Welland Chief Engagement Officer Marc MacDonald recently wrote a children’s book, entitled Wonders of Welland, which showcases life in the locale throughout the year.
The City of Welland, like so many municipalities across southern Ontario, is experiencing exponential population growth. This is happening as potential residents identify terrific opportunities for career growth, as well as a welcoming community to raise their young families.
While moving to a new community can be exciting, the transition can be challenging for children who may be leaving friends, schools and other familiar settings behind. With this in mind, Marc MacDonald, who currently serves as Chief Communications and Engagement Officer for the City of Welland, has recently written a reading level three children’s book, entitled Wonders of Welland, which showcases life in the locale throughout the year.
“We’ve been working on this project since 2022,” MacDonald shared with The Niagara Independent. “My inspiration for the book really came out of two things that are distinct yet connected. One, is that as we prepare to welcome so many people to our city in the years and decades ahead, I thought it could be so beneficial to provide kids with an accessible and colour theory sensitive source, which contains the many exciting opportunities that are available to them,” he explained.
“Secondly, I was thinking back to my own childhood, and how our family moved from Ontario when my Dad took a job in Alberta, and how it was a big adjustment,” he continued. “As my own son approached his eighth birthday, I was once again reminded how you develop strong ties with friends, school, extracurriculars, sports, etc. from a very young age, and that it is normal to experience discomfort when starting somewhere new.”
“We really wanted to help kids navigate that transition to new settings, meeting new people and developing new traditions.”
MacDonald shared that inclusivity was a key theme that can be traced throughout the book, which honours Indigenous peoples, demonstrates the lived experience of a child with a disability, and remembers the service of Canadian Armed Forces veterans. The LGBT community is also celebrated and is represented in the text.
MacDonald thanked a number of people and partners for their contributions.
“Thank you to our community partners, including CERF Niagara, Pride Niagara, the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, Niagara College and the Welland Jackfish Baseball Club, as well as our Sponsors; namely, LIV Communities, E-Empire, Primont, Mountainview Building Group and Silvestri Investments,” said MacDonald.
“Also, a huge shout out to our Illustrator, Javier Carranza, Editor, Paul Orlando, Designer, Jane Walker-Scott, as well as Mayor Campion and the Welland City Council. This project would not have been possible without all of your help and support.”
The publication costs were covered in total by community sponsors and did not utilise any public tax dollars.
The dog in the story is inspired by the beloved pet of the MacDonald family who recently passed away.
“It has been a very difficult couple of weeks, but I’m glad we have been able to include our wonderful family friend in this way,” said MacDonald.
Hardcover and digital versions of Wonders of Welland are available in both English and French at no cost. Those who would like to access a hard copy can do so at the Welland City Hall Reception, Welland Community Centre front desk or any branch of the Welland Public Library. Digital copies are available at the following link: Wonders of Welland.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
