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News, updates, and so much more…
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City of Welland
For Immediate Release |
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COVID-19 UPDATE: WELLAND TRANSIT CONTINUES SANITIZATION PROTOCOLS |
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Welland, ON – Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Welland Transit has made every effort to keep customers and staff safe from virus transmission. In addition to an extensive daily cleaning schedule, staff have been diligently wiping down all the high touch/contact surfaces with public health-approved sanitizing products. Further to these efforts, the second application of Aegis, an anti-microbial coating, was applied to the entire fleet this week.
The Aegis anti-microbial product is misted onto all surfaces and then wiped off. The material will coat every surface for an entire year, regardless of other cleaning measures undertaken. The anti-microbial agent protects everyone by not allowing any surface area to host a virus. This solution is applied by a trained team that works with all the Transit agencies throughout Ontario to ensure buses, trains, and streetcars are sanitized.
To ensure any possible future waves or variants are dealt with quickly, this second application will ensure the viruses are eliminated effectively for the community’s continued safety.
For more information on City of Welland COVID-19 recovery, visit welland.ca. |
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Today, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, the Honourable Mary Ng, announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications is being extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021.
This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000.
Launched on April 9, 2020, CEBA provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses, to help cover their operating costs—such as rent, utilities and insurance—during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. These loans are partially forgivable as repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of up to 33 percent (up to $20,000).
As of March 18, 2021, more than 850,000 CEBA loans have been approved, representing nearly $45 billion in credit disbursed.
To qualify for CEBA, applicants must meet either the payroll eligibility criteria or they must demonstrate a minimum of $40,000 in eligible non-deferrable expenses. In addition to requiring an active business number with an effective date of registration on or prior to March 1, 2020, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 will still need to show that they meet the following CEBA eligibility requirements: an income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency with a tax year ending in 2019 or, if its tax return for 2019 has not yet been submitted, 2018; and eligible non-deferrable expenses of between $40,000 and $1.5 million, after taking into consideration other federal COVID-related supports.
To apply for CEBA or to learn more about the program, businesses can contact their primary financial institution. Information can also be found on the program’s website.
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City of Welland
For Immediate Release |
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| JACKFISH ANNOUNCE NEW 6-YEAR LEASE AT WELLAND STADIUM |
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Welland, ON – The Welland Jackfish and City of Welland have agreed to terms on a new six-year lease for the team to call Welland Stadium home, effective immediately and running through the 2026 season, announced Monday during a press conference at Welland Stadium.
The terms of the lease were approved by Welland City Council by a unanimous vote during the council meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Part of the lease is an option to extend for an additional six years following the 2026 season.
“The City of Welland is excited to sign a new 6-year lease with the Welland Jackfish,” said City of Welland Mayor, Frank Campion. “We are fortunate to have the Jackfish franchise in our City. Our residents and visitors look forward to an outstanding 2021 baseball season.”
The Jackfish, established in 2019 as a member of the Intercounty Baseball League, have called Welland Stadium home since the team’s inception. The team enjoyed strong, steady fan support in its Welland home since its first game, ranking at the top of the IBL during their first season.
“Welland Stadium or The Pond as our fans have come to know it is our home, and we’re thrilled to announce that it will remain our home,” said Ryan Harrison, Jackfish President and Majority Owner. “It’s a privilege to play in a first-class venue in front of the best fans in the league, and we are excited to show that we are here to stay and make a long-term commitment to the city and region. I would also like to thank the City of Welland for their hard work and support through this process.”
The new lease comes on the heels of upgrades the club and city have made since the end of the 2019 season including new paint throughout the stadium, new MLB quality dugout fencing, new infield, concession upgrades, new group areas, and more. With this new commitment, the Jackfish will also look to continue capital upgrades to the facility including hopes of bringing in a new scoreboard, VIP group sections and general updates to increase fan enjoyment.
The Jackfish also announced plans to bring non-baseball events to the facility including festivals, an annual cornhole tournament, yoga on the field, and more. Baseball events at the stadium besides Jackfish home games include the 2021 and 2022 Ontario Baseball Association U22 Elimination Tournament and the 2022 Canada Summer Games.
During the press conference, the Jackfish announced a new identity for the 2021 season. Starting with the 2021 season, the Welland Jackfish will play one game as the Welland Roses during their annual “City of Welland Day” at Welland Stadium. A new brand identity was revealed including the new logo, hats, and merchandise.
“We love the city that has taken us in with open arms and really want to celebrate everything that makes the Rose City special,” said Harrison. “Our uniforms worn during the game will be auctioned off post game with the proceeds going to local charities.”
“The City of Welland looks forward to a long-term relationship with the Jackfish and the Welland community has welcomed the team with enthusiasm; our community loves baseball and we’re happy to have the Jackfish playing in our Stadium and offering a great spectator experience to the community and visitors,” said Richard Dalton, City of Welland Manager, Recreation & Culture.
The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @wellandjackfish. |
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City of Welland
For Immediate Release |
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| WELLAND ANNOUNCES CORPORATE LEADERSHIP REORGANIZATION |
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Welland, ON – Welland City Council approved the reorganization of its Corporate Leadership Team at its meeting last night. The objective of the reorganization is to ensure a strong liaison between Council and the Corporate Leadership Team is maintained to advance the City’s strategic priorities.
The changes are effective immediately and the details are as follows:
- Sherri-Marie Millar has been appointed Director of Infrastructure Services
- Grant Munday has been appointed Director of Planning and Development Services
- Lina DeChellis has been appointed Manager of Economic Development
- Rachelle Larocque has been appointed Manager of Planning Services
“The Corporate Leadership Team plays an integral role in the management and oversight of the corporation,” said Interim CAO, Steve Zorbas. “I am confident in the talents that each team member brings to their role and look forward to working collaboratively with them to support the City’s goals and objectives.” |
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The Ontario Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario Small Business Support grant provides a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 and can be used in whatever way makes the most sense for individual businesses; from paying employee wages, to offsetting the cost of rent, to purchasing inventory.
More than 78,000 Ontario Small Business Support Grant applications from small businesses across the province have been processed, representing more than $1 billion in support. Upon approval, successful applicants will receive payment within 10 days.
Applications are still open until March 31, 2021 and a detailed step-by-step instructional video on the application portal is available to help guide applicants through the process.
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As part of the new website, AIH Studios is excited to share our ongoing project Artists You Need To Know (AYNTK). In this continuing series, we feature artists you ‘need to know’ for a wider understanding – and appreciation – of contemporary and historical art. This portal page offers both direct links to all the artists and a chronological archive for you to enjoy and explore.
We will be continuing to share features about different and diverse artists with many images, external links and further biographical information in 2021. |
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Upcoming Exhibitions
This summer Tony Calzetta and Gabrielle de Montmollin will each be having solo exhibitions at the Niagara Artist Centre (NAC) in St Catharines (Ontario, Canada), opening June 12 and running until September 11.
“Scribbles and Art Fables” is the title of the series of large new abstract paintings Tony will be exhibiting in the back gallery. Gabrielle will exhibit a new series of photographs “Hear Me Cry” in the front gallery as well as an installation titled “Weird Baby World” in the plate glass window gallery. |
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Calling all young Welland historians! Are you looking for something to do over the April Break? Why not try a historical craft or activity. April Break Kits are free of charge and are fun for all ages. Each kit features colouring pages, a family tree activity, a “whirligig” craft, and a chance to have your art featured during our next exhibit here at the museum. To register for kit pickup (curbside April 5 – 9), call the Museum at (905) 732-2215 ext. 2892 or email nznaqn@jryynaqzhfrhz.pn.
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| Governmental Financial Support and Resources:
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News Release
March 25, 2021
2021 Budget invests $1.7 billion in second round of payments for eligible small businesses
TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing additional support to eligible small businesses to help with the ongoing costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Confirmed eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically receive a second payment equal to the amount of their first payment, for minimum total support of $20,000 up to a maximum of $40,000. This support to help small business owners keep the doors open and workers employed is part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.
Today, Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, reinforced the importance of this increased support at a virtual fireside chat hosted by the Canadian Club.
“One of the most significant inequities of the pandemic has been the impact on small business owners and their employees who have faced significant restrictions,” said Minister Bethlenfalvy. “That’s why in the Budget yesterday we announced a second payment of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant — so that eligible small businesses will automatically receive a second payment in an amount equal to their first. Businesses in communities from Sarnia to
Sault Ste. Marie have said this support is the difference between keeping the lights on and turning them off for good.”
Through these two rounds of support, the Ontario Small Business Support Grant is projected to deliver an estimated $3.4 billion to approximately 120,000 small businesses across Ontario, protecting jobs through this difficult time. Businesses can use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for them. For example, some businesses could use the support to pay employee wages, while others may need support maintaining their inventory.
Launched in January, the Ontario Small Business Support Grant provides direct financial support to eligible small businesses that were required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown that came into effect in December 2020. Small businesses who have been determined as eligible recipients of the grant will automatically be entitled to a second payment in an amount equal to the first payment they receive. They will not need to apply again to receive this additional funding.
“Small businesses have faced some of the most difficult impacts of COVID-19, all while continually stepping up to help their communities and bringing forward their innovative ideas and solutions throughout the pandemic,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We introduced the Small Business Support Grant to give businesses a helping hand, and today nearly 100,000 businesses have received over $1.414 million in support. In the 2021 Budget we announced a second round of payments will be made to eligible recipients to make sure our small businesses continue to be supported as we get closer to our economy reopening.”
Eligible business owners who have not yet applied for the grant have until March 31, 2021, to submit an application. A detailed list of businesses eligible for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant is available on the application page. Business owners can also visit Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport for more information about this grant as well as Ontario’s other supports for businesses.
“Protecting our economy starts with protecting our small businesses and the people who pour everything into making them grow,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “With this record investment, we’re giving our small businesses the support they need to stay safe, stay solvent and see a brighter tomorrow.
Healthy people are essential for a healthy economy. With vaccines being distributed, hope is on the horizon. Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy provides the resources necessary to finish the battle with COVID-19, building on the government’s record investments to protect health and jobs during the global pandemic.
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QUICK FACTS
- Eligible businesses can apply for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, as well as the Main Street Relief Grant for Personal Protective Equipment and the Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebate Grants through a single, hassle-free online application.
- Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy brings total investments to $16.3 billion to protect people’s health and $23.3 billion to protect our economy. Ontario’s COVID-19 action plan support now totals $51 billion.
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Introducing NB Distillers, a small-batch local craft distiller located in the heart of the Niagara Region. With a grain to glass philosophy, they produce a line of premium spirits instilled with a passion for excellence and quality.
Be sure to check out their Red Admiral Vodka, now available at LCBO.com and select LCBO locations. Liquid Gold and Chak De specialty Whiskeys are available directly from the distillery. Next up, Red Admiral Gin. Follow them @nbdistillers for updates or visit them online at nbdistillers.com.
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Have a safe & pleasant weekend,
Alexis Higginbotham
Executive Director
WDBIA
60 East Main Street
Welland, ON
L3B 3X4
905.736.2884
downtownwelland.ca
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