Community Voices of Fort Erie spent 4+ years trying to save Waverly Woods. Unfortunately, our experts were unable to present their evidence at the land tribunal hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing in early May we signed the Minutes of Settlement along with a representative for the development team and a representative of the town of Fort Erie. This agreement was signed in good faith by our representative. It included the conditions that needed to be completed by the development company before receiving permission to proceed with the subdivision.

Earlier this winter the integrity of Waverly Woods was destroyed, and many residents were heartbroken. The clearcutting at this site has deeply scarred our community. Over 800 trees were removed including at least 36 American Elms, 13 Black Walnuts, 6 Green Ash, Black Cherry, Red Oak and Red Maple.

We are left with many questions to which we have yet to receive answers from the town:

According to the Consolidated Conditions of Draft Approval, there was to be no tree removal, grading or soil distribution until Council has given final approval to the subdivision. Why have all the trees been removed?

When was the metal detecting done? Soil was brought in as trees were removed according to local residents.

Why was Red-Headed Woodpecker habitat allowed to be destroyed? It is endangered.

It there any information about the sinkhole/Karst formation which was reported at the Hearing?

And the list goes on.

As a signatory to this contract the town of Fort Erie has a responsibility to ensure that the consolidated conditions are met. These woods are beloved by the community. It has lost enough.

p.s. At the Town Council meeting on Monday March 27th the development team for Harbourtown will be asking to be able to do serving. According to the Conditions of Draft Approval as part of the Minutes of Settlement all the other conditions needs to be satisfied before servicing is allowed.