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Home > Travel Canada > Canada Destinations > Welland, Ontario (City)
Welland, Ontario (City)
Canada is a country in the northern half of North America. Welland is a city in the Regional Municipality of Niagara in Ontario, Canada. The city has been traditionally known as the place where rails and water meet, referring to the railways from Buffalo to Toronto and southwestern Ontario and the waterways of Welland Canal and Welland River, which played a great role in the city's development. The city is notable for its large francophone population. Welland is one of few communities in southern Ontario where the percentage of Franco-Ontarians exceeds the overall provincial average. Welland's nickname is The Rose City.
The city was first settled in 1788 by the United Empire Loyalists. In 1814, Canadian forces led by George Hay, 8th Marquess of Tweeddale, met American invaders near the present-day town site during the Battle of Cook's Mills. After two days of combat, the Americans retreated to Buffalo, New York, ending the War of 1812 on Canadian soil. The Welland Canal is involved in the history of the area ever since the First Welland Canal was extended to reach Lake Erie in 1833.
A wooden aqueduct was built to carry the Welland Canal over the Welland River at what is now downtown Welland and the area became known as simply Aqueduct. A lock to cross from the canal to the river and vice versa was also built. A small shantytown soon developed around the facility, providing essential services in what was a convenient stop-over location. The growing town was later named Merrittsville, after William Hamilton Merritt, the initiator of the Welland Canal project. Welland gained its present name when it was incorporated on July 25, 1858. It became a city in 1917.
The city runs Welland Transit, a public transport service. Welland Transit has 11 routes of scheduled bus services covering the city, but the ridership rates remain low. Also provided is Welland-St. Catharines Connection, a link to the St. Catharines public transit system which offers a connection from Welland Transit's downtown terminal to Brock University terminal in St. Catharines.
Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and gain enthusiasm in its natural beauty and populace. Welland enjoys a very positive reputation with worldwide travelers. It is definitely one of the popular tourist attractions. It is worth paying a visit while touring the country. This place leaves a pleasing and unforgettable memory and justifies the proud cultural tradition also.
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