Many of us are dismayed at the runaway development in the Niagara Region and the subsequent loss of the agricultural lands, wetlands and wooded areas.  There seems to be far too much emphasis on single-dwelling builds on virgin land.

The City of Welland recently held a strategic plan community session with concerns voiced about the protection of farmland and green space. We want Welland to be a leader in wellness and to be committed to sustainable and environmental practises that go hand in hand with wellness. Included in that are the preservation of local food sources (farmland) and the protection of eco-systems and wildlife habitat.

We have also noticed that 100 acres of woodlot and soybean field just went up for sale in the middle of Cooks Mills, surrounded by rural homes. It is zoned A1, but we fear it will get flipped to industry and would destroy the character of the neighbourhood, where we are trying to establish the War of 1812 Heritage Trail. This could become a leading tourist destination for history and culture, if we protect it.  The protection of Cooks Mills is vital to the Province of Ontario and Canada's historical origins.

Recently, we saw that Hamilton City Council voted 13-3 in favour of responsible development, and ending urban sprawl, and we encourage you all to do the same.