Contentious proposal takes next step
Riverfront project endangers significant wetlands, critics argue
Acontentious Niagara Falls development proposed near provincially significant wetlands is a step closer to reality after Tuesday’s city council meeting.
But not without some angry words from the public.
The renamed Riverfront Community, still commonly referred to as Thundering Waters, obtained draft plan approval pending several site conditions, including matters of design, traffic and noise quality assessment.
“We accept all conditions, none are contested,” said lawyer Jane Pepino, representing project owners GR (CA) Investments Ltd.
Council gave residents another opportunity to sound off about the project Tuesday, albeit remotely. But technical problems plagued the public portion, with four of the 10 scheduled callers unable to connect.
Those who got through, however, reiterated many of the concerns that have shadowed the $1.5-billion development since it first surfaced in 2015. The massive retail, residential and tourism complex is located near Dorchester Road, Chippawa Parkway and the hydro canal.
GR (Can) owns 193 hectares, but about half is provincially significant wetlands which can’t be developed.
The firm insists it will respect the wetlands while providing an economic windfall for the city, but critics say it will de
stroy an ecosystem which can never be replaced.
“Thundering Waters, by any other name, should never have proceeded this far, but money speaks louder than words,” said resident Linda Manson, her voice piped into council chambers.
Ross Smith said at least 12 football fields of land will be devoured by the project and urged council to consider future generations.
“The trees have no tongues, you have to speak for them.”
Resident Derek Jones said the project is “not responsible or sustainable planning.”
“You don’t have public support for this project.”
Opponents of the project have questioned the developers’ credibility since damage was done to some of the wetlands during soil testing last year, resulting in Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority issuing charges of unauthorized work.
Pepino admitted “there have been mistakes made by my client on this land.”
Resident Lorna Anstruther ripped the project, saying the wetlands are too important to
be meddled with.
“I expect within 20 years there will be no environmentally sensitive areas on the property.”
She also said the remote-only comments from residents Tuesday was “not a true public meeting.”
The draft approval passed by a vote of six to three — Couns. Wayne Campbell, Carolynn Ioannoni and Lori Lococo voted against it.
Campbell said he simply doesn’t believe the project can go forward without damaging the wetlands, despite assurances from the developer.
“I firmly believe that anything
constructed in that area will result in (the wetlands) being completely destroyed,” he said. “Not in my lifetime, but definitely in my grandchildren’s lifetime.
“It’s impossible to have this development move into there and think they’re going to save the wetlands.”
The draft approval lasts for three years and will lapse unless an extension is requested by the developer and granted by council.