What's Up, Welland?

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 us up for upcoming discussions around operating and capital budgets, the City’s nine-year financial forecast, and our asset management plan.

Public engagement is absolutely essential for making sure the budget reflects Welland’s needs, so all residents are encouraged to share the feedback that’ll shape the priorities and decisions.

Learning about the budget and getting involved starts by listening here and visiting https://www.engagewelland.ca/2025budget. 

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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 across Niagara.

From the transformative power of mentorship to the life-changing relationships that mentors and mentees experience, we’re exploring just how impactful Big Brothers Big Sisters is in Welland and all Niagara’s municipalities. And the timing couldn’t be better, with the entire month of September dedicated to recognizing and celebrating an organization that invests in the future generation.

If you’ve thought about becoming a mentor, you’ll discover how you can get involved and make a difference. And if you’re interested in learning even more, you’ll want to visit www.bbbsniagara.ca.

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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, foster partnerships, and bring fresh ideas to life, all while enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Welland.

For all the details, key dates, and information on how to apply, everything is conveniently available at www.engagewelland.ca/community-grant-program.

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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 collaborative solutions, Mayor Campion discusses how these AMO dialogues with the government’s ministries make a difference for the projects that matter most to Welland.

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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 coordinator, is here to preview the diverse offerings, highlight what’s in store, and encourage everyone to pick up a hobby, learn something new, and meet friends along the way.

Program information and easy online registration is right here: https://www.welland.ca/wwc/programRegistration.asp

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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.engagewelland.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 onboarding practices, and offers a glimpse into a career firefighter’s future of growth and development. 

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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 enjoy fireworks and when those colourful bursts in the sky are permitted.

For fireworks safety information, visit www.welland.ca/Fire/PreventionSafety.asp.

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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 participate in how this plan will shape Welland’s future as a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant city.

Nick Aiello, policy planning supervisor, is here to explain how we got here, what the process looks like, and the value of residents getting engaged and sharing their feedback and suggestions.

To learn more about the plan, follow the process, and offer comments, visit City of Welland Official Plan Update.

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

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 ramp to teaching steps, this redesigned facility boasts a range of features for the needs and abilities of everyone seeking a spot to cool off and enjoy an afternoon. 

You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast