Niagara-on-the-Lake Current Situation Report and SWOT AnalysisJune 2012
Introduction
our town
Who are We?
Population trends
An aging population
Ethnographic profile
Where Do We Work?
An employment centre
Employment lands
Industry sectors
How are our municipal finances?
How Do We Learn?
Schools
Our education levels
Fields of study
How Do We Have fun?
Festivals and events
Recreational facilities
Hiking and biking trails
How Do We attract tourists?
What Is our Heritage and History?
History
Historic sites
What Health Services Do We Have?
What Emergency Services Do We Have?
What Is our Landscape and How Do We Sustain It?
The natural environment and planning policies
How Do We Get around?
Highway transport
Water transport
Public transit
How Do We manage our agriculture?
Regional economic impact
Agriculture and planning policies
SWot analysis
Bibliography
End notes
figures:Figure 1: Niagara-on-the-Lake Urban StructureFigure 2: Population GrowthFigure 3: Age of Niagara-on-the-Lake ResidentsFigure 4: Niagara-on-the-Lake Employment
Land Supply
tables:Table 1: Labour Force ActivityTable 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake Commuting FlowTable 3: Employment by IndustryTable 4: Level of Education AttainmentTable 5: Fields of Study
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IntroductionThe Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is embarking on an exciting visioning process that will help guide the future development and growth of our town. Over the course of this year, we will be holding extensive consultations with local residents and stakeholders to discuss and make decisions on our common values, with the view to developing a shared vision for the future that will be used to inform various Niagara-on-the-Lake policies. We would like to ensure that as the town evolves, it remains one of Canada’s most attractive and liveable places. This process is about reflecting on what the community wants moving forward, responding to any challenges and issues that may arise and collectively identifying opportunities for positive change that will benefit us all.
It is important that we start by taking a good look in the mirror to get an understanding of who we are and what our community looks like. In order to do so, we have created this Current Situation Report (CSR) as a snapshot of where we are now. This will be an essential building block as we determine our vision for the future.
This CSR is based on a number of secondary data sources such as Statistics Canada census information, Provincial, Regional, and town policy documents, as well as the most recent consultant studies commissioned by the town and the Region.
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figure 1: niagara-on-the-Lake Urban Structure
Source: Glendale Plan: Secondary Plan for the Glendale Community, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Urban Strategies
our townLocated in the north-eastern area of the Niagara Region where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake (figure 1) is a small, but vibrant community. The town is predominantly rural, with urban residents concentrated in five main settlement areas: Old Town; Glendale; Queenston; Virgil and St. David’s. Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known for its historic heritage, natural beauty and as one of the best tender fruit and grape growing regions in Canada.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is currently home to 15,400 residents, representing a 5.6% increase since the 2006 census. This growth rate represents a significantly higher rate of growth than the Niagara Region as a whole, which saw only 0.9% population growth over the same period, but equivalent to the overall Ontario average of 5.7%. However, with a land area of 132.83 km2, Niagara-on-the-Lake enjoys a fairly low population density of 115.9 per km2, largely as a result of the rural agricultural character in much of the area.
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Who are We?
Population trendsThe current population of Niagara-on-the-Lake is 15,400. This population level has remained relatively stable over the past several decades (figure 2). By 2031, the Region of Niagara is predicting that Niagara-on-the-Lake will grow by 47.4% to a total population of 22,700.1
The majority of the population lives in five primary settlement areas: Old Town Niagara; Virgil; St. David’s; Glendale; and Queenston.
figure 2: Population Growth
Source: Schedule B, Region of Niagara Sustainable Community Policies – Policy Plan Amendment 2-2009
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An aging populationWith a median age for the town of 49.1 years Niagara-on-the-Lake is well above the provincial median age of 39. Niagara-on-the-Lake must carefully consider the impacts of an aging population in order to position itself to address the challenges that will arise in the coming years. Currently, 24.1% of residents are over the age of 65, well above the Ontario average of 13.6%. At the same time, the town has less youth, with only 14% of the population being under 14 years old versus the Ontario average of 18.2%.2
Ethnographic profileWhen compared to the overall Ontario average (22.8%), Niagara-on-the-Lake has a lower proportion of visible minority residents (5.9%). However, when compared against other Ontario towns of a similar size and situation3, Niagara-on-the-Lake actually turns out to have a higher proportion of minorities (2-4%). Niagara-on-the-Lake also has a slightly lower than average percentage of Aboriginal residents (0.6%) versus the Ontario’s (2%), but within the range of comparable towns (0.5–2.7%). 4
figure 3: age of niagara-on-the-Lake residents
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Where Do We Work?Businesses in Niagara-on-the-Lake employed a total of 7,595 residents with a labour force participation rate of 61.6%, an employment rate of 59.4% and a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.7% (table 1). This is compared to the overall Ontario labour force participation rate of 67.1%, an employment rate of 62.8%, and an unemployment rate of 6.4%. 5
An employment centreAn important factor in examining employment within Niagara-on-the-Lake is that the town can be considered an employment centre within the region, as 3,340 more workers commute into, versus out of the area on a daily basis. Of the 6,265 workers that travel into the town, St. Catharines (2,940), Niagara Falls (1,545) and Welland (400) are the biggest contributors (table 2).
Table1: Labour Force Activity Total Total
Total population 15 years and over 12,385 9,819,420
In the labour force 7,635 6,587,580
Employed 7,355 6,164,245
Unemployed 280 423,335
Not in the labour force 4,750 3,231,840
Participation rate 61.6% 67.1%
Employment rate 59.4% 62.8%
Unemployment rate 3.7% 6.4%Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario
Table 2: Commuting Flow
Niagara-on-the-Lake commuting out
Outside workers commuting in
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Burlington 30 40
Cambridge / Niagara-on-the-Lake -- 25
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Fort Erie 50 235
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Grimsby 40 85
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Hamilton 95 70
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Lincoln 65 125
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Mississauga 45 45
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Niagara Falls 705 1,545
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Niagara-on-the-Lake 2,115 2,115
Pelham / Niagara-on-the-Lake -- 180
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Port Colborne 30 85
Niagara-on-the-Lake / St. Catharines 1,435 2,940
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Thorold 150 395
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Toronto 135 75
Wainfleet / Niagara-on-the-Lake -- 20
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Welland 145 400Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
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Employment landsEmployment land plays an important role in economic development as these spaces accommodate about half of all jobs, including many key economic clusters and “wealth-creating” activities such as manufacturing and distribution.
The supply of employment lands in the town is located primarily within four areas: Glendale, the Virgil Business Park, the St. David’s industrial area, and lands around the Niagara District Airport (figure 4).
Niagara-on-the-Lake has an estimated total employment land supply of approximately 200 net hectares (ha), over 60% of which is in Glendale. Just under half of the total land supply is occupied meaning that there is considerable opportunity for growth. Glendale is the town’s largest employment area, and has been designated the primary industrial area in the town as it is located near the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW).
Virgil has approximately 20 ha of total employment lands with a majority located in the Virgil Business Park (15 ha). The remainder of the town’s employment land supply is in the Village of St. David’s and Niagara District Airport lands.6
figure 4: niagara-on-the-Lake Employment Land Supply
For residents, the proportion of active labour that work within the town is roughly equal to those that commute outwards to nearby municipalities, with St. Catharines and Niagara Falls being the primary employment destinations.
Source: Comprehensive Municipal Review of Employment Lands, 2009
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Industry sectorsNiagara-on-the-Lake’s key industries include: business services (13.8%); manufacturing (11.8%); agriculture and resource based industries (11.5%); retail trade (9.5%); and healthcare and social services (7.5%). Niagara-on-the-Lake also has a particular strength in the fields of other services including tourism exceeding the Ontario averages in these fields (table 3).
Table 3: Employment by Industry Total % % %
Total experienced labour force 15 years and over 7,595 -- 6,473,730 --
Agriculture and other resource-based industries 870 11.5 190,000 2.9
Construction 440 5.8 384,775 5.9
Manufacturing 900 11.8 899,670 13.7
Wholesale Trade 195 2.6 307,465 4.8
Retail Trade 720 9.5 720,235 11.1
Finance and real estate 405 5.3 442,610 6.8
Health care and social services 570 7.5 611,740 9.5
Educational services 410 5.4 433,485 6.7
Business services 1,050 13.8 1,274,345 19.7
Other services 2,035 26.8 1,209,390 18.7
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario
How are our municipal finances?In comparison to the rest of Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is on stable economic ground. Area residents have an above average median income for both individuals and households. Our municipal position7 per capita ($1,322) is significantly higher than the Ontario average ($270) and our total operating deficit is far below the average. Our 2009 overall municipal position was $20,077,175.8
Niagara-on-the-Lake residents have an above average income, which bodes well for our general tax base and our ability to finance the provision of services in the future. Our median income for persons 15 years or over is $29,060 in comparison to Ontario’s $27, 258. Our median household income is $68, 071 in comparison to Ontario’s $60, 455.9
Our unweighted CVA/capita (assessment per capita) is $191, 634 and Ontario’s average unweighted CVA/capita is $110, 103 indicating that our property values are high based on property value assessments and well above Ontario’s average. And, in comparison to similar towns10 (Saugeen Shores $143, 348; Pelham $107,167; Thorold $81,273; Tillsonburg $80,025), Niagara-on-the-Lake’s unweighted CVA/capita is considerably higher. 11
Our total own source revenues are $21,419,681 with a total operating surplus ratio of -4.4%. This indicates that we require an increase of 4.4% ($942,465.96) of the own source revenues in order to achieve a break-even operating result – however, our total reserves ($5,382,613) exceed the 4.4% indicating we are in good position to address the deficit if required.12
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Lastly, our unweighted assessment composition (% of tax base) is in good financial shape reflecting the Ontario average of residential versus commercial assessment. Our tax base is shared as follows: residential (78.3%), multi-residential (0.4%), commercial (11.8%), industrial (0.9%), pipelines (0.5%), farmlands (8.2%). Ontario’s tax base profile is: residential (79.4%), multi-residential (2.5%), commercial (10.8%), industrial (2.9%), pipelines (0.5%), farmlands (3.8%). Overall, this means that all Niagara-on-the-Lake sectors are sharing the tax burden on par with Ontario. Not surprisingly however, one key exception is that farmlands in Niagara-on-the-Lake contribute considerably more to the tax base than the Ontario average.13
How Do We Learn?
SchoolsStudents in Niagara-on-the-Lake are educated at four elementary schools; three are within the public school board and one is part of the Catholic school board. There are also two private schools operating in the town. There are a number of schools located in the surrounding municipalities of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines that accommodate students who live along those boundaries. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s only secondary school (The Niagara District Secondary School) was closed in 2010 and now Niagara-on-the-Lake high school students attend classes in St. Catharines or Niagara Falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also home to Niagara College and the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts and can also access nearby Brock University in St. Catharines. These educational facilities provide excellent opportunities for local students and have the potential to bring a vibrant youth culture to the area.
Schools in Niagara-on-the-Lake include:
Elementary Public
Crossroads (JK-8) »
Parliament Oak (JK-8) »
St. David’s (JK-8) »
Elementary Catholic
St. Michael (JK-8) »
Private
Maple Leaf Montessori School »
Niagara Nursery School & Child Care Centre »
Post-Secondary
Niagara College’s Glendale campus »
The Willowbank School of Restoration Arts »
Brock University is nearby in St. Catharines »
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Our education levels
The people of Niagara-on-the-Lake are well educated, with 46.8% having attained a College or University level education. When compared to the Ontario overall statistic of 43%, Niagara-on-the-Lake residents are above average in their level of educational attainment (table 4).
Table 4: Level of Education Attainment Niagara-on-the-Lake % Ontario %
No certificate, diploma or degree 18.3 22.2
High school certificate or equivalent 25.7 26.8
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 8.2 8
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate 21.5 18.4
University certificate, diploma or degree 26.3 24.6
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
Fields of studyThere is a strong diversity in the areas of education that have been pursued by Niagara-on-the-Lake residents. This is beneficial in that the diversity of knowledge, skills and perspectives will be an important building block during the visioning process. The major fields of study that have been completed by residents include architecture and engineering (11.6%), business, management and public administration (9.8%), health, parks, recreation and fitness (8.6%) (table 5).
Table 5: Fields of Study Niagara-on-the-Lake, Town
Ontario
Total population 15 years and over 12,385 9,819,420
No postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree 44% 49%
Education 4.5% 3.4%
Visual and performing arts, and communications technologies
3% 2%
Humanities 4.1% 3%
Social and behavioural sciences and law 5.1% 6.7%
Business, management and public administration 9.8% 10.8%
Physical and life sciences and technologies 1.7% 1.8%
Mathematics, computer and information sciences 1.1% 2.6%
Architecture, engineering, and related technologies 11.6% 11.1%
Agriculture, natural resources and conservation 2.6% 0.9%
Health, parks, recreation and fitness 8.6% 6.5%
Personal, protective and transportation services 3.8% 2.7%
Other 0% 0.0001%
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
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How Do We Have fun?
One of the greatest strengths of Niagara-on-the-Lake is our active cultural and natural heritage. From our many historical buildings, to our abundance of well maintained parks, and our various sports fields and community centres, residents have many cultural options close at hand. A variety of local festivals and cultural events continue to thrive and bring significant numbers of visitors to our town throughout the year.
Festivals and eventsNiagara-on-the-Lake has a number of exciting festivals and events throughout the year that entertain residents and tourists from all around the world. Whether focused on agriculture and local food, arts and culture, history and heritage, or just enjoying the sights and sounds of Old Town, it can all be found right here. Major events include the War of 1812 Bicentennial, The Niagara Icewine Festival, The Shaw Festival, Music Niagara, Winterglow and the Peach Festival.
Recreational facilitiesOutdoor sports lovers can enjoy quality cycling on the Greater Niagara Circle Route or play a variety of sports at one of the many local parks with facilities for soccer, baseball and basketball. Golf is another strong attraction within the area as Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to North America’s oldest golf course, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, as well at a course with international standing in the Royal Niagara Golf Club. As a natural peninsula surrounded by two Great Lakes, Niagara features an extensive system of rivers and lakes that also make it a great area for sport fishing and boating opportunities.
Another important feature is the Centennial Sports park which has three lit ball diamonds, a pavilion, a skate board park (available from dawn to dusk), four mini soccer fields, two lit asphalt tennis courts, playground equipment, concession and washrooms. Two arenas are also located within the Sports park: the Centennial Arena and the Meridian Credit Union Arena, where hockey thrives from September to April and lacrosse during the summer.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake community centre was completed in 2011 and has become an important hub of social activity for the town. The community centre includes an indoor walking/jogging track, fitness area, change rooms with showers, a multi-purpose room, stage, outdoor walking trail, courtyard and playground, bowling green and rooms for people of all ages.
Hiking and biking trailsNiagara-on-the-Lake has excellent access to a variety of trails for both pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy. These trails include: The Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail; The Niagara River Trail; The Greater Niagara Circle Route; The TransCanada Trail; and a variety of smaller local bike routes. While each of these trails can be walked as well as cycled, Niagara-on-the-Lake also has access to a number of hiking trails including: The Bruce Trail; The Queenston Heights Loop; and The Niagara River Recreation Trail.
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How Do We attract tourists?
Niagara-on-the-Lake offers much to explore through its historic forts, grand mansions, parks, art galleries, antique shops, as well as its abundance of local wineries, vineyards, and restored military sites. It also offers a peaceful break from the more intense tourist activities of nearby Niagara Falls.
The renowned Shaw Festival Theatre is also a popular site visited by thousands each year. More than any other attraction however, it is Niagara-on-the-Lake’s dining and estate wineries that garner the most international attention.
An abundance of fresh local ingredients, creative and passionate chefs, award winning wines and a focus on innovative seasonal menus have made Niagara-on-the-Lake a world-class culinary destination with numerous restaurants, many of which are associated with wineries.
Niagara is also Canada’s most celebrated grape and wine producing region. The soils and temperate climate result in one of the longest growing seasons in Canada, nourishing grapes to produce world-renowned wines, including the world’s largest volumes of ice wine. Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake boasts twenty-eight wineries, from large estates to small boutique operations.
It comes as no surprise then that approximately 3 million people visit Niagara-on-the-Lake each year, a community that relies heavily upon, and has found great success in heritage and cultural tourism.
What Is our Heritage and History?
HistoryThe first settlers of Niagara-on-the-Lake were United Empire Loyalists who arrived shortly before 1792. In 1792 the village was incorporated as the Town of Newark and was named the capital of the Province of Upper Canada. The town lost that distinction to York (now Toronto) in 1797, as Newark’s proximity to the United States presented a danger. The town was renamed Niagara in 1798. During the War of 1812, American forces invaded Canada, capturing (and later destroying) the town before they withdrew following their abandonment of captured Fort George. The British rebuilt the town however, and today it has retained much of its historical charm.
The present name, Niagara-on-the-Lake, was adopted around 1880 as a Postal Address to distinguish the town from Niagara Falls. The name was not officially adopted until 1970, when the Town of Niagara and the Township of Niagara were merged. In its time, Niagara-on-the-Lake played a significant role in the establishment of many of the province’s most enduring institutions. Among these were:
First Capital of Ontario »
First parliament »
First anti-slavery legislation was passed »
First library in Ontario »
Birthplace of the Law Society of Upper Canada »
First newspaper in the province »
Oldest golf course in North America »
First historical museum »
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Historic sitesThe Queen-Picton heritage conservation district in Old Town is often referred to as a ‘living postcard’. Traditional-themed streets and many restored buildings paying tribute to the past while specialty shops, restaurants and small inns are a major draw to both visitors and residents alike. Within Old Town, an abundance of well-preserved heritage buildings shows an ongoing appreciation for the history of the town.
Most of the former military sites, such as Fort George, Navy Hall, and Butler’s Barracks, have been restored. Fort George’s restoration was guided by plans from the Royal Engineers during the Great Depression of the 1930s, an early example of historic preservation.
In 2003, the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was designated by the Canadian government as a national historic district because of its unique collection of preserved architecture dating from the 1815-59 period, all standing in the well-ordered grid-pattern street plan. The town boasts the largest and best collection of the architectural styles of that period in the country, including the Niagara Apothecary, MacDougal-Harrison House (both c 1820), Kirby House (c 1832), once the home of William Kirby, and St Andrew’s Church (1831), one the finest examples of the Greek revival style in Canada. The historical significance of the Old Town was first recognized in 1986 when it was designated as a provincial heritage conservation district.
The town has many national historic sites including Fort George, Brock’s Monument (1856), Willowbank (1835), Fort Mississauga and Butler’s Barracks (post-1815), and Queenston Heights (War of 1812 battle site). Historic properties include McFarland House (1800), Mackenzie Printery, of William Lyon MacKenzie, Queenston Chapel (1862), and the Laura Secord Homestead (1803-1835).
Important museums in the area include The Niagara Historical Society Museum, the Lincoln and Welland Regiments Museum and the Riverbrink Art Museum.
Old Town is not the only community in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a rich history. The Village of Queenston and St. David’s also have an interesting past. Queenston was first settled in the 1770s by United Empire Loyalist refugees. The Village took advantage of its low-lying geography and a flat plain along the Niagara river to become a hub for the movement of people and goods. And, by 1811 Queenston was home to one of Upper Canada’a first distributing post offices and had approximately 300 residents.
The Queenston Village grew in size and importance and by the 1820’s it had a population of about 500 people with numerous streets and businesses. To accommodate the increasing flow of goods and people a suspension bridge was built between Lewiston and Queenston and many heritage buildings were built that still exist today such as the Laura Secord Homestead, South Landing Inn, and the Mackenzie Printery.
The Village is also the site of the Battle of Queenston heights during which Canadian colonial and Mohawk troops thwarted an American assault. It is also the place where Sir Isaac Brock, a major-General of the British army was killed during the battle.
St. David’s, was also settled in the early 1770’s by United Empire Loyalists and named after Major David Secord who was an office of Butler’s Rangers. During the War of 1812 Laura Secord, Major David Secord’s daughter in law, was made famous here, when she made her historic twenty-mile walk through dense forests, avoiding American patrols to warn the British and militia forces of an America assault. The American forces were defeated and driven out of St. David’s in July of 1814. Though, the Village was burned down, it was quickly rebuilt.
St. David’s was able to establish itself because of Four Mile Creek. It is here where Ontario’s first mill was located, including factories and breweries due to the abundance of water. But, by the end of the 19th century, the economy shifted from industrial-related work to fruit farming.
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What Health Services Do We Have?
Niagara-on-the-Lake is part of the Niagara Health System (NHS); which provides care through seven sites serving 434,000 residents across the 12 municipalities that make up the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake hospital is located in historic Old Town at 176 Wellington Street and serves the town’s population. The site offers a walk-in clinic at which a nurse practitioner sees patients and is supported by a team of family physicians. In-patient care at the hospital occurs in either the 22-bed Continuing Care unit or the short-term Acute Care unit.
The Niagara Health System released a report on May 3, 2012 that recommended the closure of the Niagara-on-the-Lake hospital. However, there is a Niagara-on-the-Lake Family Health Team comprised of physicians, allied health professionals and support staff that serve over 12,000 local patients. the Family Health Team operates out of two locations located at 1882 Niagara Stone Road and 176 Wellington Street and is comprised of the following:
10 physicians »
1 mental health coordinator »
1 mental health nurse »
1 social worker »
1 dietitian »
1 RN diabetic educator »
1 psychiatrist »
1 pediatric psychiatrist »
1 geriatrician »
1 chiropodist »
1 pharmacist »
1 part time nurse practitioner »
2 full time nurse practitioners »
several registered nurses »
In addition to in-town care, residents can take advantage of the numerous other medical facilities in the Niagara region that include:
Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie »
Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls »
Ontario Street Hospital in St. Catharines »
Port Colborne Hospital »
St. Catharines General Hospital »
Welland Hospital »
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What Emergency Services Do We Have?
Niagara-on-the-Lake fire and emergency services consists of five stations, 108 firefighters and 15 apparatuses (fire engines). All are volunteer firefighters.
fire stations
Department Headquarters (Virgil) »
Located at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road
District no. 1 (old town) »
Located at 2 Anderson Lane
District no. 2 (St. David’s » )
Located at 745 Warner Road
District no. 3 (Virgil) »
Located at 1391 Concession 6 Road
District no. 4 (Queenston) »
Located at 5 Dumfries Street
District no. 5 (Glendale) »
Located at 350 Townline Road
Police stations
The police service for Niagara-on-the-Lake is the Niagara Regional Police, with their headquarters located in Niagara Falls (4343 Morrison Street).
In the Region, about 500 physicians, five 24/7 emergency departments, one prompt care centre and a number of urgent care clinics provide excellent patient care in various locations. Niagara Region’s Public Health department provides health protection, disease prevention, health promotion, and injury prevention programs. For supplementary care, there are a variety of community and continuing care facilities: specialists, dentists, alternative health services, fitness, eye care, and pharmacies. Additional practitioner and specialist services from St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls are also available to Niagara-on-the-Lake residents.
A new hospital is under construction on Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines, within close proximity to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Once completed, the entire region will have access to a state-of-the-art cancer centre and cardiac and mental health services. The hospital is scheduled to open in 2013.
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What Is our Landscape and How Do We Sustain It?
The Niagara Region has some of the most diverse and interesting geography in all of Ontario. With the end of the ice age 14,000 years ago, the receding glaciers would forever change the landscape, creating new rivers, lakes and waterfalls in great abundance.
Niagara is divided and defined by the Niagara Escarpment, an internationally recognized biosphere reserve, stretching 1,600 km from Watertown, New York, to Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario. This 245 million-year-old natural phenomenon is the primary cause of both Niagara Falls and the local microclimate that makes the region’s modern wine industry possible.
The Niagara Region is actually made up of two plains, separated by the escarpment. The first, the Ontario Plain is the area situated below the escarpment. This area was once part of ancient Lake Iroquois and the sandy soil is quite fertile. The warmer weather on the Ontario Plain is due to the moderating effects of Lake Ontario and its close proximity to the Niagara Escarpment.
Major conservation areas and parks in Niagara-on-the-Lake include:
Paradise Grove Oak Savannah Restoration Area is at the north end of the Niagara Parkway. The area »is seeing an increase in biodiversity, with the recovery of native plants and the planting of oak saplings and wildflowers. Ongoing initiatives contribute to the area’s protection and enhancement and sustain important ecosystems along the Niagara River corridor.
Woodend Conservation Area is located atop the Niagara Escarpment and provides a view of Niagara’s »natural beauty. Opportunities for activities include bird watching, picnicking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. A diverse range of vegetation sustains many wildlife species.
Niagara Shores Conservation Area is a shoreline property sandwiched between Lakeshore Road in »Niagara-on-the-Lake and Lake Ontario, just east of the mouth of the Four Mile Creek. The area hosts trees and shrubs and includes a woodlot and pond.
Niagara-on-the-Lake has many well maintained parks available to the public at no charge. Key parks in the community include:
Centennial Park, located at 1565 Four Mile Creek Road in Virgil provides 2 arenas, (Meridian Credit Union »and Centennial Arenas) 3 lit ball diamonds, 4 soccer mini-fields, 2 lit asphalt tennis courts, playground equipment, skate park, picnic pavilion, concession and washrooms.
Chautauqua Park, a small (.9 acres) neighbourhood park on Oak Drive provides benches and open space. »
Garrison Village Park, a 2.3 acre park on Upper Canada Drive has 1 tennis court, 1 basketball court and »playground equipment.
Homestead Park, located by Frontier Drive in Virgil offers playground equipment and open space. »
Lowrey Park, a passive park on York Road in St. David’s offers open space and benches. »
Memorial Park, located at 370 King Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake offers an outdoor pool, 4 lit synthetic »surfaced tennis courts, an outdoor volleyball court, 1 lit ball diamond, 2 regulation size and 2 mini sized soccer fields, playground equipment, pavilion and public washrooms.
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Nelson Park, located off Ricardo Street on the Niagara River is the start of the Waterfront Trail. »
Newark Park, located at Niven and Lakeshore Road is a large park that provides ample space but no »services.
Niagara-on-the-Green Park, located in the Niagara-on-the-Green subdivision near Wright and Young »Crescents offers playground equipment, a sports court, seating areas and open space.
Niagara Shores Park, located on Lakeshore Road is owned by Parks Canada and maintained by the »Town’s Parks & Recreation Department. The park provides open space and beach access but has no amenities.
Queen’s Royal Park, located at the end of King Street at the Niagara River offers picnic tables and »washrooms. It also has a gazebo which accommodates small weddings.
Rye Heritage Park, located on Rye Street is a 7 acre park that includes 2 asphalt tennis courts, a »basketball pad, playground equipment and 1 soccer field.
Ryerson Park, located on Niagara Boulevard is a small passive park with benches. »
Simcoe Park, located at the corner of Queen and King Street offers a wading pool, band shell, picnic »tables, washrooms and playground equipment.
St. David’s Lions Park, located at 1446 York Road houses the St. David’s Lions Pool, 2 asphalt tennis »courts, pavilion, picnic tables and playground equipment.
Villages Park, located on Regional Road 55 is a 1.83 acre park with no amenities. »
William Nassau Park, located on the corner of William and Nassau Streets is 4 acres. It includes a »playground structure, open space and a Memorial Garden maintained by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society.
The natural environment and planning policiesDue to the uniqueness of the local landscape, the residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake have long had a keen understanding of the importance of conserving the natural environment. The primary goals and objectives that are laid out in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan show a strong appreciation of the importance of the natural spaces within the town. These goals promote: the protection of wetlands and retention of woodlots; the prevention of shoreline erosion and development damage; increasing public access to Lake Ontario while ensuring shoreline protection; and generally protecting areas of natural and scientific interest.
This approach to environmental protection is in keeping with Provincial policies that have designated a number of protected areas within Niagara-on-the-Lake. In particular, the Greenbelt Plan, the Niagara Escarpment Plan and two designated Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) in the Niagara River Bedrock Gorge and the Two Mile-Four Mile Creek Plain.
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How Do We Get around?
Niagara-on-the-Lake has a complex system of transportation networks for moving both goods and people. The proximity to the U.S.A. border, Toronto and a significant portion of Ontario’s farming and industrial sector, has made it into one of the most important transportation hubs in Canada. In addition, four international border crossings serve the area, including the Peace Bridge, Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, Rainbow Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a predominantly auto-centric environment, however the town recently implemented a public bus system and has plans to expand the service. Active transportation options, though predominantly limited to Old Town and Queenston, such as cycling and walking are becoming more important and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan recognizes the importance of other modes of transport which play a positive role in improving mobility and quality of life as part of a balance transportation system.
Highway transportThe Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) bisects the Glendale community and offers Niagara-on-the-Lake a strategic position in attracting business and industry to locate operations within the area and to move both people and goods.
Water transportNiagara-on-the-Lake lies on the Niagara River which separates the Province of Ontario and the State of New York. The river flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and is one of the major tourist attractions of this area. The Niagara River banks tend to be very steep as one proceeds west up the gorge leading towards Niagara Falls, but flatten just before entering the lake on the eastern shore.
Exporters have easy access to the Welland Canal, an essential pat of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Welland Canal regional port, the Hamilton Harbour Port Authority (one of Canada’s major ports) and the Great Lakes.
Currently, there are no passenger or commercial/industrial train stations in Niagara-on-the-Lake but there is nearby access in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls to GO Trains, VIA Rail, CP and CN Rails.
During the Shaw Festival in the summer, GO Transit operates a weekend seasonal train service from Toronto and Burlington to St. Catharines, along with a designated shuttle service to bring visitors directly into Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Public transitIn April 2012, Niagara-on-the-Lake launched a new bus transit service for residents and visitors. The service includes new routes linking the communities of Old Town, Virgil and Glendale, as well as the continuation of a shuttle between Historical Old Town and Fort George from May to October. The fare is $3 cash one-way, and all buses are wheelchair accessible.
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The new transit system, which provides hourly bus service between Old Town and Glendale via Virgil, as well as a Spring-Fall Old Town route running on the half-hour, is the first phase of what is hoped will be a long-term effort to improve transit in the town.
By creating a public transit system, the town is now eligible to apply for financial assistance through the province’s Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation Program. The town currently provides roughly $165,000 in funding for existing shuttle services.
How Do We manage our agriculture?
Agriculture in Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the greatest strengths that the town and region have to offer. The majority of the land within Niagara is classified as prime agricultural land. Given that only 5% of the Canadian land mass is prime agricultural land, the amount of such land in Niagara is significant. In addition to a benevolent climate and good soils, Niagara farmers have access to one of the world’s largest supplies of fresh water.
The farmland is primarily flat and most of the farms are unique in size, being much smaller than the majority of farms in Ontario. In fact, the majority of farms in Niagara-on-the-Lake (78%) are 25 acres or less in size and 40% are less than 10 acres in size. The area is also unique in that the local micro-climate caused by the Niagara escarpment and the quality of soil have make it one of the few areas in Canada that is capable of growing tender fruit and grapes.
Another significant feature is that the rural areas within Niagara-on-the-Lake are serviced by a municipal/communal irrigation system that is funded primarily by rural land owners. This is one of many factors that make agriculture one of the strongest and most important features of the Niagara region.
Finally, the Niagara Region is home to a thriving greenhouse growing industry with 249 operations at an average size of 8,514m2 and a total area of 2,120,068m2. Niagara-on-the-Lake itself is home to 46 greenhouse operations with a total aggregate area of 421,367m2. The majority of the output of local greenhouses consists of flower production, with 40 of the 46 farms having it as their primary focus.
Regional economic impact The agricultural economy in Niagara is a very significant component of the local economy and has a major economic impact on the Regional and Provincial economies. Agriculture has a $1.8 billion dollar effect on the Niagara economy annually. This estimated $1.8 billion dollars can be broken down into approximately $400 million in direct sales, $562 million in indirect sales and $832 million in induced sales.14
Within the Niagara-on-the-Lake agricultural industry, the nursery sector has the most propulsive economic impact followed closely by tender fruit, grape, cattle, hog, and greenhouse. The greenhouse sector, because of its dominance in generating approximately 43% of gross farm receipts in Niagara, makes a very significant contribution to the regional economy.
Agriculture and planning policiesThe Niagara-on-the-Lake agricultural policies are strong, and are an important element of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan. The policies are directed towards preserving the agricultural land base, particularly prime agricultural land. The Official Plan contains several categories which designate agricultural lands according to potential uses. These include good tender fruit area, good grape areas, good general agricultural areas, and rural areas.
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SWot analysis
The purpose of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is to identify strategic options facing Niagara-on-the-Lake. SWOT analysis is an effective way of identifying strengths and weaknesses, and of examining the opportunities and threats facing a community. The SWOT analysis will help to focus activities into areas where Niagara-on-the-Lake is strong and where the greatest opportunities lie and to give a big picture overview of the most important factors to be addressed.
StrengthsWell-educated, skilled and resourced population base and labour force »
Located within the Greater Golden Horseshoe, along the QEW and the U.S.A – Canada border providing »access to the Southern Ontario and U.S.A. markets
Proximity to three international airports (Hamilton International, Pearson International and Buffalo »Niagara International)
Niagara District Airport offers charter and executive flights as well as cargo for local industry »
Excellent community recreational amenities including a sports park, a new community centre, golf »courses, and large swaths of publicly owned parks and excellent cultural amenities such as historic sites, interpretive centres and museums, and libraries support excellent quality of life
Proximity to the recreational opportunities provided by the Greenbelt and the Niagara Escarpment »
Strong business and agricultural sectors »
Some of the best farmland in Ontario »
Long and distinguished history »
One of the only and most successful tender fruit/grape growing regions in Canada »
Waterfront access to Lake Ontario »
Farmland is protected from urban expansion by Greenbelt Plan »
Easy access to clean energy (hydroelectric) »
Newly started public transit system (bus) with plans for expansion »
Vibrant tourism and service industry representing a significant portion of the local economy »
Abundance of well-attended and prestigious festivals and events throughout the year centered around »wine, culture and heritage, and cuisine
Low unemployment rate »
More workers commute into Niagara-on-the-Lake than out to work in other jurisdictions »
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Above average per capita income is high »
Access to post-secondary institutions including the Niagara College Glendale campus and nearby »Brock University
Availability of serviced industrial and commercial lands in employment areas »
Well established communities, each with a unique character »
Old Town’s unique sense of place and inspirational planning defined by attractive streetscapes, period »architecture, open spaces, and landmarks make it a highly desirable destination for visiting and living
Virgil as a service centre for civic and agricultural activities »
Glendale’s proximity to the QEW and contemporary, distinct built-form from other communities in »Niagara-on-the-Lake can attract prestige employment
Strong policies protecting and preserving farmlands, the rural countryside and natural conservation and »heritage areas
Secondary Plans for Glendale, Queenston and Dock Area of Old Town with strong urban design policies »and development principles
Urban design policies set a high standard for commercial, retail and industrial businesses considering »whether to locate in Niagara-on-the-Lake or in other municipalities
Niagara-on-the-Lake Corporate Energy Policy for corporation facilities and operations »
Entrepreneurial community »
Beautiful landscape and natural environment »
World renowned wine and culinary producing area »
WeaknessesLack of coverage by high quality public transit »
Lack of affordable housing »
Predominantly retirees are attracted to Niagara-on-the-Lake, limited young family community »
Official Plan is dated (1987) with consolidation in 2004 »
Slow population growth rate above regional average but below Provincial average »
Aging population »
Population below 14 years of age is below the provincial average »
Younger population outmigration in pursuit of better opportunities »
Secondary students commute to neighboring municipalities to attend schools »
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Potential closing of Niagara-on-the-Lake District Hospital »
Predominantly auto-centric environment and the need for developing better access to alternative means »of transportation (transit, cycling, walking)
Predominantly dependent on tourism and business services sector »
Lack of broader sustainability policies beyond agricultural land and natural heritage protection »
Niagara-on-the-Lake consists of five urban communities and a large rural area, each with very unique »interests, aspirations and challenges
QEW causes many tourists to bypass the area in favour of Niagara Falls and results in Glendale being »the only visible community by passers-by
NOTL is not designated by the Province as a Regional Growth Centre as a result it is difficult to align »growth and density targets
Urban design policies set a high standard for commercial, retail and industrial businesses considering »whether to locate in Niagara-on-the-Lake or in other municipalities
Lack of economic development strategy, including a tourism strategy »
Lack of community vision »
Uneven distribution of facilities among communities »
OpportunitiesPotential for considerable residential and employment growth in the Glendale community »
Ability to utilize aging demographic as a strong pool of volunteers »
Develop stronger sustainability policies and initiatives »
Development of Glendale as a modern economic local engine and residential community and as an »attractive ‘gateway’ for Niagara-on-the-Lake
Action plan for the attraction, engagement and retention of youth »
Development of a community economic development plan »
Excellent access to the QEW and to the GTA and U.S. markets »
Rise in demand for agricultural products including fruit and wine meeting the needs of the GTA’s »multicultural community
Rise in demand for local foods and alternative markets »
More mixed-use development in Glendale community »
More commercial and industrial employment opportunities would result in more money remaining »in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Take advantage of various grants available to communities »
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Increase public access to the water’s edge in Old Town through the acquisition of new public land and »through the development process in negotiation with private land owners
Increase opportunities for active modes of transportation and public transit »
Possible aviation-related servicing, manufacturing or assembly near airport »
Potential for development of a geriatric care unit »
Improve linkages (cycling, transit, aesthetics) between five communities along key corridors »
Better outreach to community, especially youth »
ThreatsAgeing population will place greater pressure on provision of social services, community programming »and health care
Climate change and peak oil »
Access to local high-quality medical services due to potential closing of Niagara-on-the-Lake District »Hospital
Border security issues and transportation delays »
Increased value of Canadian dollar can negatively impact tourism »
The loss of youth to larger employment centres threatens the character and viability of the community »for this age cohort
Over inflated housing market as affluent out-of-towners buy second/vacation homes in the area making »affordability very difficult for residents and pushes young people out of the community as housing costs become unaffordable
Aging seniors wanting to downsize homes for ease of maintenance and affordability have trouble »because of lack of diversity in housing stock
Increasingly stringent and complex value added agricultural regulations and policies »
Niagara-on-the-Lake is in stiff competition with other communities across the GTA and eastern North »America and internationally for attracting industrial and commercial investment
Global economy is shifting to a knowledge-based economy »
Slow population growth limits tax base and may reduce the quality of municipal services »
Provincial policies have a significant impact on Niagara-on-the-Lake. Federal and Provincial downsizing »and retreat may reduce level of service to Niagara-on-the-Lake and funding
Municipal decisions on where to spend tax dollars »
Inertia of government and community resistance to change »
Brain drain to other communities »
Transportation for seniors and accessibility to taxis »
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Bibliography
BMA Management Consulting Inc. Municipal Study 2010.
BMA Management Consulting Inc. Municipal Study 2011.
Delcan. Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Transportation Master Plan Study. Nov. 2004.
Hemson Consulting Ltd. Comprehensive Municipal Review of Employment Lands. March 2009.
IBI Group. Transit Needs Study. Report to the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Released September 2010.
Nicholas Hill. Conservation District Plan: Queen and Picton Streets Niagara-on-the Lake. 1985.
Niagara-on-the-Lake. Official Plan Consolidation. 2004.
Niagara Region. Schedule B, Region of Niagara Sustainable Community Policies – Policy Plan Amendment 2-2009.
Niagara Region. Official Plan. 2010.
Ontario Greenhouse Alliance. Greenhouse Sector Update. 2009.
Planscape, Regional Analytics Inc., Dr. Betsy Donald, Riley & Associates, DBH Soil Services. Regional Agriculture Economic Impact Study. July 25, 2003.
Regional Municipality of Niagara. Regional Agricultural Impact Study Executive Summary. 2003.
R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd. Niagara Rail Service Environmental Study Report. 2011.
Statistics Canada, D. D. (n.d.). Total, natural and migratory growth rates, Canada, 1972 to 2010.
Statistics Canada. 2007. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (Code3526047) (table). 2006.
Statistics Canada. 2007. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (Code 3526047) (table). 2006. Community Profiles. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released March 13, 2007.
Statistics Canada. 2012. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (Code 3526047) and Ontario (Code 35)(table). Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released February 8, 2012 .
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Official Plan Consolidation. 2004.
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Hospital Closure Press Release. May 3 2012.
Urban Strategies. Glendale Plan: Secondary Plan for the Glendale Community, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Aug. 26, 2010.
Urban Strategies. Dock Area Secondary Plan Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. 2010.
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Endnotes
1 2011 Statistics Canada Census.
2 2006 Statistics Canada Census.
3 Comparable towns for analysis included: Thorold, Pelham, Saugeen Shores, and Tillsonburg. These towns were chosen for their similarities in population, focus on agriculture and tourism, and equivalent geography.
4 2006 Statistics Canada Census.
5 2006 Statistics Canada Census.
6 Niagara-on-the-Lake Economic Development www.nedcmicrosites.com/notl/index.php/development/
7 A municipality’s financial position is defined as the total fund balances including equity in business government enterprises less the amount to be recovered in future years associated with long term liabilities.
8 BMA Management Consulting Inc. Municipal Study 2010.
9 BMA Management Consulting Inc. Municipal Study 2010.
10 Comparable towns for analysis included: Thorold, Pelham, Saugeen Shores, and Tillsonburg. These towns were chosen for their similarities in population, focus on agriculture and tourism, and equivalent geography.
11 BMA Management Consulting Inc. Municipal Study 2010.
12 BMA Management Consulting Inc. Municipal Study 2010.
13 BMA Management Consulting Inc. Municipal Study 2010.
14 The Regional Municipality of Niagara Agricultural Impact Study 2003.
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ContaCt InformatIon:
Hardy Stevenson and associates Limited364 Davenport roadtoronto, ontariom5r 1K6
office (416) 944-8444toll free 1 (877) 267-7794 fax (416) 944-0900
www.hardystevenson.com
