Important Transit Service Changes
Welland Rose Festival 2025
The annual Rose Festival is returning to Welland from June 13-15, 2025, bringing exciting festivities to our community. To accommodate the festival events, we'll be implementing temporary route changes that will affect several of our bus routes. Here's everything you need to know to plan your travel during the festival weekend.
Festival Events and Dates
Days in the Park
Friday, June 13 at 9:00 a.m. through Sunday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m.
- King Street will be closed between Griffith Street and Division Street
- This closure affects the heart of the festival area where most activities will take place
Grand Parade
Sunday, June 15 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- King Street will be closed from the Arena to East Main all the way to River Road
- This is the most significant closure, affecting the parade route
Route Changes During the Festival
Routes with Modified Service
Route 25
- Days in the Park (June 13-15): Outbound buses will use East Main, turn left onto Hellems Avenue, right onto Lincoln, then left onto King Street for regular routing. Inbound buses will use King Street, turn right onto Lincoln Street, and left on Burgar Street to access the terminal.
Route 501
- Days in the Park (June 13-15): Outbound service continues as normal. Inbound buses will use King Street, turn right onto Regent, right onto Hellems Avenue, left onto Victoria Street, then left on Burgar Street.
- Grand Parade Day (June 15, 12-4 p.m.): Special routing through Hellems Avenue, Ontario Street, Prince Charles Drive, Lincoln, Denistoun Street, and Maple Street.
Route 502, 503, 504
- Grand Parade Day (June 15, 12-4 p.m.): These routes will follow similar detour patterns using Hellems Avenue, Ontario Street, Prince Charles Drive, Lincoln, and Denistoun Street to bypass the parade route.
Route 506
- Days in the Park (June 13-15): Outbound buses will use East Main, left onto Hellems Avenue, right onto Regent Street, then left onto King Street. Inbound service remains normal.
- Grand Parade Day (June 15, 12-4 p.m.): Modified routing using Hellems Avenue and Ontario Street.
Route 509
- Grand Parade Day (June 15, 12-4 p.m.): Special routing through the detour network, including Niagara Street connections.
Routes with Regular Service
Routes 505 and 508 will maintain their regular schedules and routes throughout the entire festival weekend.
Planning Your Trip
What to Expect
- Longer travel times: Detours may add extra time to your journey, especially during peak festival hours
- Crowded conditions: Expect higher ridership as people travel to and from festival events
- Alternative access: We'll maintain access to the terminal via Hellems Avenue throughout the festival
Tips for Festival Weekend Travel
- Plan extra time: Allow additional travel time, particularly on Sunday during parade hours (12-4 p.m.)
- Check before you go: Service changes are most significant on Sunday afternoon during the Grand Parade. Check our Service Alerts page for any real-time updates.
- Consider walking: If you're staying in the downtown area, walking might be faster than transit during peak festival times
- Festival parking: Remember that downtown parking will be limited, making transit a convenient option
Stay Informed
Our operators and supervisors are prepared to assist with any questions about route changes during the festival weekend. We appreciate your patience as we work around these community celebrations while maintaining reliable transit service.
For real-time updates and any last-minute changes, please check our website for Service Alerts or contact customer service. We're committed to getting you where you need to go, even with the festival festivities in full swing.
Have a wonderful time at the Rose Festival, and thank you for choosing public transit!