The City of Welland celebrates its Francophone community on March 20, International Francophonie Day. As a designated Francophone community, the City will highlight its unique heritage through a ceremonial flag raising at City Hall at 9:30 a.m.; Bridge 13 will illuminate in green and white.

“The City of Welland is proud to be designated as one of Ontario’s Francophone communities,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “I am proud to celebrate all of their contributions to the City of Welland throughout history and those undoubtedly coming in the future.”

International Francophonie Day is observed yearly to celebrate the French language and Francophone culture worldwide. The Niagara Region is home to over 15,000 French speakers, most of whom are in Welland. Designated under Ontario’s French Language Services Act, Welland is committed to highlighting its French culture within the region.

“The City of Welland’s website offers a French-language section that provides a history of Welland’s Francophone culture,” said Campion. “We are proud to partner with many Frenchspeaking organizations and provide our French-speaking residents with resources in their official language.”

Welland is proud to share its strong history with its French-speaking community and invites all residents to learn more about the French community within the city.

Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs, shared her well-wishes with the City of Welland and celebrates Francophonie day alongside the city’s Council, staff, and residents. Minister Mulroney’s letter can be read here.

For media inquiries, please contact: Marc MacDonald Corporate Communications Manager 905-735-1700 x2337 marc.macdonald@welland.ca