To be honest I have always found exclamations of “Thank God it’s Friday” a bit flippant.  End of work week jubilation probably grates on the ears of those without the privilege of a regular job to go to.  Wellanders who have experienced their “last Friday” might long for the good old Fridays of the industrial era and their steady paychecks.

But like Fridays’ promise of weekend fun, the end of that era has also lead to promise of new beginnings. I would like to share some of the exciting developments past the tracks in Welland’s East End.

• A realtor told me last week that there are more new developments and building permits are happening in Welland East than in the rest of Welland.
• The downtown BIA development board jurisdiction ends at the East Main tracks. Businesses east of the tracks are so excited about the new developments and initiatives that they see happening downtown they are wanting to get organized. I recognize this as a new beginning because I have lived in this neighbourhood for over 25 years.
• Niagara Regional Council has approved retaining the Provincial Offences Act Court in Welland. A new courthouse is in process for the old Empire Public School property. Welland’s historic courthouse on Cross Street brought growth and prosperity to Welland in its day. This new courthouse will help spread the revival we are experiencing downtown past the tracks to the old Atlas Steels neighbourhood.

A few weeks ago on Friday I helped survey Food Fest attendees about their impressions of Welland downtown. There were an overwhelming number of positive responses to what is going on downtown. People are noticing. The young people love coming downtown. They are not focused on what was and will be no more. They see the new beginnings; a new Welland.

Let’s take a moment to remember the end of an era and celebrate new beginnings: