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Media Release
After consultation with art conservator, Towpath mural is best preserved through digital conservation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2022
Welland, ON – According to an art conservator consulted on the viability of saving the Towpath mural affixed to the former Best Value Inn on Niagara Street, the mural’s best chance for preservation is through using contemporary methods and advanced digital technology to reproduce the painting electronically.
After discussions with the artist’s family, the developer of the site, and members of the Canadian Institute for Art Preservation, the mural affixed to the building was attached permanently and could not safely withstand removal and relocation.
There are several layers of materials, all secured with bolts and heavy adhesive. The mural has also sustained extensive damage due to natural elements and has reached the end of its life. The mural would also require significant restoration due to its current condition, which is also not feasible.
“We hoped for the best when it came to preserving and possibly relocating the mural, but the condition of the artwork and several other contributing factors tell us a different story,” said Rob Axiak, director of community services. “We have spoken with the artist’s family and are hopeful to share with them a small section of the artwork by working with the site developer. Having the original painting from the artist is significant to preserve the heritage of Ross Beard’s work.”
The original maquette painted when the original panel chose the art is in the archives at the museum and in good condition. This painting, along with other artwork from this era, is currently on exhibit at the museum.
On the Niagara Street site, the developer worked with city staff to access and inspect the mural and offered assistance to preserve the mural if possible. Though unable to save the mural, the developer will work with staff to incorporate a potential art display in the landscape plan of the new development.
Moving forward, the city will work with the Heritage and Arts and Culture Committees to develop a complete inventory of murals throughout the city, their condition, and develop plans for the sustainability of all public art throughout the city.
Bank of Canada increases policy interest rate by 50 basis points
The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 3¾%, with the Bank Rate at 4% and the deposit rate at 3¾%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
Inflation around the world remains high and broadly based. This reflects the strength of the global recovery from the pandemic, a series of global supply disruptions, and elevated commodity prices, particularly for energy, which have been pushed up by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The strength of the US dollar is adding to inflationary pressures in many countries. Tighter monetary policies aimed at controlling inflation are weighing on economic activity around the world. As economies slow and supply disruptions ease, global inflation is expected to come down.
The effects of recent policy rate increases by the Bank are becoming evident in interest-sensitive areas of the economy: housing activity has retreated sharply, and spending by households and businesses is softening. Also, the slowdown in international demand is beginning to weigh on exports. Economic growth is expected to stall through the end of this year and the first half of next year as the effects of higher interest rates spread through the economy. The Bank projects GDP growth will slow from 3¼% this year to just under 1% next year and 2% in 2024.
The Bank expects inflation to fall to about 3% in late 2023, then return to 2% in 2024.
Vita Gauley brings clarity to ever-changing worlds of employment law and contract negotiation
A record number of unfilled jobs, a seller’s labour market, and new workplace legislation are making things chaotic in the world of the workforce. More than ever, employers are asking how they can compete for scarce talent, what they can offer an increasingly footloose workforce, and what their rights and obligations towards their employees are.
As a partner at Lancaster Chown & Welch LLP and a specialist in Employment and Labour Law, Vita Gauley understands these issues better than anyone. At LCW, Vita provides advice and representation in employment matters to corporations and executives, including dismissal, hiring, contracts, human rights and employment litigation.
At the Summit, Vita will bring her skills and knowledge to bear on the legal aspects of the war for talent, outlining how the legislative landscape is changing, how employers can stay on top, and how they can get ahead in their negotiations.
Clerks department conducting regular review of the 2022 City of Welland municipal election
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2022
Welland, ON – The City of Welland clerks department is continuing its review of this year’s municipal election. With polls closing at 8 p.m. on October 24, city staff continue to review the process, feedback, and results days later.
As polls opened across the province, some municipalities, including Welland, experienced delays with the Voter View system used across Ontario on election day. As a result, some polling locations were slower than others to start the day, but by 11 a.m., all systems were up and running.
This year, the Ward 6 results were extremely close, with the second and third-place finishers – there are two elected councillors per ward – finishing with a difference of only one vote. As per the Municipal Elections Act, the clerk would automatically call for a recount if candidates received the same number of votes. In this case, despite it only being a one-vote differential, an automatic recount will not occur. The sitting Council, however, can pass a resolution requiring a recount within 30 days of the election.
Also in Ward 6, the city clerk was advised that some residents of 439 King Street (Grand Canal Retirement Residence) were issued and subsequently cast incorrect ballots.
“As soon as I was made aware of the issue, I reached out to the election workers at that polling location to confirm what had occurred and advised them to refrain from issuing any further ballots to residents at 439 King Street,” said Tara Stephens, city clerk. “Upon reviewing the property information, residents of this address should have received Ward 6 ballots.”
As per the Municipal Elections Act, an elector can only vote once, even if the ballot they cast was for the incorrect ward candidates. Staff continue to look into what resulted in the incorrect ballots being cast.
Overall, 11,056 votes were cast, resulting in a 25 per cent voter turnout. There are 42,769 registered voters in the city. In addition, for the first time, the city provided open polls, which meant voters could vote at any polling station across the city.
City staff continue to review this year’s election and will prepare a final report to be presented later this year.
CYBER AWARENESS MATTERS to Sarah and Bryan Baeumler and Adam Evans Hosted by Tony Chapman
Cybercrime barely existed a decade ago, and by 2025 it is projected to be $10 trillion, more significant than all other crimes combined. The criminals are organized; they share data and strategies.
This year’s theme: A Roadmap for Growth. We invite you to join us for crucial conversations examining the future of Niagara, and how we get there. Hosted at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa.
The Women in Business Awards recognize the leadership and success of women in our business community. Join us to celebrate the stories of women in business in Niagara. Powered by BCM Insurance and RBC Royal Bank.
I'm Alexis, Executive Director of the WDBIA. If you have any questions or concerns about our beautiful downtown, please let me know. Click here to contact our office!
