The City of Welland is excited to launch this year’s Welland Winter Lights contest and tours. The 2020 Welland Winter Lights is open for nominations of Welland homes and businesses this year. Nominations can be submitted through the city’s public engagement platform, YourChannel, or downloaded from the city’s website at welland.ca. Downtown business winter lights is a new addition to this year’s contest. The Welland Downtown Business Improvement Area and the City of Welland partnered to create business nominating criteria and secure prizes.

Welland Winter Lights nominations close at noon on Nov. 27, 2020. City staff will review all nominations and post a map of official nominees for residents to download and take a self-guided tour. Official City of Welland bus tours are also offered to the public by reservation. The complimentary tours will take place December 7-8, courtesy of Welland Public Transit and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Tour registration begins Nov. 13 by telephone at 905-735-1700 Ext. 4000.

City staff will continue to monitor Provincial and Niagara Public Health guidelines to ensure a safe experience for participants. Staff are also prepared to adjust the Welland Winter Lights tours in the event that additional health and safety measures are required under the provincial government’s response plan.

Welland Winter Lights bus tours depart from Market Square, located at 70 Young St. Welland. A contactless drive-thru food-and-toy-drive will be available at Market Square on the bus tour evenings. Tour participants will be offered complimentary treat bags from Seasons Retirement Communities and foam reindeer antlers from the Welland Downtown Business Improvement Area.

Welland Winter Lights significant dates are as follows:

• Thurs. Nov. 12, Nominations Open
• Fri. Nov. 13, Tour Registration Begins
• Fri. Nov. 27, Nominations Close
• Mon. Dec. 7, Welland Transit Official Tours (buses depart at 6:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.)
• Tue. Dec. 8, Welland Transit Official Tours (buses depart at 6:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.)

For more information on the Welland Winter Lights contest, tours, and nomination criteria, visit yourchannel.welland.ca.