It all starts with building community, lessening environmental impacts, and honouring the past.

Year 1, 2021

Site 1 - Glendale Avenue and Welland Canals Parkway, Tunnel, Signalling System and Learning Centre

  • Tunnel Design

    A proposed tunnel would replace the lift bridge allowing a free flow of traffic and Glendale Avenue and Welland Canals Parkway. Some of these bridge elements will either be used in the new construction of the tunnel, the bridge construction to the south, be used for exhibition purposes at the musem to the north at lock 3 or be reassembled at a different site. This would be done with community consultation.

  • Light and Simplified Signalling System

    Stage 2 A programmed light system that will help ships navigate through the canal will be installed along the east and west banks of the canal. (See Project 3 for details regarding the function of this guidance system.) This system will be installed at both site 1 and site 2 to test the effectiveness.

  • Site 1 - Learning Centre

    “The Welland Canal redesign could benefit from having a learning center. This learning center would be located near the Glendale Avenue tunnel portion of the Welland canal. The learning center plans to merge modernized artistic design with concepts from older era designs to create a contemporary and inviting space for the community. Environmental factors have been considered in this design and a “green roof” will be a staple to this building. Advocacy planning was considered when creating this design as it is important to honour the land on which this learning center will be built and enhance inclusivity for marginalized groups.” Amanda Flint, Research Paper

Site Two - Port Robinson Bridge, Transit Complex and Simplified Light Signalling System

  • Bridge Construction

    “Port Robinson, Thorold is an area that is on the brink of major residential development. This lies right between Thorold and Welland and falls on either side of the Welland Canal.” Jennie Rankin, Research Paper

  • Thorold Transit Complex Link

    “The Welland Canal has limited opportunities to cross by both road and rail. Although most of the crossings experience congestion when shipping traffic passes, St. Catharines traffic is the most impacted by shipping. As the region population increases, traffic congestion for the impacted by shipping will continue to limit the region's ability to move. A proposed transportation complex next to the canal will promote alternate modes of transportation as well as lower the impact of shipping by use of traffic windows.” Ross Booker, Research Paper

  • Light and Simplified Signalling

    “Lighting is an important tool for humans as our sight is one of our most basic functions. In an attempt to improve the signaling and overall attractiveness of the canal, or certain parts of the canal, this section analyzes the potential costs of extra lighting alongside its goals. The canal in its current state lacks appeal which likely has contributed to a decline in visitors despite the natural wonder in a nearby city. The plans below use special materials to create attractiveness while also providing the desired effects.” Liam Cleland, Research Paper

Identified Sites

Each site was chosen through an analysis of physical properties, economic impacts, possibilities for reimagining aesthetic considerations and how it may be integrated into the community.