Vision for NOTL Glendale area unveiled
Niagara Region has unveiled a preliminary vision for the Glendale area of Niagara-onthe-Lake that includes a mix of residential and commercial uses in the urban districts, an eco-park along the Welland Canal and a public transit system with cycling trails and pedestrian routes.
In a presentation to Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors Monday, Niagara Region’s manager of special projects Thomas Villella and consultant Donna Hinde outlined planning strategies designed to drive growth and economic prosperity for the area.
Phase One of the district plan was developed following consultations with various stakeholders including local residents, businesses, other government agencies, landowners and investors.
Some of the recommendations are for the creation of a main street as a transition from the Outlet Collection Niagara to the adjacent neighbourhood; an expansion of Niagara College focusing on food technology industries; providing a diverse range of housing to ensure affordability; a civic space as a focus for the urban area; and green streets with parking.
Villella said almost all area residents who participated in the discussions requested that a community centre be built. He said many of them also want a grocery store and a site that could potentially be used for a high school.
The plan shows a large area on provincially-owned lands beside the college and accessible to the both the north and south sides of the Glendale area that could be used as a transit terminal and tourist centre. It also outlines new roads that could connect the east-west and north-south Glendale regions.
A potential large-scale tourism destination such as a water park and resort hotel between Airport Road and the QEW was included as an alternate vision for the area.
The Region will now begin Phase Two of the district plan. There will be studies on transportation, commercial land assessment and urban area designs.
Villella said at least three public meetings will be held up until May 2019 and a community focus group committee will be struck. In the meantime, a social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter will continue, an online survey will be launched and there will be further interviews with individual stakeholders.
Lord Mayor Pat Darte said he has heard from some stakeholders who feel the Region’s plans are proceeding too quickly. He said he was glad to hear there will be further input from the community.
Darte also wondered about whether the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority would approve of parkland so close to the canal due to security concerns.
“We may be somewhat limited in what we can do close to the canal,” Villella responded.
The height of buildings in the commercial area was another issue raised by Darte.
“It’s the gateway to Niagara-on-the-Lake,” he said. “We have to be cautious.”
Before any amendments are made to the Region’s official plan to incorporate the proposals in the Glendale district plan, a statutory public meeting would be held.