Welland Canal Top Hat Ceremony Sunday, March 22

PORT COLBORNE, ON – The City of Port Colborne will celebrate the opening of the 2026 shipping season on the Welland Canal with its annual Top Hat Ceremony on Sunday, March 22. Returning to Lock 8 Gateway Park, the maritime tradition marks the journey of the first vessel through the Welland Canal. Port Colborne Mayor William Steele will greet the captain of the vessel – the Radcliffe R. Latimer – and present a top hat to mark the occasion.

Community members are invited to attend the celebration, along with representatives from provincial and federal governments, Port Colborne City Council, the marine industry, and members of the media.

A free community breakfast hosted by the Port Colborne Fair Trade Committee will begin at 8 a.m., featuring pancakes, sausages, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. The Top Hat Ceremony will follow at 9 a.m.

A livestream of the ceremony will be available through the City of Port Colborne’s Facebook page. The recording will be shared to the City’s YouTube channel following the event.

City of Port Colborne Press Release