June 27, 2023

*Special Council meeting with agenda items from the timed-out regular meeting from June 20.

Council Meeting Agenda
Full Video

Physician Recruitment incentive program moves forward

The City of Welland approved a budget of $1M for a physician recruitment incentive program; the Economic Development Reserve Fund will provide the funds.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has deemed Welland an area of high physician need, and as of February 2023, documented the city is 17 family physicians short. Given the projected population growth and slate of family physicians retiring, this shortage is anticipated to increase.

The recruitment incentive is designed to bring 10 new doctors to the city, with $100K for each new family physician starting their own or taking over an existing practice. Economic Development staff will work closely with the Physician Recruitment and Retention Specialist with Regional Health Initiatives, Niagara Region Public Health, on the Niagara Physician Recruitment Program.

Physician shortages are not unique to Welland; several municipalities in Niagara and across the country are finding unique approaches to recruit new practices or entice practitioners to take over existing practices.

• In the past five years, Welland has lost six physicians and added three.
• 34 per cent of Welland family doctors are over the age of 65.
• Welland has the lowest family physician per 10,000 population ratio in Niagara (4.3 doctors per 10,000 people).

Implementing this initiative will support residents’ quality of life and ensure Welland continues to be seen as a progressive City to live, work, play, and invest.

Live streaming services coming to Welland Arena

The City of Welland will soon offer live streaming services from its arenas after Council approved an agreement to be entered into with LIVEBARN, a recreational faclilty streaming service. Live streaming in recreation facilities has become popular for busy families with children in sports. In 2021, a Regional group of recreation, facilities and purchasing staff was established to review streaming company proposals to determine the best fit as a Region.

The intent is to utilize this service in as many facilities in the Niagara Region as possible to allow our users to view various sports and activities throughout the region.

Overall, an available streaming service in a recreation facility for municipalities can

provide a range of benefits that can enhance the visitor experience, generate revenue, and attract new visitors

Hospital Task Force

Dissolved in March, a new Hospital Task Force will take shape with the mandate to:

• Review health and healthcare delivery from the Welland Hospital.
• Collaborate with community partners, Welland City Council and staff, to identify steps required to secure a fully functional hospital in Welland.
• Review and compile data and information that supports the requirement for the hospital in Welland.
• Present information to Welland City Council regarding the Welland hospital, to protect the integrity and availability of health care services in Welland.

The membership composition recommended allows for the Mayor and community

representatives to carry out the responsibilities of the task force. The task force will work

together as a team for the purpose of achieving positive outcomes related to health care

that will benefit the Welland community.

Road Resurfacing Tender

The 2023 Road Resurfacing project proposed surface asphalt and minor concrete improvements to nine road segments through the milling and paving of the road surface and replacement of areas of broken curb and sidewalk. The following road segments were included in the approved 2023 budget, with the tender awarded to Rankin Construction for $1.5 million.