Welland's Green Future: New Trails Connect Community & Climate Goals

WELLAND, ON – December 17, 2025 – By Thomas Moore

As the year draws to a close, the City of Welland is celebrating the near completion of a transformative infrastructure project set to redefine how its residents move, connect, and live. Through a strategic partnership with the Government of Canada, over $2.3 million has been invested to expand and enhance the city’s active transportation network, adding approximately 4.5 kilometers of new multi-use trails.

The two key projects—the Hilda Street trail connection to the Welland Canal Trail and the North Welland / Niagara College trail link—are more than just paved pathways. They represent a significant step toward a safer, healthier, and more interconnected community, weaving together residential areas, educational institutions, and one of the region's most cherished natural corridors.

A Blueprint for Community Connectivity

The new trails are a direct result of Welland's long-term vision, as outlined in its 20-year Community Trails Strategy adopted in 2022. The Hilda Street and North Welland/Niagara College links were identified as high-priority routes designed to bridge critical gaps in the existing network. The North Welland link provides a vital off-road path connecting Niagara College with the broader trail system, offering students and staff a safe and green alternative for their daily commute. The Hilda Street connection, meanwhile, opens up new access to the iconic Welland Canal Trail, one of the city's most popular recreational assets.

Beyond simple connectivity, the project emphasizes accessibility and user experience. The new trails are built to a standard width of 2.5 to 3 meters, ensuring they are fully accessible for users of all ages and abilities, whether on foot, bicycle, or using mobility aids. The installation of new benches, clear signage, and other amenities further enhances the routes' usability.

This development was not without public discourse. During community consultations, some residents raised concerns about privacy and the potential impact on adjacent property values. The City addressed these points by citing extensive research, including studies from organizations like the Conference Board of Canada, which consistently show that proximity to well-maintained trail systems often leads to a net increase in property values, with some studies noting premiums between 3% and 15%.

To ensure the trails remain safe and enjoyable for their intended users, the City will install access barriers to deter unauthorized motorized vehicles, with bylaws in place to enforce these restrictions. Furthermore, the City of Welland has committed to the long-term upkeep of the new infrastructure, including enhanced maintenance for adjacent areas, ensuring the trails remain a valuable community asset for decades to come.

Investing in a Healthier, Greener Future

The impact of this $2.3 million investment extends far beyond the physical pavement. It is a direct investment in the health of Welland's residents and the local environment. By making active transportation more convenient and appealing, the trails encourage daily physical activity, a cornerstone of preventive health. Studies have consistently shown that individuals who regularly walk or cycle for transportation have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The environmental benefits are equally compelling. Promoting a shift from cars to human-powered transport is a proven strategy for reducing a city's carbon footprint. According to climate research, choosing a bicycle over a car for a daily commute can reduce an individual’s transport-related carbon emissions by as much as 67%. On a larger scale, widespread adoption of active transport could decrease a city's urban greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10%, while also reducing noise pollution and improving air quality.

Economically, the investment is poised to deliver a strong return. A landmark study in North Carolina estimated that for every dollar spent on trail construction, $1.72 is generated annually in local business revenue and health-related savings. Trails attract tourism, boost patronage at local cafes and shops, and create jobs in construction and maintenance. They make communities more attractive places to live, which can lead to increased property tax revenues and sustained local growth.

A National Strategy in Local Action

The Welland project serves as a powerful case study for a much larger national vision. The $1,005,000 federal contribution comes from the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), a $400 million, five-year national program designed to build and expand networks of pathways, bike lanes, and trails across Canada. The ATF is a key pillar of the country's first-ever National Active Transportation Strategy, which aims to make active travel easier, safer, and more convenient for all Canadians.

This strategy is not happening in a vacuum. It is deeply integrated with Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan, which recognizes active transportation as a critical tool for meeting emissions reduction targets. By funding projects like Welland's, the federal government is empowering municipalities to build the green infrastructure needed for a sustainable future.

Welland is not alone. Across the country, the ATF is fueling similar transformations. In Vancouver, it's helping to create dedicated bike lanes and green infrastructure. In Calgary, it supports safe routes to schools. In Whistler, it is a key part of an ambitious plan to have 50% of all trips be car-free by 2030. This nationwide effort underscores a growing consensus that investing in how people walk and bike is as important as investing in how they drive.

Forging Progress Through Partnership

The success of the Welland trail expansion is a testament to the power of inter-governmental collaboration. The project was made possible by the combined financial commitment of the City of Welland, which contributed $1,300,000, and the federal government's $1,005,000 investment. This joint-funding model allows municipalities to undertake ambitious projects that might otherwise be beyond their fiscal reach.

Federal and local leaders lauded the partnership's success. "By improving how people move through their communities, we are helping create safer, more connected, and more sustainable neighbourhoods," said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. "The federal government is proud to partner with the City of Welland on these important initiatives that build more resilient communities for the future."

Echoing this sentiment, Welland Mayor Frank Campion highlighted the project's alignment with local goals. "This investment strengthens our active transportation network, enhances safe and accessible travel options, and supports our goal of making the city more vitally active for all residents," said Mayor Campion. "It helps ensure our community is well connected today and well prepared for the future."

This collaboration demonstrates a replicable blueprint for progress, where federal funding amplifies well-laid local plans. The new trails are not just an addition to Welland's infrastructure; they are a physical manifestation of a shared vision for a community that is healthier, more sustainable, and better connected for all who live, work, and play within it.