THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD (OMB) HEARING ON THE FUTURE OF PORT DALHOUSIE'S HERITAGE IS UNDERWAY

CITIZENS OF NIAGARA: PLEASE HELP US SAVE PORT DALHOUSIE 'S HERITAGE

The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Hearing on the future of the commercial core of Port Dalhousie's Heritage Conservation District got underway on February 20, 2008 (see OMB Highlights). For the past 4 years many of our residents have volunteered their time to battle a developer who wants to convert the downtown core of our 19th century historic canal village and public beach, into a massive modern development including a condo tower the height of a 20-storey building.

This condo tower, initially 326 feet and now 207 feet (currently our tallest building in the downtown core of the heritage district is 3 storeys, about 39 feet), will forever change the historic village we all love and , if approved, could be the first of many. At the OMB, the developer's architect has claimed this project is exactly what is required to revitalize our village and that no other alternatives could possibly work. The voters of St. Catharines think otherwise and have spoken loudly and clearly. At the last election, six out of the seven Councillors that favoured the project were not returned to office (and of those that were opposed to the project, all were returned). The new Council has passed several measures expressing their disapproval of the project and its contravention of the regulations. It has also rejected their Heritage Permit and Site Plan applications and, the City Solicitor is at the Hearing fighting the project alongside the appellants from the community. However, despite Council's stand and widespread public opposition, the developer has refused to make changes and forges ahead with a very time-consuming and expensive (OMB) Hearing.

The developer gets to present his case first and the initial few weeks were painfully slow and costly. It took almost three weeks to complete the testimony of their first witness and they will be calling 13 in total. The Hearing was initially expected to last as many as 15 weeks. However, at the current pace, it could be even longer. We have an excellent case and an excellent lawyer in Jane Pepino. However, if we do not put forward a strong, professional presentation and continue to oppose them week by week, then the developer may win, essentially by having expert testimony that is not professionally refuted and contested. If we do present a strong case and have continued legal representation, we believe the community has an excellent chance of winning and any new development will have to be consistent with the applicable regulations and Heritage Guidelines.

This is your opportunity to make a difference.

To properly present our case at the OMB, we will require a total of $300,000 -even more if the Hearing is longer! This will cover legal costs as well as expert witnesses and reports. We have already raised well over half of our objective and we need your help for the final push. We need the help of many people, and we expect that we will continue to receive it. This is an opportunity to make a difference. We welcome all assistance in this final battle to save Port Dalhousie. Whether it is $20 or $200 or $2,000 it is all welcome. Please donate to your own ability and give from your heart. Donations are made to ACO-St. Catharines (The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, a registered charity established in 1933), and will receive a tax receipt. Please fill out and mail a Pledge Card with your donation or phone 905-935-9407 if you have questions. NOTE: You can also donate on-line at www.saveport.ca.

Like the vast majority of Niagara residents, our 600 members from throughout the Region strongly support development in the commercial core of Port Dalhousie's Heritage Conservation District. We support appropriate development that is consistent with applicable regulations and will not unduly restrict access by all residents or negatively impact traffic and parking. A development that preserves the village feel and historic character will truly revitalize Port Dalhousie and generate major economic benefits for our City and Region.