A Future Proposal For the Niagara-on-the-Lake DND Lands....... Parks Canada Lakeshore Road Property 1 May, 2016 The Harmony Residents Group
We are proposing a Natural Heritage Park be established on the Parks Canada Lakeshore Road site To create a natural heritage park consisting of recreational and educational amenities 2
The Lakeshore Road property is filled with important natural and historical features The Battle of Fort George National Historic Site - Site of American landing and fierce fighting in May, 1813 A Carolinian forest, meadows, creeks and wetlands Lake Ontario waterfront Additional heritage interest - Secord farm, U.E.L settlement - First Nations hunting and fishing - DND training 3
The establishment of a park would be an important step towards habitat conservation and wildlife protection on the site Species-At-Risk need protection Forests need conservation and enhancement Creeks & wetlands need rehabilitation Shoreline erosion needs to be stopped Habitats need preservation 4
The property has educational possibilities, for local and regional institutions Environment Science History Archeology & other research 5
The park would position Niagara to capitalize on the large and growing - global nature and heritage tourism market Nature-based travel o 20% of international travel o Growing at 4-10% Nature & heritage are motivators for visiting Niagara Nature & heritage visitors stay longer & visit year round 6
When fully operational, future possibilities exist for the park to offer a range of heritage and nature based experiences such as.. Passive use park and beach Access Controlled access Trails 1813 Battle Site Military Museum 7 Peace Garden Trails Natural Wetlands Secord Homestead (replica)
There is potential to retain the existing sewage treatment building for developing a gateway to the site s natural and heritage attractions Welcome Centre Interpretive Centre Meeting / exhibit space Information hub 8
Can be developed in stages, and park features and programs can be added over time as partners and funding are attracted Nature Trails Battlefield Walk - Museum Other Attractions Now.. Over Time.. Parking Picnic Area Interpretive Centre 9
The site contains an ecologically diverse Carolinian Forest One of last stands of Carolinian forests on the shores of the Great Lakes Only 5% of that ecosystem remains 10
Several Species-At-Risk have been found on the property Endangered: Eastern Flowering Dogwood, Butternut Threatened: Chimney Swift, Hooded Warbler, White Wood Aster Special Concern: Snapping Turtle, Eastern Milksnake, Monarch Butterfly, Shumard Oak 11
Wildlife is abundant on the site Wildlife includes: Red-shouldered Hawk Heron, Geese, Ducks, Wild Turkeys Bank Swallows Deer and Foxes Red-spotted Newt Warblers, wrens, Great Horned Owl 12
The property contains Provincially Significant Wetlands and an ANSI * * Area of Natural Scientific Interest Goals: Reduce storm run off Protect habitats Improve water and air quality What s at stake: Two Mile Creek and estuary Three Mile Creek Four Mile Creek 13
The site boasts the longest stretch of public shoreline in Niagara-on-the-Lake The shoreline of Lake Ontario is mostly inaccessible to the public Opportunity to provide public access to the waterfront Shoreline erosion has been a problem for decades 14
Rehabilitated lagoons could become a Natural Wetland Benefits: Expanded habitat for wildlife Attraction for: Educators Nature lovers Opportunity to: Retain existing lagoons Work in concert with nature 15
The Carolinian Forest needs preservation and enhancement Goals: Protect Species-At-Risk Encourage native species Improve water and air quality What s at stake: The forest itself The creeks & wetlands The shoreline 16
Reforestation would further improve the site and benefit the environment Opportunities: The plain between Two and Three Mile Creeks The scrub brush along Lakeshore Road Invasive species in the Niagara Shores Park Reforestation could help reduce Ontario s tree deficit(1 billion trees) 17
A natural heritage park will complement popular Niagara attractions Nature o Heritage o Cultural o o Niagara Falls, parks & escarpment Canadian military, political, and commercial history Wineries and restaurants Shaw Festival, Music Niagara 18
Niagara Natural Heritage Park will benefit the Niagara economy Capitalize on natural and heritage attractions o o Increase year-round visitors Create new business opportunities Extend length of stay to benefit o o B&B s, hotels, inns Restaurants & shops 19