| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2026
Welland, ON – Welland City Council approved the updated Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan, establishing a roadmap to guide future investments in parks, recreation facilities, trails, programs, and cultural spaces as the city continues to grow.
With Welland’s population increasing faster than originally projected, demand for parks, trails, recreation facilities, and community programs continues to rise. The update serves as the five-year review of the City’s 10-year Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan, ensuring Welland remains prepared to meet evolving community needs while maintaining the high-quality spaces and experiences residents rely on every day.
“Parks, recreation, and culture are fundamental to building a healthy, connected, and vibrant community,” said Jennifer McPetrie, director of community services. “This updated master plan gives the City a clear and practical path forward as Welland grows, helping ensure residents of all ages and abilities continue to have access to the spaces, programs, and opportunities that support quality of life.”
The plan reflects extensive community engagement and strong public support for continued investment in parks, recreation, and culture. Residents identified trails and active transportation, recreational canal opportunities, natural and green spaces, and inclusive programming as key priorities.
The updated master plan also recognizes parks and recreation as essential infrastructure that supports physical and mental well-being, social connection, and a strong sense of community. In addition to identifying future opportunities, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining existing assets and making responsible investments that can be sustained over the long term.
As part of the five-year review, the City found that more than 90 per cent of the recommendations identified in the original master plan have been completed or are currently underway, demonstrating its commitment to delivering on priorities identified by residents and Council.
The City will use the approved Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan to help guide future planning and investment decisions as it continues building a connected, active, and inclusive community. The complete master plan is available online at https://www.welland.ca/RecCulture/pdf/WellandPRCMasterPlan.pdf |
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| For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Orlando Communications Specialist 905-735-1700 x2133 |
