Land suitable for Fort Erie growth strategy: Redekop
A 10-storey condo proposed as part of the Harbourtown development adjacent to Waverly Beach would be the tallest-standing building in Greater Fort Erie if plans for the residential project are given full approval by council.
This was confirmed at Monday’s regular council meeting by Fire Chief Ed Melanson after pointing out that Albany Place, an eight-storey apartment complex in Ward 2, is currently the grandest structure within the town.
“This would be higher than that,” he said about the building planned for the south end of the development near Lake Erie.
However, Melanson said with requirements for alarms and sprinklers, along with training strategies the fire department has done for many years, a blaze could be tackled by his team if one were to be called in at the top of a 10-storey building.
“We practice the methodology in which those fires get fought,” Melanson told council.
A report approved by council on Monday was only for informational purposes and the residential subdivision project will be on the table again in early March when recommendations are brought forward to council by staff.
Last week, 22 people came forward to share their thoughts during a public meeting on the proposed subdivision on private lands in the Waverly Beach area, causing the remainder of the council-in-committee agenda to be carried over to this Monday.
There will be seven acres of environmentally-protected land and the Friendship Trail, as well as the trails that run through the nearby wooded area, that will not be compromised as part of the project, the developer and town staff have said.
The development includes 66 single detached lots, 16 blocks for 61 street townhouse dwellings, one block for a 10-storey apartment to accommodate 110 dwelling units, a block for stormwater management facilities, and a block for environmental protection. The total number of units proposed is 237.
Much of the opposition to the project has come from environmentalists concerned with what they feel will be a disruption of wildlife habitat, along with potential impacts on migratory birds.
Mayor Wayne Redekop said he sympathizes with the groups and individuals against the project, but also feels the developer of the proposed subdivision has been very co-operative.
Redekop also said the lands are within the urban boundary and are suitable for the municipality’s growth strategies.
With a lot of the subject site being where an amusement park sat decades ago, the community has expressed issues with its historic value.
During Monday’s regular council meeting, Redekop said this development could serve as an example of the efforts Fort Erie should be taking with preserving its history and natural heritage – a start to a plan that needs to be created.
“This has the potential to be a showpiece for the community,” said Redekop.
“I think we should mitigate as many of the environmental issues as we possibly can and make sure we’re vigilant and proactive in developing policies that will protect and preserve our natural heritage,” said Redekop.
An issue of who will manage the protected area still needs to be determined – either the municipality or the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
There are two acres adjacent to the Friendship Trail and another 2.5 acres that would need to be acquired, as well as a parcel of designated parkland that the Town also has the option of accepting cash in lieu for, through development charges.
Council is expected to vote on moving the project ahead on March 5.