Deputation March 10 2008 V3

Harmony Residents Group Presentation to Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Council 8/27/2008

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Who We Are • NOTL residents. • Concerned citizens who hope that the Parks Canada property on Lakeshore Road can be developed in a way that is in harmony with the natural and historical significance of the site.

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Our Goals 1. To ensure that any development of the Parks Canada land on Lakeshore Rd. benefits the community of Niagara-onthe-Lake as a whole. 2. To work in co-operation with other stakeholder groups to ensure that our community is proactive and prepared for any development at this site. 8/27/2008

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Our Objectives 1. To ensure the land is developed in a way that is neutral-to-positive for NOTL ratepayers. 2. To ensure the land is developed in a way that is respectful of the natural and historic sites, that is environmentally sound, and that has minimal impact to the flora and fauna. 3. To ensure the land is developed in a way that has minimal impact to the quality of life of NOTL residents. 8/27/2008

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Our Objectives - continued 4. To ensure the longer term impacts of any development are anticipated and addressed. 5. To encourage any development to have an open and transparent process that involves all stakeholders in our community.

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The Land Is … 1. Historically significant – – –

Landing site in the Battle of Fort George Burial site for those who fell in the battle Probable campsite for Aboriginal peoples

2. Scientifically important –

Carolinian forest designated site of national scientific importance – Provides a habitat for deer, foxes, wild turkeys, etc.

3. Environmentally sensitive – 8/27/2008

Sewage lagoons, landfill site, shoreline erosion Harmony Residents Group

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Our Town Is … • Beautiful • Dependent on tourism and culture • Stressed – Congestion and traffic – Infrastructure and road maintenance – Insufficient resources to address priorities

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Project Niagara Offers a Compelling Vision for NOTL • World class cultural destination • Enhanced image … “Canada’s Music Garden” • Additional revenues for town businesses

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But There Are Concerns With Project Niagara 1. Environment 2. Traffic and parking 3. Cost Project Niagara hopes to conclude its Feasibility Study and decide whether to (or how to) proceed this summer. Niagara-on-the-Lake must be ready. 8/27/2008

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Requested Action 1. Allocate resources to conduct our own study. • •

Analyse impacts, define solutions, project costs Roads and traffic, parking enforcement, policing, legal, waste disposal

2. Request regular updates from Project Niagara. 3. Facilitate ongoing public discussion. 4. Influence decisions. NOTL will own this. We must be ready. 8/27/2008

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Appendix

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Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

What is the net additional number of visitors expected to NOTL? What is the impact of 2,000 cars emerging onto Lakeshore/Mary St. immediately after a concert? What additional volume of traffic is expected on other NOTL thoroughfares and what is the impact? What solutions will be required, what will they cost, and who pays? What additional costs will fall the Town of NOTL and Niagara Region (e.g. road maintenance, other infrastructure, parking enforcement, policing, legal, waste disposal), and how will these costs be offset? What will the impact be to the Region’s waste disposal and recycling programs? How will concert goers be prevented from using Chautauqua or Garrison Village roads to access the site? If a bypass is being considered, what properties will that affect? What will the impact be to agricultural land, flora and fauna, businesses, households, hydro poles and other services? Who pays for all this? What are the specific plans for parking for the additional 2-3,000 cars that will bring people to the larger concerts? How do you enforce shuttle use without blocking access to the town for other purposes? If this is to be a “21st Century Festival” as envisaged by Project Niagara, should environmentally friendly modes of transportation (such as mass transit) not be considered? Making this work will require the support of 4 levels of government. What level of commitment is required for the proposed festival to proceed, i.e. delivery of projects or services? Commitment of funds? Declarations of intent? What if solutions and funding are agreed but then one party de-commits?

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Questions 10.

11.

12.

13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

What does the artistic program look like, and is it consistent with the current sales pitch? Classical, pops and soft jazz are listed on the charts, but verbal allusions have been made to world and blues – both of which are close to rock. This question is important to residents in terms of noise, but also relevant to both town businesses in terms of the demographics of people the festival will attract. Once established, the festival will become an independent entity driven by revenues. Can Parks Canada be influenced to takes measures now to ensure the site is restricted to the types of concerts described in their sales pitch, i.e. classical/pops? Although the property is owned by Parks Canada, can the Town zone the land in a way that protects us? What does the financial plan look like, and are we confident the venture will succeed? What assumptions have been made about number (and types of) of concerts and attendance volumes? Are assumptions around sponsorship sound and viable? What assumptions have been made about overall economic conditions? For example, what happens when the price of gasoline reaches $1.50 a liter? $2.00? What if the venture fails? Could it be sold to a developer? Can Parks Canada be influenced to take measures now to ensure we do not see a resort, a marina, a casino or condos on the site? Can the Town do anything from a zoning standpoint? How will concert goers be prevented from parking on Chautauqua or Garrison Village streets? There are two small neighbourhood parks in Chautauqua. How will 'squatters' be prevented from using these parks, sites with limited parking and no facilities, to enjoy a free concert? The festival will create a new destination in the town. What are the zoning and development implications for Mary St. and Lakeshore Rd? How will access to the site from houses on Shakespeare or the beachfront be prevented?

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