‘Confusion seems to have cleared’ over fake ‘news release’ about Welland Canal being filled in – Welland Tribune

The City of Welland says it appears the record has been set straight over a fake news release that circulated on social media over the weekend.

The fictitious post said the former John Deere lands in Dain City, as well as east of the property, were to be used to backfill a section of the old Welland Canal for residential and commercial development.

On Thursday, the citys corporate communications manager, Marc MacDonald, said the phony post no longer seems to be generating calls from the public.

The confusion seems to have been cleared after staff and council responded to residents and an official city statement went out, said MacDonald.

MacDonald said the person (or persons) responsible for the false claims has not yet been identified.

Niagara Regional Police were never asked to probe the matter, he said.

We will continue to monitor social media for this type of misinformation and correct when possible, he said.

In addition to using a template that made the communique look official, city logos were added along with a map and two photos.

The area, used by South Niagara Rowing Club, is still a navigable waterway because its connected to the working Welland Canal.

Empire Communities is poised to construct as many as 2,000 homes in the area, including more than 1,400 slated for the Dain East subdivision, north of Forks Road and east of the former John Deere lands.

The rest are for the Dain West subdivision, fronting Canal Bank Street on the property of the factory that closed in 2009.

In the Dain East subdivision, the first to be built, three parks will be constructed including one overlooking the working Welland Canal along with 2.5 kilometres of trails.

The Dain West subdivision will feature two parks, four kilometres of trails and land for possibly a Catholic elementary school.

Empire Communities has committed $10 million toward replacement of the Forks Road bridge, which was 88 years old when it was decommissioned in 2018 and demolished the following year.

The city will contribute $5 million, with more than $4.1 million coming the federal and provincial governments.

The developer is also paying for most of a multi-use sports park behind Welland International Flatwater Centre, covering $2.75 million of its $3-million price tag, along with $300,000 from Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

The developers investment into the city is estimated to be up to $21 million.

With files from Dave Johnson

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'Confusion seems to have cleared' over fake 'news release' about Welland Canal being filled in - Welland Tribune