May 13th Newsletter

Mayor Frank Campion’s statement on 

the passing of Doug Rapelje

As mayor of the City of Welland, I, along with the community, mourn the loss of Doug Rapelje, who passed away last week. Doug was a highly respected member of the community and will be deeply missed.

As an advocate, Doug served as Director of the Senior Citizens Department of the Niagara Region for 44 years until his retirement in 1995. Beyond his working years, Doug continued to advocate for seniors in Niagara.

In Welland, one of the Region’s long-term care homes is named the Rapelje Lodge, a fitting recognition for a man who worked tirelessly to upgrade care for seniors through programs such as respite care, home care, and meals on wheels.

Beyond the care, Doug was instrumental in our city receiving the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award and funding for 10 new hospice beds here in Welland.

The accolades that we could pile on Doug are as notable as they are many, and for many reasons, he will be missed in our community and beyond. As someone who cared so deeply for his community, the impact of this loss has reverberated through Niagara.

Doug’s legacy will live on, and those whose lives he touched will not forget his work.

Our condolences are with the Rapelje family during this time of loss.

In honour of Doug, flags will be lowered on May 12.

Frank Campion

Mayor

City of Welland

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marc MacDonald

Manager, Corporate Communications

905-735-1700 x2337

znep.znpqbanyq@jryynaq.pn

Media Release

City’s public works employees given nod of appreciation during National Public Works Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2022

Welland, ON –The City of Welland continues to recognize the essential role Public Works play in building and maintaining the community’s quality of life.

Since 1960, municipalities have celebrated the third full week of May as National Public Works Week. This time is allocated to commemorate the importance of public works and educate about the function public works have in communities and everyday life.

“Our responsibility as members of the Public Works team is to ensure we are ready and able to perform our regular duties and respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice,” said James Sticca, public works manager. “Public Works focuses on maintaining our infrastructure through proactive maintenance programs and reactive repairs.”

The City recognizes the dedication of its public works professionals in providing administration, engineering, fleet, water, transportation, parks and grounds, and public spaces that help to operate and maintain Welland’s infrastructure.

This year’s theme for the National Public Works Week will be “Ready & Resilient” to highlight the public works professionals’ readiness to serve our communities and their resilience to overcome many challenges.

The pandemic’s challenges have not lessened the workload for public works professionals. From May 15 to 21, municipalities across the country honour and appreciate the continued service of public works professionals, especially during the pandemic. 

Residents are encouraged to observe public works week by showing appreciation for local public works professionals through acknowledgement in person, email, or other forms of digital recognition. 

To learn more about the public works services the City provides, visit: Public Works Services (welland.ca)

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Marc MacDonald

Corporate Communications Manager

905-735-1700 x2337

znep.znpqbanyq@jryynaq.pn

Media Release

City to host annual tulip giveaway May 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 11, 2022

Welland, ON – Residents of the City of Welland can pick up their bag of free tulips on May 20 from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 20, at the Quaker Road sports complex at 90 Quaker Road. The event will run rain or shine.

Continuing the successful protocols put in place during previous year’s events, parks staff will be on-site to provide vehicles with their bag of bulbs – one bag per vehicle while quantities last – in the parking lot of the sports complex. Vehicles are to enter on the east side of the parking lot and slowly proceed through the sectioned-off route. 

“We’ve been enjoying the nicer weather lately, and providing our community with a pop of colour for their gardens is fitting,” said Dave Steven, supervisor of parks and forestry. “Last year’s event ran smoothly with the setup we had in place, and we anticipate another good turnout.”

The tulip bulbs are cleared from the city’s commemorative gardens and annually distributed to the community. In the past, some 12,000 bulbs have been given away annually. However, varieties and colours cannot be guaranteed.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the city respectfully asks that you do not attend the tulip bulb giveaway if you are feeling sick or experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms (including fever, cough, and shortness of breath) or if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or are in isolation.

For more information, visit:  https://www.welland.ca/Leisure/eventsinfo/tulipGiveaway.asp 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Marc MacDonald

Corporate Communications Manager

905-735-1700 x2337

znep.znpqbanyq@jryynaq.pn