TOP 40 COMMUNITIES: WELLAND, ONTARIO Where rails and water meet . . . Welland thrives with industrial development and expanding housing, recreational and community opportunities Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Located in the center of Niagara in southern Ontario, Welland has traditionally been known as the “place where rails and water meet,” referring to railways to the U.S. and other parts of Ontario and to the Welland Canal and River. Mayor Frank Campion says the city has begun a dynamic renaissance which is seeing renewed interest and growth in both the residential and employment sectors. “Our city’s competitive advantages are numerous and fi- nancially advantageous to those looking to invest and/or re- side,” he says. “We are proud of our many physical, cultural, educational, historical and human assets. Our bal- anced approach to responsible growth and maintenance of pleasurable lifestyle make Welland the place to be in 2016 and beyond.” 24 – July - August 2016 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report Campion says GE (General Electric) Canada’s recent an- nouncement that it is constructing a new 450,000 sq. ft. plant in Welland, creating 150 jobs, has put the city on the global investment map. He says the city will take advantage of this growth and the availability of serviced industrial lands, combined with its Economic Gateway Zone incentive, to attract GE supply chain companies, as well as to provide partnership and ex- pansion opportunities for local companies. “This benefits our local economy, provides job opportu- nities and assists in partnerships with Niagara College for training and product development with the private sector. Spin-off opportunities from this will substantially boost our local economy.” The city has an aggressive economic development team with cross-platform personnel, ensuring rapid and accurate information dissemination, including planning and zoning, infrastructure and engineering information, from a single contact point. Campion says the city’s proactive building department also works with industry and developers to ensure fast turn- around on permits. “Welland has ample affordable, serv- iced, shovel ready industrial and residential properties available and we are leading the way in providing a pleas- urable, dynamic lifestyle while successfully improving our local economy and employment.” The city also offers the Niagara Gateway Economic Zone Incentive Program – a financial incentive based on the size of an industrial development/increase in assessed value of the property, number of employees and green initiative components. The program provides waiving of fees/devel- opment charges and an incremental tax break of up to 100 per cent on the increase in assessed value. The actual amounts are based on a scoring matrix.