Pelham, Ontario

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Location of Pelham in the Niagara Region
Location of Pelham in the Niagara Region

The Town of Pelham (2006 population 16,155) is located in the centre of Niagara Region in Ontario, Canada.

Pelham Township was part of Welland County since the 1780s. Although during the War of 1812 there were no battles in Pelham, after the war, a major fortification was proposed in the north of the township in the Short Hills area. The high-rising hills were thought to be an excellent defence spot, and 900 acres (3.6 km²) of lands were purchased by the government. The site was surveyed and named Wellington Height after the Duke of Wellington. The planned stronghold was named King George's Battery. However, the plan was repeatedly deferred, before being finally abandoned in 1860s. The land was sold off as farmland. From the top of the hill on a clear day it is possible to see Toronto, Hamilton and Western New York state. At one time a ski tow was installed on the north side of the hill but it was a commercial failure and the land reverted to pasture.

In 1970, the Town of Pelham unified five historical communities: Fonthill, Ridgeville, Effingham, North Pelham and Fenwick into a single town covering 126.42 square kilometres. This integration brought together a mix of farming and growing commercialism. The town's southern boundary is formed by the Welland River, a meandering waterway that flows into the Niagara River. To the west is the township of West Lincoln, to the east the city of Welland, and to the north the city of St. Catharines. North Pelham contains the picturesque Short Hills (see attractions). Two important creeks have their headwaters within Pelham; Coyle Creek, which flows south into the Welland River, and Twelve Mile creek, a spring-fed stream that flows north into Lake Ontario.

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[edit] Attractions

The Comfort Maple Tree is estimated to be Canada's largest Sugar Maple tree, approximately 500 years old. Named after the Comfort family on whose land the tree once stood, it has been designated a Conservation site for its biological and historical significance. The Comfort Maple is located in the village of North Pelham.

Short Hills Provincial Park, located along the northern border of Pelham, is a wildlife preserve of 6.6 square kilometres. It once consisted of a valley filled with sedimentary deposits and glacial till, until Twelve Mile Creek sliced through, forming the "Short Hills." In addition there is also St. John's Conservation area, which has a fish pond and a set of trails.

Pelham is also a great location for avid golfers, having a steadily growing amount of golf courses. The town's oldest course, Lookout Point Golf and Country Club, was founded in 1922 by a group of Welland businessmen. Interestingly, the planned King George's Battery would have been located on site of the course, in an area currently occupied by parking, clubhouse, and the first tee.

[edit] Notable people from Pelham

Steve Bauer grew up in Fenwick and later became a professional cyclist and wore the yellow jersey at the Tour de France during several years in the 1980s. There is a series of walking and biking trails throughout the municipality which are named after him.

World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Marlene Streit also grew up in Pelham, and has a park in the Town's core named after her.

CTV's morning show CTV AM's weather and sports man, Jeff Hutcheson currently lives in Fenwick

Former NHL enforcer Matt Johnson was raised and lived in Fenwick Ontario, although his birthplace is listed as Welland Ontario, as this is where the local hospital is located.

[edit] Government

The Town is divided into three wards, each of which elects two councillors to sit on Town Council for a period of four years. The Mayor is elected separately and also serves a term of four years. The mayor for 2006-2010 is Dave Augustyn. Additionally a regional councillor is elected to represent Pelham at the Regional Municipality of Niagara government-level.

[edit] Demographics

According to the Canada 2006 Census:

  • Population: 16,155
  • Percentage Change (2001-2006): + 5.8 %
  • Dwellings: 6,058
  • Area: 126.42 km²
  • Population density: 127.8/km²

According to the Canada 2001 Census:

  • Population: 15,272
  • Percentage Change (1996-2001): + 6.5 %
  • Dwellings: 5,714
  • Area: 126.42 km²
  • Population density: 120.8/km²

[edit] Sports and recreation

Pelham's sports include:

Pelham's clubs include:

[edit] Communities

[edit] External links


Lincoln, St. Catharines
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West Lincoln North Thorold, Welland
West   Pelham    East
South
Wainfleet
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Regional Municipality of Niagara