***IMPORTANT***  The City of Niagara Falls will only accept petition signatures from verifiable residents of Niagara Falls.  When signing the petition, please be sure to provide your STREET ADDRESS AND POSTAL CODE in the Postal Code box field (e.g. 8677 Banting Ave. L2G 6Z7). Signatures must be completed by noon on Friday, October 20th 2023 to be included in our delegation to City Hall so please help me promote the heck out of this in the short time we have available.

There is an application before Niagara Falls City Council to rezone lands known locally as the former Oaklands Golf Course/King Waldorf Campground to "Residential", including a substantial reduction in the size of "Conservation" buffers fronting the Welland River and Lyons Creek.  There appears to be a needless rush to a decision as the current application will be adjudicated before critical studies now underway are complete and have been assessed, including the City's own study and one by a Focus Group appointed by the City.  

As residents of Niagara Falls, we are deeply concerned about the proposed rezoning of the Oaklands/King Waldorf lands. This area is not just a piece of land; it is the green entranceway to our homes and a sanctuary for several threatened species. The current application to rezone these lands as "Residential" threatens to reduce or remove critical buffers zoned for Conservation, which would have irreversible environmental impacts.

The development of residential properties adjacent to these Conservation buffer zones will also negatively impact any remaining Conservation lands through increased human activity such as using those lands to access the bordering waterfronts. We value our natural spaces and vehemently oppose any actions that could irrevocably alter them.

We request that Niagara Falls City Council defer or deny this application until all relevant studies and environmental impact assessments are complete. It is important that we fully understand the potential consequences before making decisions that could harm our environment and local wildlife.

We believe in responsible urban planning that respects nature and prioritizes sustainability over short-term gains. Let's protect our natural heritage for future generations instead of sacrificing it for immediate development.

Please sign this petition urging Niagara Falls City Council to halt rezoning until all relevant studies are complete. Your signature can help preserve our precious Conservation areas and ensure a sustainable future for Niagara Falls.