The Niagara-on-the-Lake Local received the following Letter to the Editor from reader Heather Harvey, in regards to recent decisions about the Heritage Trail
WHEREAS the Town sees the Charlotte Street access, if requested by Solmar, as an opportunity to celebrate and improve the existing Heritage Trail at this location (“Gateway Feature”);
This statement may reflect the views of some council members - hiding behind the 'In Camera' means we do not know how our elected officials voted for this outrageous attack on the natural and serene beauty of our recently improved Upper Canada Heritage Trail. Several years ago the town undertook a culling of at risk trees and it was completed in the most sensitive manner. Tall tree stumps were left to allow vegetation to grow over them thus providing a habitat for the abundant birds and small mammals who call this area home. The recent upgrading of the surface was again completed sensitively with minimum damage to the environment. Of note is the fact that many residents and friends of Niagara-on-the-Lake contributed to this improvement program.
The gateway to this trail is in fact at the junction of John Street and King Street and it is a fitting entrance to what was and is a Bruce Trail extension. This first section of the trail meanders peacefully to where the proposed roadway will be built.
The residents remember very well the manner in which Mr. Marotta cut trees in the area adjacent to the trail some years ago - bulldozers, logging trucks etc removed mature and valuable trees while residents helplessly looked on. Is this what is to become of the trail? Really, councillors and decision-makers, can a 'Gateway Feature ' compensate for the loss of the trail? Do you honestly believe that walking on a concrete pavement alongside a busy roadway provides the same experience even if you can walk through a 'Gateway' feature? Please take steps to stop this madness in its tracks. Mr. Marotta has viable options for access to his development without robbing the hundreds of users of this valued Heritage Trail.
Heather Harvey,
Niagara-on-the-Lake
