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). 

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.

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.

Summer is finally here, and it’s time to make the most of it. If you’re looking for a destination that combines sports, adventure, and natural beauty, look no further than the Empire Sportsplex and Welland Flatwater Centre (WIFC). These two fantastic locations in Welland offer activities for everyone, from skilled athletes to nature enthusiasts. Read on to learn what you can do at these favourited spots to keep the adventure going all summer long.

Interested in moving to Welland, Ontario? Check out our new homes for sale at Empire Canals, the city’s newest master-planned community.

Next, discover these local-approved activities and some of the region’s top schools.

In the heart of the Niagara region is Dain City, a small community in the southernmost part of Welland with a storied past. Located at the junction of two significant rail lines with the Welland Canal running through its west, the area is now home to one of Empire’s newest communities, Empire Canals. Here, residents can live inspired by the water and come home to a community that allows them to navigate life their way.

But what was Welland of decades past? As the area grows and evolves, we take a look back at the rich layers of celebrated history that have shaped the people and places that call it home.

Plus, the Empire Sportsplex — the community’s new sport and recreation centre — is situated just behind, featuring six pickleball courts; three tennis courts; five beach volleyball courts; a full-size basketball court; and two half-size basketball courts for 3-on-3 play.

The area was given its present name, Welland, when it was incorporated in 1858 — an homage to the Welland River in the Golden Horseshoe. Years later, in the mid-1950s, Dain City, formally known as the Welland Junction, inherited its name. The suburb was named after the Marshall Dain Manufacturing Company — now known as John Deere — which developed the area to provide housing for its employees and was the region’s main employer for nearly 100 years. In September 2008, John Deere announced it would close its plant with a loss of 800 jobs and relocate to Wisconsin and Mexico by the end of 2009, triggering a huge change from what was perceived as the status quo for so long.

In other words, it’s a launch pad for adventure, appealing to the masses with its long list of recreational opportunities waiting to be explored.

Interested in moving to Welland, Ontario? Check out our new homes for sale at Empire Canals, the city’s newest master-planned community.

Next, discover some of the region’s top schools and learn 5 reasons why you’ll love living at Empire Canals.

Images courtesy of: Wikimedia Commons (Battle of Cook’s Mills); Welland Tribune (Welland Opera House).

There’s always an event or celebration happening in Welland, and living at Empire Canals means you’re right in the heart of the action. From outdoor sports to artisan festivals, you’re bound to find something that’ll get you out and about. We’ve rounded up a few annual events we think you’ll enjoy to ensure you never miss out on the most happening things in the area.

Interested in moving to Niagara? Check out our new homes for sale at Empire Canals, the area’s newest master-planned community.

Next, discover how locals spend their days in Welland and the top schools in the region.

Image courtesy of: Welland Tribune (Welland Floatfest), Burlington Teen Tour Band (Welland Rose Festival).