Welland Recreational Waterway

The plans called for fishing platforms, water slides, boat rental points, as well as marine and rail historical exhibits.

This was necessary due to very long (4 km, or 2.5 miles) low-grade approaches to the Townline Tunnel required for trains to travel underneath the new canal segment.

The pathways are important components of Welland's pedestrian and bicycle transportation network, providing a safe and pleasant environment in which to move about the central part of the city.

The corporation is responsible for the protection and development of the canal and adjacent lands, and has inaugurated various programs, including a canoe/paddle boat rental facility and numerous fishing platforms.

The land, which is embedded in the urban fabric, is already used by residents for hiking, trail running and mountain biking, and is the only section of the canal in Welland that is undeveloped.

The Northern Reach Park would conserve the area for recreation and wildlife habitat, and continue to provide opportunities for hikers, runners, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers, as well as naturalists, to engage with a "natural" landscape.

[4] However, it was learned that the WRCC has plans to raze the area to build a solar farm,[5] although no public consultation has occurred and no information is available from their website or financial statements.

The Recreational Waterway north of the Townline Road plug.
The Waterway's no-wake zone. Merritt Island with its path appear opposite the channel.
Downtown Welland, with the Waterway in the foreground, the Civic Square on the left, and the historic vertical lift East Main Street Bridge ( Bridge #13 ) on the right.
View of Merritt Island from the northern reach section of the Welland Canal.