City of Welland wants businesses to be ready to go when pandemic restrictions are lifted

The City of Welland held a virtual roundtable meeting with 15 businesses Monday to discuss jump-starting the city’s economy, including in its downtown, when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted in Ontario. - Dave Johnson, Torstar file photo

By Dave Johnson
Courtesy of St. Catharines Standard

Mayor Frank Campion wants businesses in Welland to be ready to jump out of the gate as fast they can once the province lifts restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and get the city's economy moving forward.

Monday, Campion and the city's corporate leadership team held a virtual roundtable discussion with 15 businesses representing a wide spectrum from across the Rose City.

"This came about through a discussion I had with Dan Degazio (Welland's general manager of economic development, recreation and culture). It was a sampling of different businesses we reached out to, to see how they are doing and more importantly, what we can do to help when the restrictions are lifted."

In the meeting were restaurant owners, builders, real estate representatives, manufacturers, the construction industry and more.

Campion said there was a Downtown BIA board member present, adding a North Welland BIA representative was invited but could not take part. The meeting was the first of several conversations the city will have with business, the mayor said.

Chief administrative officer Gary Long said comments heard will be helpful with the city's COVID-19 recovery plans.