NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF WELLAND
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The City of Welland proudly celebrates its Francophone community on March 20, International Francophonie Day, with its annual flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.
The event will take place at 10:30 a.m., and Bridge 13 will be illuminated in green and white to symbolize the French-speaking community.
“Welland has a rich Francophone heritage, and we are honoured to recognize the contributions of our French-speaking residents,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “Our designation as a Francophone community is a strong point of pride, and we remain committed to preserving and celebrating our French culture.”
International Francophonie Day is observed worldwide to honour the French language and the diversity of Francophone culture. Welland, designated under Ontario’s French Language Services Act, is home to one of the largest Francophone populations in the Niagara Region, with more than 15,000 French speakers living across the area.
“The City continues to support and engage with our Francophone community,” said Campion. “Our website offers a dedicated French-language section, and we work closely with French-speaking organizations to ensure that resources and services are accessible.”
Residents are invited to take part in the celebration and to learn more about the city’s deep-rooted Francophone heritage. The City extends its appreciation to all who contribute to preserving and promoting French culture within the community.
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