FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 23, 2020
CONTACT: Marcie Jacklin, President, Community Voices of Fort Erie Inc.
TEL: 905-871-2577
cvferie@gmail.com
WAVERLY WOODS: A WITNESS TO HISTORY
FORT ERIE: A DEVELOPMENT IS PROPOSED FOR ONE OF THE MOST HISTORIC SITES IN CANADA
A recent article in the Globe and Mail highlighted Fort Erie as the location for the first meeting of the Niagara Movement, which was the precursor to the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Readers may be interested in learning that this area, known as Waverly Woods/Erie Beach, is steeped in history going back thousands of years.
Archaeological information shows that this is the site of an important Indigenous settlement. Climate, flint for weapons, abundant flora and fauna, and a safe river crossing allowed them to live here for many centuries.
The War of 1812, which had a major impact on the creation of Canada, was a big part of Fort Erie’s history. The Siege of Fort Erie, with more battle deaths than Lundy’s Lane or the Battle of Chippewa, was the bloodiest confrontation on Canadian soil in history. Historians acknowledge that it was arguably the most important military action involving Canada until World War I. The Battle of Snake Hill, during the Siege, was one of the most significant battles. Waverly Woods, part of the battlefield, has never been properly recognized or completely documented by archaeological exploration. Historians also suspect it may contain the burial sites of many of the soldiers who have never been found. Some of their descendants still live in Fort Erie and local roads bear their names. In 1987 during the construction of a home approximately 1500 feet from Waverly Woods, the bodies of 28 American soldiers were exhumed and repatriated to the US with all the respect they were due. Shouldn’t we show the same consideration for our own young men yet to be found?
Snake Hill Grove, which is part of Waverly Woods, was also known for Sunday celebrations by former slaves who had escaped into freedom on the Underground Railroad. Many settled here in unused barracks until they could find permanent housing. Later, the first meeting of the Niagara Movement (now the NAACP) was held at the Erie Beach Hotel which was located adjacent to the property.
In 1885, a picnic grove was established for visitors to escape Victorian-era urban conditions and later expanded into a full-fledged resort. Known as Erie Beach Amusement Park (Buffalo’s Playground), it operated until 1930 with up to 20,000 visitors on a weekend. Ferries and a railway, The Sandfly Express, brought people from the U.S. to the world’s largest outdoor pool, three story dancehall, 50 rides, and a zoo. Some of the concrete foundations of the rides, walkways and swimming pool can still be found along the shore and in the Waverly Woods.
In more recent years, the woods have become a favourite place to enjoy nature in an urban setting. It is also recognized by bird watchers as one of the best spring migratory bird locations in Ontario, with over 224 species, including the endangered Red-headed Woodpecker and other endangered species. The Monarch Butterfly, another species at risk, can also be found here before starting its long migration to Mexico.
Community Voices of Fort Erie Inc. has launched an appeal of the Town of Fort Erie’s decision to allow a development on the property that includes a 10 story condo, (110 units), plus 127 houses and townhomes. The OMB/LPAT hearing was originally scheduled to begin on May 25, 2020, but has been postponed due to COVID-19. For more information, visit their website at
https://sites.google.com/view/communityvoicesfe/home or https://www.change.org/p/ten-story-condo-going-up-in-waverly-woods