The following letter was submitted to the mayor and council for consideration by Jim and Erika Alexander:
Open Letter
Lord Mayor and Members of Council
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
July 22, 2024
Since this Council has started its term, it seems that there have been more proposals to increase development in all areas of Niagara-on-the-Lake than ever before. If there are any restrictions and/or rules outlined in the Official Plan, it would seem that attention to that document is non-existent as oversized, over-height, commercial/ residential/ multiples have been or are on the verge of being approved throughout our community. Too many applications are being submitted, received and tentatively approved and moving to the next stage in a whirlwind process. Too much is being requested; too much is being accepted without the Town fully investigating long term ramifications – while municipal bylaws seem to be amended and/or set aside to accommodate all the proposals.
We respectfully suggest that this council propose a moratorium on all building projects in this community so that a thorough review can be conducted to grasp the ‘big picture’ and make sure this town’s unique history is not going to be dismissed for a limited number of individuals and companies who can secure visions which only benefit their personal futures while destroying this community’s past. Local citizens have loudly voiced their objections to many of the proposals - supported by well researched documentation - while ill-conceived decisions, based on weak and creative wordsmithing, are pushing the developments through.
This council was elected because of their campaign promises to represent the citizens of Niagara-on-the-Lake and maintain the unique and historic character of this town. We are the first capital of Upper Canada, the pivotal site of the War of 1812 and an architectural gem. Our history has been captured and preserved by federal and municipal property-owners, who have expressed their conservation values through the maintenance of their sites, homes and their continued vigilance against a modern invasion of those who seek personal financial benefit at everyone’s expense.
We respectfully request that this council impose a moratorium and form a council/citizen board to review current actions. Take a deep breath, slow down and make decisions based on our past history, and our future vision to maintain the landscapes, architectural treasures and community values.
Following is a partial list of development proposals of which we are aware:
- Randwood property development to include 191+ units
- “5-star” hotel complex on the Parliament Oak property
- 3-story, 17-unit apartment complex at the dead end of King Street
- Hotel complex at Queen and Mississagua at a significant entry point to the Old Town
- Lots severed on heritage-designated property at Simcoe and Queen Street
- 2-high rise apartment towers next to White Oaks, Glendale Ave/QEW
- 3-high rise apartment towers near Hilton Garden Inn, York Road
- 160 single family and townhouses at Line 2 & Concession 6 in Virgil
- Expansion of the Cannery subdivision in St. Davids
Each of these proposals brings a slew of infrastructure issues which will ultimately affect all residents through our tax levies, regardless of the terms of agreement with developers. Damages and affects reach far into the future when the opportunity to reverse, halt and/or re-think the decisions are long gone.
We limit our comments to a few problems which are bubbling and percolating. There are many more – but this is a letter of caution.
St. Davids developments: The bigger environmental issue is to ask where would the sewage go? In the existing newer subdivisions in St. Davids, they installed grinder pumps in homes in order to move the sewage uphill to Niagara Falls. Now the grinder pumps are failing and the insurance companies are refusing to cover the expense. Apparently the Town won’t pay the repair expenses and yet consideration and approvals are being issued to build even MORE residences which will require grinder pumps. With these existing problems, why are more development requests even being accepted?
Parliament Oak development: Aside from all the other issues with building a commercial complex on land which was designated for public use and destroys an existing quiet neighbourhood, where would the cars be parked for the proposed 5-star hotel. The surrounding streets are already full with the existing tourists’ vehicles, never mind adding space for hotel staff and hotel guests when attending functions at the hotel. Where will the sewage go from 129++ room-toilets + sanitary facilities from the two ballrooms, dining room and staff facilities?
When the greenspace is covered with buildings, paved over for parking lots and facility-access needs, where will the rainwater go? Will rainwater or raw sewage back into the surrounding basements – just like the problems in the Chautauqua area some years ago? Do we solve that problem by opening the tap and allowing that overflow sewage from holding tanks into Lake Ontario? Who pays the costs of cleaning up the basements because the Town did not make the right decisions.
The beach at Queens Royal Park has recently been closed by the Department of Public Health because of high e-coli count. Is sewage already leaking from holding tanks and working its way to Lake Ontario?
So once again, we respectfully propose a moratorium on building. We suggest that a community forum be created to discuss where this town is going and how to address the infrastructure and other issues which will affect generations to come. This town is fortunate to have numerous retired professionals, willing to bring their work-experiences and skills to make our town a better place. They have publicly offered their opinions/solutions in letters to the editor or public meetings. Heed their warnings. Ask for their volunteer help. Few small communities have the rich reserves of local citizens with the professional credentials to ensure we make the right decisions.
Think about how you handle personal issues with your families. You want to make sure you have all the information. Check and double-check. Discuss and weigh the pros and cons. Researchers and answers are here for the asking. Just ask. We would be proud to volunteer our time.
Jim and Erika Alexander
Niagara-on-the-Lake
