Critics of riverfront plan to rally

Critics of the Riverfront Community development in Niagara Falls will host a free information session prior to city council’s meeting Tuesday, where politicians will hear deputations and view reports on the controversial project.

In a news release, the activist group, known as Save Thundering Waters Forest, said it wants to help educate the public on the value of wetlands and some of the challenges presented by trying to develop in, on or around such valuable natural features.

Group members will share information with the public at 5 p.m. outside city hall.

The issue is scheduled to go before council during the public meeting portion of Tuesday’s agenda, which starts about 6:30 p.m.

The Thundering Waters forest complex is one of the most species rich areas in Canada, according to biodiversity expert Owen Bjorgan, who camped with other people in the forest last summer to raise awareness about the forest and the adjacent natural heritage corridor.

The first phase of a $1.5-billion proposal, backed by a Chinese investment firm GR (CAN) Investment Co. Ltd., calls for commercial and residential development on about 44 hectares of land west of Marineland and adjacent to Thundering Waters Golf Club.

Well-attended public open houses have been held to discuss the project.

Critics believe it would destroy a rich ecosystem.

Supporters believe it would be a tremendous economic boon to the city.

Much of the concern from critics about the project is that provincially significant wetlands cover much of the 193.6-hectare property.

GR chairperson Helen Chang said 113.2 of those hectares can be developed, while 80.4 can’t be touched because they are protected wetlands.

While many people have voiced concerns against even developing around the PSWs, Chang said the plan is for the development to have “zero impact” on them.

Describing herself as an environmentalist, Chang said she continues to work with several consultants on a plan to protect the wetlands and ensure their long-term sustainability.

She said there is also a plan to protect habitat on site by turning land that could be developed into nature corridors and green pathways.