He says implementation of Welland’s CIP (community improvement plans and financial incentives) programs have generated $1,152,188 in private sector investment down- town, which has successfully improved the area, providing more business opportunity and an improved community centre. “Our successful Gateway Incentives resulted in in- creased employment opportunities.” Welland is also within the newly federally designated Foreign Free Trade Zone. This incentive program provides trade incentives to businesses involved in international trade. Other local projects include new Provincial Offences Act Courts and the Royal Rose Place Long Term Care Facility which is nearing completion. The city’s Waterfront Devel- opment Project and the Niagara St. reconstruction/infra- structure projects are also in the works. Campion says these projects and Welland’s ongoing growth have made the city a significant regional centre. “Part of our strategic plan focus is development of the recreational canal waterfront currently still in planning,” he said. “It is expected that the plan will result in a waterfront component to the downtown core among other things. The first phase of waterfront improvement was the decorative lighting of the East Main Street Bridge.” Other strategic plan components focus on sewer sepa- ration and improved hard services infrastructure. Campion says there will be less sewer infiltration, thereby reducing ratepayer costs. Welland is also revamping its communications and pub- lic engagement processes through a new, interactive web- site expected to launch in the fall. “Corporate communications has been improved and a 21 X 11 ft. LED screen is being installed in our downtown civic square… creating a miniature version of Yonge/Dundas Square.” In other areas, he says the city’s building division issued 27.7 per cent more new housing permits last year over the previous five-year average, in part because of four new sub- divisions that either have or will be starting construction in 2016. Also within the city is Niagara College, a premier post- secondary educational facility, which draws residents, stu- dents, as well as business. “The college’s ability to design programs around business needs, their Innovation Centres and the recent addition of the Advanced Manufacturing Pro- gram are very attractive to business.” Campion says residents also enjoy vibrant recreational and leisure opportunities. “Welland’s 7 km recreational wa- terway, which dissects the city, provides a venue for inter- national flatwater events such as the Pan Am Games, and also enables residents to use the waterway for kayak, canoe and other water related activities. This is enhanced by our Merritt Island which provides a natural area for walk- ing, hiking, biking, picnicking and so on.” Sports facilities include a baseball stadium and the 2,250-seat Welland Arena. The Welland Community Well- ness Complex (WCWC) is a central facility providing a vari- ety of programs for all ages, including a therapeutic pool. Welland is also part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route, which enables visitors with cars and bicycles to experience the Welland Canal from one end of the peninsula to the other. “Our central location in the region makes travel throughout the area simple and quick so those living and working in the region can enjoy convenient access. Our proximity to international border crossings is good for trav- ellers and businesses involved in import/export.” Campion says Welland has a variety of interesting neigh- bourhoods. “Diverse neighbourhoods enhanced by beauti- ful and functional parkland with 7 km of waterfront running though the centre of the city make Welland a unique com- bination of eclectic urban life.” For more information, visit http://welland.ca. WELLAND/NIAGARA GATEWAY ECONOMIC ZONE & CENTRE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) The Gateway CIP provides financial incentives to property owners who revitalize, strengthen and diversify the economy in Welland by promoting private sector investment, development, redevelopment and construction activity on employment lands in the Gateway CIP Project Area which includes all employment lands (both strategic and non-strategic locations for investment) within the urban area of the City. In partnership with the Niagara Region, three Incentive Programs are available through the Gateway CIP: • The Tax Increment Based Grant Program (TIBG); • The Development Charge Grant Program (currently both the Region of Niagara and the City of Welland offer a 100% ex- emption in Development Charges); • City of Welland Planning Application Fee Grant Program (available in Strategic Locations for Investment) For further details and information, please refer to the Gateway CIP, the Program Guide and the Applications at www.welland.ca/Development/CIPPlans_Incentives.asp CONTACT INFORMATION Dan Degazio, Director of Economic Development Tel: 1-800-735-3771 or 905-735-1700; ext. 2110 Fax: 905-735-1543 Economic Development Office, Corporation of the City of Welland 60 East Main Street, Welland, ON L3B 3X4 Email: dan.degazio@welland.ca The Canadian Design and Construction Report — July - August 2016 – 25