The City of Welland has partnered with the newly opened Grand Canal Retirement Residence, offering mutually beneficial agreements for the use of space and increased programming.

The partnership allows the Grand Canal to purchase up to 150 regular-rate Welland Community Wellness Complex (WCWC) memberships annually for its residents and provides the City with the opportunity to rent multi-use spaces in the Grand Canal building. These rental opportunities allow the City to offer more recreational programs that the whole community can participate in.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Grand Canal Retirement Residence,” said Rob Axiak, Director of Community Services. “Not only do we have access to more spaces to provide recreation programs for the entire community, but we also get to welcome new members into our community centre, creating opportunities for socialization and friendships. This partnership is a win for all residents of Welland.”

In addition, several new features will be built at the site of the WCWC to enhance the spaces and provide greater access. The Grand Canal will fund the connection to be built between the two facilities and the enhancement to the east-facing side of the building, making it a more predominant and identifiable access point. Construction for these features begins in the new year.

Grand Canal will add four electric vehicle charging stations to the parking lot in a cost-sharing partnership with Welland Hydro. These stations are available to everyone.

By partnering with its neighbour, the WCWC’s daily activities will increase, and the growth and demand for new and existing programs will rise.

Grand Canal opened its doors earlier this month.

For more information on recreation programs at the WCWC, visit https://wellness.welland.ca/.