The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Environment and Climate Change Canada – Ontario Region
Canadian Wildlife Service
4905 Dufferin Street
Downsview, Ontario
M5H 5T4
Subject : Proposed Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Fort Erie
Dear Honourable McKenna
I am writing to you with an urgent request about significant wildlife habitat in Fort Erie which needs to be designated as Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The Town of Fort Erie is about to proceed with approval a of subdivision called Harbourtown Village. This forested property is located along the shore of Lake Erie and is the only undeveloped lakefront property remaining in Fort Erie.
The proposed plan contains 285 residential units, including a ten story condo to be built in the middle of a high-quality spring migratory bird stopover location. Not only will the building of the condo destroy these 14 hectares of valuable foraging habitats but many birds (estimated 15%) will be killed during the night when they descend from their high-altitude migration and collide with the building. Under the right conditions hundreds of birds may be killed on one night.
This property is the only remaining high quality spring migratory location along the Lake Erie Shoreline between the Niagara River and Point Abino. The mixed habitat has old growth forest adjacent to the Lake Erie Shoreline with swamp and thicket habitat next to the forest. Another important feature is this area has had minimal exposure to pesticides and other chemicals for decades producing an abundance of insects for migratory birds.
According to the developer’s Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the developer “the subject property has also been identified as a migratory bird stopover site.” Further on the EIS states “The results of the EIS confirm that the area identified as ESA in the NAI for the Town of Fort Erie is significant because it acts as a seasonal concentration area for migratory birds, provides specialized habitat due the density of tree cavities, and hosts several species of Special Concern. “. Under Potential Cumulative Impacts in the EIS “Migratory birds are also at risk of increased mortality. The subject property has been identified as a migratory bird stopover hotspot, with 182 different species of birds identified on the site within the past 10 years. The construction of a high-density apartment building has the potential to significantly increase mortality due to collisions, which may reduce migratory populations over time.”
The developer’s own EIS (Environmental Impact Study) states “the construction of a high-density apartment building has the potential to significantly increase mortality due to collisions, which may reduce migratory populations over time”. Given the information the developer has provided I believe there is evidence of the significance of this property as a migratory stopover location.
Once development occurs, this area cannot be replaced or replicated. As concerned residents of Fort Erie, we have urged our Town Councillors to request further scientific studies of this plan before it is too late, but we fear that our concerns are not being heard. We need to put an economic value on our natural areas and work to preserve them. The intensive development proposed for Harbourtown Village will change this unique lakefront property forever, with its inevitable impact on wildlife and, indeed, the character of our town.
I urge you to designate this property as a Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Yours sincerely
Honourable Daiene Vernile
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
9th Floor Hearst Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1
Tel 1-800-6882746
dvernile.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Dear Honourable Vernile
Who will win the Next Battle Over Snake Hill?
On August 15th, 1814, the British and Canadians suffered terrible loses during an attack on the formidable American battery located on Snake Hill in Fort Erie. The Americans victors would have buried British war dead where they fell, in and around Waverley Woods. Comparing several detailed maps from the War of 1812 period to the outline of today’s shoreline on Google Earth, and by consulting an expert on Lake Erie dune formations, it is now believed that Snake Hill extended to the foot of Bardol Avenue, much further west than previously believed. This makes it much more likely British and Canadian war dead will be unearthed during construction of Harbourtown.
Please show us that Government of Ontario cares and respects our history.
The Town of Fort Erie is currently reviewing a proposed draft plan of subdivision called Harbourtown Village. The proposed plan contains 285 residential units, including a ten storey condo to be built where this battle occurred. Artifacts that have been recovered in this area are not entered into the provincial registry.
We urge you to help us ensure that human remains of Canadian war heros are not treated in a disrespectful manner. This site should be considered as a Heritage Site.
Yours sincerely
Copy
Archaeology Programs Unit
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport