The following letter was sent to the friends and neighbours of Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Ed Werner. A copy was submitted to The Lake Report for publication.

Dear neighbours, 

Excessive commercial activities in the rural, agricultural areas of Niagara-on-the-Lake are creating serious challenges for those of us who live and work here.

Despite long-standing concerns, many illegal special events continue to take place, largely ignored by the town.

Instead of enforcing existing rules, the town has spent $80,000 on a consulting study — while unregulated events continue every week. 

Even more troubling, the town has issued special event permits that allow wineries and other businesses to host gatherings in clear violation of established policies and zoning bylaws. 

The town has recently posted a survey, giving residents the chance to voice their concerns (jointheconversationnotl.org/special-events-in-niagara-on-the-lake). It was open for two weeks, while the consultants have six months to consult with local businesses.

This is backwards. 

What we’re facing:

• Traffic congestion that clogs rural roads and disrupts daily life. 
• Safety risks, such as the grass fire at the Niagara Lavender Festival that destroyed 34 vehicles (CBC, July 8, 2018). 
• Excessive event requests, with some operators seeking approval for up to 30 events each. If granted, this could result in more than 2,000 special events per year — far beyond what our infrastructure or community can handle. 

To put it plainly: residents should not feel as though they live inside Canada’s Wonderland.

This is not an isolated concern. Other communities, such as Port Dalhousie, are also struggling to balance tourism with livability.

After overwhelming crowds on Canada Day, councillors there are now calling for urgent reviews of city events (St. Catharines Standard, Aug. 15). 

Niagara-on-the-Lake has had a special events policy for over a decade, but it has rarely been enforced. Agricultural land is too valuable to sacrifice to unregulated commercial expansion.

Restaurants, paved patios, and new parking lots must be strictly controlled if farmland is to remain productive and financially viable. 

Tourism will always be a vital part of our local economy, but unchecked special events risk undermining the very character of our town. Without stronger enforcement, both residents and visitors will suffer — and the town’s reputation will erode.

I urge you to complete the survey and share your concerns directly with town councillors.

Thank you for your time and attention. 

Ed Werner
NOTL