Good snowy morning to everyone
A big thank you to everyone who has sent emails/letters so far. If you haven't yet, it couldn't be easier. See the information below.
It is of utmost importance that you send an email or letter to ALL of the following:
· The Right Honourable Prime Minister Trudeau;
· The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, M.P. and Minister of Environment and Climate Change;
· The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, M.P., Minister of Canadian Heritage.
You may use the example letter below in your emails, but editing it to choose the sections most important to you and adding your own comments is important too. Please also add your name, address and the date. If you choose to write letters instead, mail to the Prime Minister or M.P.’s can be sent postage free in Canada.
Even if you don’t live in Fort Erie it will show how important this property is in Canada and to our American friends. Please also copy your comments to cvferie@gmail.com or simply let us know you emailed or mailed a letter.
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau,
justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca
Prime Minister
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, M.P.
ministre-minister@ec.gc.ca
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, M.P.
pablo.rodriguez@parl.gc.ca
Minister of Canadian Heritage
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
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Here is an example letter
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Dear Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Honourable Pablo Rodriquez and Honourable Steven Guilbeault,
Congratulations on your recent appoints as Minister of Heritage and Minister of Climate Change and Environment. I am anticipating many good things as Canadians move forward into an era of Climate Change and also of communities which respect their history.
I would like to tell you about a very special place in Fort Erie, Ontario, located along the north shore of Lake Erie, just west of where it enters the Niagara River. The history and environmental significance of this place have never been properly recognized.
This sacred and special property needs to be preserved and recognized. Please help us. There is an Ontario Municipal Board hearing on this property beginning April 25, 2022, concerning a large subdivision containing 237 residential units. Our concern is that the historical and ecological significance of this property could be destroyed.
INDIGENOUS HISTORY
This location has made it a favorable location for indigenous people to hunt, fish and make flint in our past history for more than 4,000 years. One important archaeological investigation on this site revealed many significant artifacts.
MIGRATORY BIRDS
This area is now in an urban area, known locally as Erie Beach or Waverly Woods. The proposed development, known as Harbourtown, is the only remaining urban forest in Fort Erie. It provides migratory birds, including endangered species, one of the few remaining coastal resting areas along the eastern end of Lake Erie.
EARLY NON-INDIGENOUS HISTORY
The history of this area is unlike any other place in Canada. Settlement of Fort Erie by non-indigenous people began in the 1600’s with the arrival of explorers and Jesuit priests. Then United Empire Loyalists fled the United States, often with few possessions. These individuals were welcomed with open arms by the Crown and given land to settle in and around Fort Erie to begin a new life. Many families still bear the surname of early settlers.
AUGUST 16, 1814, the War of 1812
During the War of 1812, British soldiers, Indigenous People and their allies fought to prevent the United States from claiming Fort Erie. One of the most significant battles occurred during the early morning of August 16, 1814 called the Siege of Fort Erie. During that event, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fischer lead a column of 1,300 soldiers into battle, many of them unarmed and having walked many kilometers from west of the Fort so as to avoid detection. In the dark, rainy early morning hours, they encountered an American picket who opened fire on them and warned the waiting troops at Towson’s Battery. The first volley from the Battery was called “Towson’s Lighthouse” because it lit up the sky. The troops bravely tried to scale the walls but soon discovered the ladders they had been supplied with were too short. They charged the battery five times including an attempt from the water. Confusion and panic resulted as the troops withdrew and were chased at least a kilometer along the beach west of the battery. The estimates of the number of dead vary greatly, depending on whether they come from British or American reports. One American soldier told a newspaper that he saw 80 bodies in the woods which we are trying to protect. It is shameful that these brave soldiers have not been honoured.
DEATH AT SNAKE HILL
Since that time, the military history has been ignored in the area. A good report of modern social and economic reasons for this is outlined in the Prologue of a book called Death at Snake Hill. This is based on an archaeological dig about one kilometer east of Erie Beach/Waverly Woods where the remains of American soldiers were thrown in a garage (likely to be disposed of) until a reporter started investigating the allegations. After an archaeological dig was conducted at what turned out to be a military hospital grave yard, the bodies of 28 American soldiers were repatriated and taken with military honours back to the United States where they were buried with honours.
BLACK HISTORY
In the mid-1800’s runaway slaves were welcomed to Fort Erie which was part of the Underground Railroad. The 1851 census lists 59 ‘Negros’ and mulattos who were living at the Military Reserve at Waverly Woods or Snake Hill Grove as it was sometimes called. They had many revival meetings here where they celebrated their freedom from slavery.
In 1905, the Erie Beach Hotel located adjacent to Waverly Woods was the site of the first meeting of the Niagara Movement, a precursor to the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People.
ERIE BEACH GROVE
In 1887 the property was developed into an amusement park called Erie Beach Grove. The park was in existence until 1930, and thousands of Americans crossed over to picnic and enjoy the rides, swimming pools and dance hall. Many remnants of the original structures can still be seen.
WELLNESS
Waverly Woods/Erie Beach is an important part of our community and is valued by others around the world, including many Americans who still have cottages in this area. The woods have been a special place of healing for many people who have suffered during COVID. Hundreds of people walk or bike through this area every week. More than 8600 people have signed this petition https://www.change.org/p/ten-story-condo-going-up-in-waverly-woods/ in support of saving this area from inappropriate development.
FLOOD MITIGATION
This is a coastal forest and wetland and, as such, provides flood mitigation during storm events. Large amounts of water move through the creek during these events. Paving and housing built here will create serious problems with the Kraft Drain Provincially Significant Wetland. Many residents in the area are experiencing water drainage issues as this wetland is slowly destroyed.
ENDANGERED SPECIES/ SPECIES AT RISK
At least four species of Endangered Species breed or use this area for foraging including Red-headed Woodpecker (3 pairs in 2020), Fowlers Toad and Monarch Butterfly. Proper evaluation hasn’t been done for many other species.
TOURISM
The potential to draw history and environmental tourists to this area is very high. With proper restoration and preservation of both the built heritage and the natural heritage this property will be a valuable resource for all Canadians.
Yours sincerely