Ontario has something to offer everyone. Come and discover the charm and vibrancy of this unique city in the heart of Niagara.
