Feds’ $500K funding likely to aid Lincoln Docks project
Port Colborne gets $200,000 for H.H. Knoll park improvements
The Lincoln Street Docks project in Welland could get even more elaborate after a major funding boost to the city was announced by the federal government on Tuesday.
Canada’s Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie Melanie Joly was joined by a small crowd along the canal terrace at East Main and King streets to share news that the federal economic development agency for southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is investing $500,000 to enhance the local recreational waterway through its Canadian Experiences Fund.
The City of Port Colborne will also receive $200,000 to improve H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park – adding amenities that will benefit the year-round usage of the park – but also support the annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival.
The Lincoln Docks project, which has also received $100,000 from the Welland Rotary Club, was not mentioned specifically by Joly or Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey during the announcement — but acting Welland mayor John Chiocchio said it is his belief that the funding will be used for the initiative that was approved by council earlier this year for more than $960,000.
“It has to be approved through council still, but I think, initially, we’re looking at that area,” said Chiocchio, filling in for Mayor Frank Campion who is away at this year’s Association of Municipalities Ontario conference in Ottawa.
The city’s boat rental program will be moved from its current location to the site that will feature a new building made of shipping containers and a handful of other features.
Chiocchio, a strong proponent for providing recreational activities along the canal, said he hopes council will spend the $500,000 from the government on additional projects – and not
use it to offset costs of what has already been supported by the local government.
“It will give us more money to do other stuff there,” he said in an interview after the announcement.
“I’d look for that to be an increase to what we’re doing there,” he said.
Richard Dalton, the city’s manager of recreation and culture, when asked about a staff report from June that said the city was applying for $1 million from the federal government, said the municipality will continue to seek cash infusions from upper levels of government.
“It doesn’t mean it’s the end of the funding we’ll be applying for,” he said, adding that he also expects the $500,000 announced on Tuesday will benefit the Lincoln Street docks project, which he says will begin “as fast as possible” and likely be ready next summer.
The city’s application was made to the same fund that the dollars from Tuesday’s announcement are coming from, says the June 4 staff report approved by council.
Joly said cuts from the previous Conservative federal government to tourism have made Canada the 18th-ranked tourist destination in the world – a far cry from it being in the top 10 at one point.
She said projects such as the ones discussed on Tuesday are vital.
“We need to get people out of the big cities, get them coming to Welland and the Niagara region,” she said.
Port Colborne Mayor Bill
Steele said more than 270,000 people attended the 41st annual Canal Days in his city – many of them at H.H. Knoll Park for concerts that are part of the signature event.
It’s also well-used during other parts of the year, he said.
The money will be spent on solar lighting along the park’s pathways, way-finding signage, new pathways, and improvements to hydro service.
“These improvements will beautify H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park in order to enhance the visitor experience and provided much-needed amenities,” said Steele, also adding safety, versatility, and accessibility will also be upgraded.
Joly was in Niagara on Monday and Tuesday announcing $1.2 million in funding for a total of six tourism initiatives.