Welland vying to become part of 2030 Commonwealth Games bid
City hopes events can be held at its International Flatwater Centre
The City of Welland is hoping to get in Hamilton’s boat in a bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
During a special city council meeting last week, politicians accepted a report from staff outlining plans for the municipality to submit its own sport venue bid application, offering Welland International Flatwater Centre as a site that can be used for events.
“That would be out home base, and also the recreational canal,” community services director Rob Axiak told council last week.
A “variety of other municipalities” in Greater Toronto Area and others surrounding Hamilton, including ones in Niagara, could be part of the program schedule if the sporting event’s committee chooses Hamilton as the successful applicant.
Ward 4 Coun. Tony Dimarco reflected back to when the PanAmerican Games were held in Niagara in 2015 and brought action to Welland’s waterway.
He said it was an enjoyable time for the city, but the city needs to take a “calm perspective” in this latest effort.
He said he doesn’t believe athletes will spend much time in Welland other than to compete.
“Let’s not blow this out of proportion.”
Still, he said the new Holiday Inn Express in north Welland may attract more visitors to the city for a few days as a result of the possible action.
The report to councillors said the city would be a “good candidate to host various sports including triathlon and rowing.”
It is up to towns and cities and other organizations offering properties for the Games to submit proposals separately for different sites.
In his report, Axiak said the pitch is “non-binding and will not include any financial commitments at this time.”
Any further costs the city would be responsible for will be brought to council for consideration, said Axiak.
Built in 2013 for $10 million ahead of the 2015 Pan Am Games, the Flatwater Centre on the recreational canal has hosted a plethora of regional, provincial and international events in rowing, canoe-kayak, dragon boating, canoe polo, swimming, triathlon and more.
In 2018, 600 athletes from 26 countries hit the water for the World Canoe-Polo Championships.