Uncharted waters lie ahead for Welland’s flatwater centre
Though at least six events have been cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Welland International Flatwater Centre may see some additions to its schedule later this season.
Facilities across Welland, including both the north and south WIFC courses, were closed by the city until at least the end of June due to the pandemic and states of emergency declared by the province, Niagara Region and the municipality.
“A few events are considering coming to Welland, which were not originally planned to be here; some of the postponed events are looking at different formats or ways of operating,” said Richard Dalton, the city’s manager of recreation and culture.
The city has an updated schedule for the rest of the season. Events were to kick off May 9 on the north course, but Dalton said, because a lot of them are tentative, the city is holding off publishing the schedule for a little while longer to avoid creating confusion.
Dalton said the city hopes there are no further cancellations, but added it’s realistic to expect some in the earlier part of the flatwater season.
He said the postponed events could be held later in most cases. Twenty-two events had been scheduled May through November.
If competitors, coaches and parents are allowed on the two courses — Townline Tunnel Road splits them — this year, hosting them in the “new normal” will be uncharted territory for all involved, and WIFC as venue host.
“We’re keeping conversations going with all our partners to stay on top of their plans and learn what restrictions and protocols may be in place. This would include social-distancing measures,” Dalton said.
He said WIFC’s main task moving forward is to be flexible and ready to start welcoming events again when possible.
“We’re sure things will eventually be back to normal, and look forward to that, but, in the meantime, it’s all about maintaining our partnerships and being responsive to the situation at hand,” he said.
While what the 2020 season will look like has yet to be determined, Dalton said WIFC is ready to host canoe/kayak, open water swim and triathlon events as part of the 2021 Canada Summer Games, adding the shutdown has not affected anything for that event.