Pelham, Ontario

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The Town of Pelham (2001 population 15,272) is located in the centre of Niagara Region in Ontario, Canada.

The Pelham Township was a part of Welland County since at least 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 an area known as Short Hills. 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.

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.

1 Attractions
2 Notable people from Pelham
3 Government
4 Demographics
5 Communities
6 External links

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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.

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."

Pelham is also a great location for avid golfers, having a steadily growing amount of golf courses. The city's oldest course, Lookout Point Golf and Country Club, was founded in 1922 by a group of Welland. 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.

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Notable people from Pelham

Steve Bauer grew up in Fenwick and later became a professional cyclist and wore the Yellow Jacket 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.

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Government

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

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