Civil Municipal - May 2024

Mayor Bill Steele outlines the transformation of Port Colborne from its industrial beginnings to a vibrant residential community. “Port Colborne primarily was an industrial marine town. Our population has now reached 20,500, making us the second fastest growing community in Niagara on a percentage basis,” he explains. The city’s growth is evident in the surge of building permits—from a modest 20 to nearly 200 a year, signaling a shift towards more residential and commercial development. The city’s strategic location is further bolstered by its connectivity.“We have two major highways, Highway 3 and Highway 140, which connects to Highway 406 to the QEW, taking you to Toronto, and Highway 3 to Windsor one way, and Buffalo, which is just 30 minutes east of us,” the mayor describes. This network facilitates efficient transport and commerce and enhances the accessibility and appeal of Port Colborne as a place to live and work. PARKS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT As Port Colborne continues to grow and attract new residents and tourists alike, city officials are keenly focused on enhancing the quality of life through significant upgrades to public spaces and community facilities. The thrust of these efforts is evident in the comprehensive redevelopment of the city’s parks and recreational areas, which Mayor Steele discusses with enthusiasm. “We have probably more parks per capita than most major cities in Ontario. We’ve just completed a comprehensive parks master plan, aiming to create larger, more engaging community spaces rather than small, underused plots.” This strategic overhaul is about expanding green spaces and transforming them into vibrant hubs for community interaction and recreation. “Through this plan, we’re consolidating smaller parks and enhancing larger ones like Lockview Park,” Mayor Steele continues. “This three-acre park is undergoing a transformation to include housing and a neighborhood park with walking tracks, outdoor sports facilities, and ample communal spaces.” The redevelopment extends beyond just physical spaces. Mayor Steele outlines how these parks are 141 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 PORT COLBORNE, ON