Located at the southern fork of the Welland Canal, a timeless collection of detached homes and townhomes has been growing at Empire Canals. Many homeowners are already settled in, enjoying life in the Niagara Region with all of life’s necessities nearby. But in 2018, the bridge at Forks Road was closed down, removing some of the convenience residents of the area had come to rely on.

A testament to the commitment to infrastructure and efficiency of Niagara Region, Welland Mayor Frank Campion and the community’s Regional Councillor, Bonnie Fokkens, set themselves to the task of having the Forks Bridge rebuilt. Funded in a joint venture by government programs and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Rural & Northern Stream alongside Empire Communities, this $13.6 million project commenced in late 2022.

On August 16th, 2024, the new Forks Road Bridge finally connected our community across the canal once more. But what does this mean for Empire Canals?

Located right down the street from our neighbourhood, the Forks Road Bridge makes getting around so much easier, and gives residents new freedom. With two lanes, two bike lanes, and a pedestrian walkway, it allows residents of Welland the ability to explore beyond their community without relying on a vehicle.

Prior to the completion of the new bridge, the next closest crossing was Townline Tunnel Road, an ambitious 40 minute walk from Canals. Forks Road Bridge is only 12 minutes on foot, meaning a stroll around the neighbourhood can include a beautiful walk across the water, admiring the incredible scenery all around.

Not only that, but with the ability to cross the canal without heading north, residents commuting into Port Colborne, stopping by Mud Lake or Wainfleet Conservation Areas, or travelling to one of the dozens of golf courses in the area is more convenient than ever.

But the most important improvement that the new Forks Road Bridge brings to Empire Canals is simple — safety and longevity. The original bridge was closed due to structural failure, and Welland acted fast to avoid disaster. This investment into local infrastructure ensures that residents of Welland are safe and protected in their day-to-day lives, with new and improved engineering guaranteed to exceed modern building codes and remain stable for years to come.

It’s shocking, in the very best of ways, and it’s all happening by 2027.

The massive investment by Honda/Asahi Kasei, with support from the Federal and Provincial governments, is the kind of news that will empower the economy in Niagara for generations to come. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently joined company executives in announcing the largest local investment in over 100 years.

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of peace within our own homes has never been more crucial. One way to achieve this sense of calm is by incorporating cool tones into your home’s interior design, as seen in the Loretto model at Empire Canals in Welland, Ontario. From cool-toned staple pieces to the use of darker metals and natural materials, here are five ways to infuse a sense of cool, calm, and aesthetic into your living space.

Here are a few pieces to get your cool-toned aesthetic started.

Next, discover these 5 nautical home decor touches for a coastal retreat, and how to pick the perfect paint colour for your home.

Images courtesy of: Maison Corbeil (Black Coated Wood Side Table); Spoonflower (Summer Check Wallpaper); iFurniture (Mary Janet Velvet Sofa); Rove Concepts (Angelo Dining Chair); CB2 (Organic Cotton Velvet Window Curtain Panel, Gallery Picture Frame); JD Lighting (Brody Large Chandelier); Wayfair (Chaffins Faux Leather Armchair). 

Have you always harboured a desire to live by the water? Now, you can manifest that dream by crafting a home aesthetic infused with nautical touches, turning your living space into a serene coastal haven. Uncertain about where to begin? Draw inspiration from the Camrose model home at our Empire Canals community in Welland, ON. From a classic blue and white colour palette to water-inspired murals, shiplap wall details, light-toned wooden decor, and accent wallpaper with prints of leaves, here are five ways to transform your home into a coastal retreat.

Here are a few pieces to get your coastal retreat started.

Interested in replicating this coastal aesthetic? A new release of homes is coming to Canals in February 2024, providing you with the perfect opportunity to bring this design style to life.

Feeling inspired? Check out these tips to maximize every space in your home and learn how to style your fireplace and mantel like a designer.

Images courtesy of: Amazon (HB Velvet Pillow Covers — Blue); Structube (Rodney Lamp); Etsy (Humpback Whale Print); Wayfair (Louella Coffee Table, Hancock Upholstered Pouf); Houzz (Tropical Blue Palm Leaf Wallpaper Roll); Hovia (Whale Tale Mural Wallpaper); Anthropologie (Selena Rattan Shelving Unit).

In the world of interior design, there’s one particular style that has captured our hearts, featuring a unique blend of comfort, vibrant colours, and a touch of the unconventional. Welcome to the realm of Boho Chic — an interior design that marries the bohemian spirit with chic sophistication. Designer Jane Lockhart showcases this interior design style in our Belfountain model at Empire Canals in Welland. Learn more about what was involved in the design process and how to replicate the look at home.

Thoughtful Design Choices

Encompassing solid surface countertops and hardwood floors, the interiors of the Belfountain exude the essence of boho chic, with meticulous design elements tailored to meet the diverse needs of its homeowners. An upstairs bedroom was transformed into a spacious work nook for homework and virtual meetings, while an open-concept living room serves as the perfect gathering point. The convenience of a second-floor laundry room adds practicality, ensuring that household tasks are both functional and stylish. The home’s well-designed floor plan creates a natural airiness and fosters a sense of innate spaciousness, bathing each room in ample natural light. This contributes to achieving the boho chic aesthetic and ambiance, even without additional elements.

Designer-Selected Finishes, Furnishings, and Accessories

One of the main attractions of the Belfountain’s boho chic look is its attainable nature. Without compromising elegance, this design embraces cost-conscious choices that are beautiful, functional, and can be incorporated into the home’s aesthetic with ease. The strategic use of paint accents and feature walls introduces colour and texture, infusing the space with warmth and visual interest.

What Makes the Belfountain Unique

What makes this boho chic home special is its harmonious connection between the interior and exterior. Maintaining consistent colour palettes and textures, a cohesive narrative is woven from the outside in. Its minimal but impactful upgrades cater to the cost-conscious homeowner, creating a home filled with immense potential, without the need for extravagant investments in enhancements or furniture.

Looking to Achieve this Boho Chic Look in Your Home? Incorporate These Staple Products

1. Light Linen: Opt for light linen textiles, such as curtains, throw pillows, and bedding. The breezy and relaxed feel of linen complements the boho chic aesthetic.

2. Natural Coloured Wicker: Incorporate wicker furniture or accents to bring an organic touch to your space. These pieces add texture and contribute to the laid-back vibe of the style.

3. Greenery: Embrace the bohemian love for nature by introducing a variety of indoor plants. Greenery adds vibrancy and life to the space, creating a refreshing atmosphere.

4. Medium to Light Hardwood: Hardwood is a crucial element in achieving the boho chic look. Choose flooring, furniture pieces and accessories in medium to light washes to enhance the natural feel of the space.

5. Woven Tapestries or Macramé: Adorn your walls with woven tapestries or macramé hangings. These intricate pieces of art introduce texture and an authentic bohemian touch.

Interested in exploring some of other trending design styles? Take a look at this modern farmhouse in the heart of Thorold, ON, and discover 4 inspiring ways to design rooms to suit your needs.

Nestled in the charming city of Welland, Ontario, the Waterside Lots at Empire Canals offer a unique residential experience combining tranquil living with breathtaking views and an abundance of amenities. Backing onto the Welland Canal, with no neighbours behind each home, these lots provide an unparalleled opportunity to create a private oasis where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in its purest form. Explore the many benefits of owning one of these exclusive lots, as well as the on-site and local amenities that make this community as a whole an ideal place to call home.

With its blend of big-city amenities, small-town charm, and attainable housing, Welland offers an ideal setting for all of life’s best moments. Just minutes from Niagara’s world-class attractions and wineries, this up-and-coming area is also home to premier recreational facilities and excellent educational institutions. Download our guide below to learn more about how this fast-growing economic powerhouse has unofficially become Canada’s Capital of Work-Life Balance.

Welcome to Gastonia. With historic roots and local charm, you’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere else in the Charlotte metropolitan area with the same close-knit, community feel. Explore the area’s serene landscapes with its vivacious neighborhoods and reliable school districts. Congratulations — you’ve found the ideal backdrop for all of life’s best moments to unfold.

In the heart of the Niagara region is the charming city of Thorold — a community rich in history and brimming with culture and activity. Offering unmatched accessibility, Thorold has evolved into an ideal home for growing families and individuals in pursuit of a life of simplicity and comfort. The serene neighbourhoods, adorned with tree-lined streets and charming parks, create an inviting backdrop for a life well-lived. Here, the pace of life slows, allowing for genuine connections to flourish and for life’s best moments to unfold.

Nestled between the Welland Canal and the shores of Lake Erie, Welland is surrounded by the beauty of the Niagara region. Locals revel in the impressive waterfront and extensive green spaces, as they unwind to a slower pace of living while still having easy access to modern conveniences. With endless adventures just a stone’s throw away, Welland is quickly becoming one of Niagara’s fastest-growing cities. People from all over want to experience what Welland has to offer, and it’s not hard to see why.