The Pioneering settling of St. Catharines had begun approximately in 1780. From between 1787-1789 there had been a full-scale movement by the state to promote development within the northern Niagara Peninsula, by offering land grants by royal proclamation. These land grants were extremely appealing as they were very close to multiple sources of water and extremely close to the american border (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).One man during this time who was heavily invested into the area was Sir William Hamilton Merritt. William was a very ambitious boy from a young age. He had always done well with business and convincing others to follow him in his endeavors. Coming from a wealthier family, as well as his father having influence within the area, William was given ample opportunity to establish himself as a successful businessman and town developer. Yet William's true passion had been set in transportation; whether this was in order to help grow his businesses or because he loved town planning is still unsure. However if one thing is clear, his drive for development has helped create Niagara into what it is today (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).

This park commemorates his economic accomplishments made within the area. It represents the hand Merritt had played in building the Niagara Region into what it today. With his drive to develop, build and engineer, Merritt brought significant prosperity to the area. Due to the location of the park, it is clear to say that the most recognized and influential accomplishment that Merritt had made within the Niagara Region, is the Welland Canal.

The economic value that the canal has brought the region over the past 100 years has been tremendous. With the ability to ship larges amounts of goods, more effectively power mills and attract migration, the Welland Canal allowed Niagara to become a prosperous economic space that still carries on today.

Merritt Park is the 10th destination on the Merritt Family Historical Tour.

Burtniak & Wesley (1979). "The Welland Canals: First Annual Niagara Peninsula History Conference". City of St. Catharines & Brock University. April 21-22

City of Welland (2016). "City Parks". Welland 60 East Main Street, , Ontario, Canada. https://www.welland.ca/Leisure/parks.asp