Niagara-on-the-Lake council voted this week to explore the possible transfer of a fenced-off strip of waterfront land in Ryerson Park — but not before a debate that included a “hysterical” remark and a complaint it was “not respectful.”
Council directed town staff to look at potentially transferring about 105 square metres of town-owned waterfront parkland at 535 Niagara Blvd., part of Ryerson Park in Chautauqua. The land is adjacent to 491 Niagara Blvd. and the owners of that property requested the transfer.
Since the parkland in question has not been publicly accessible for over 25 years, staff said it would therefore not result in the loss of a park amenity if transferred.
The approval does not authorize a sale but requires staff to determine the costs involved and the land’s potential value before council makes a final decision. Staff are expected to report back by late spring or the start of summer this year.
Staff will complete a title search, retain a professional from the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors to prepare a survey, obtain an evaluation of the land’s fair market value and prepare a planning report recommending severance, subject to council approval.
Staff estimated the survey could cost up to roughly $2,500 and an appraisal between $1,500 and $2,000.
Chief administrative officer Nick Ruller said staff can “proactively reach out and make ourselves available” to the Chautauqua Residents Association and other stakeholders as part of that process, to address concerns raised by Coun. Wendy Cheropita about consultation with the association.
Right now, staff anticipate any proceeds from a future transfer going to the town’s parks reserve, which it said could support improvements at Ryerson Park, including beach access upgrades.
If council does not proceed with a transfer, staff would nonetheless begin removal of a portion of a fence that encroaches on Ryerson Park, erected more than 25 years ago by the neighbouring property owners.
During discussion, Coun. Andrew Niven questioned references to a “sale” in staff’s report and how that language could be interpreted. Staff reiterated that no sale had been approved and that council would need to vote again before any transfer could occur.
Coun. Tim Balasiuk said he was “a little frustrated” that he had not previously been aware the land was identified as a natural asset, particularly following the town’s recent asset management discussions.
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa described staff’s recommendation as “taking a 30-year issue” and addressing it properly — by getting the right information “before getting hysterical.”
That comment prompted Coun. Sandra O’Connor to raise her hand on a matter of personal privilege and said the comment was “not respectful.”
Prior to the conflict, O’Connor was pushing back against selling town-owned parkland, saying “it is not for sale unless there is a compelling reason.”
“We do not see a compelling reason here,” she said. “I don’t think we need to waste any more staff time on this.”
Resident Margaret Walker wrote a letter to council urging it to reject the recommendation outright.
“I respectfully submit that council should decline the recommendation,” said Walker in her letter, which she provided to The Lake Report.
The proposal, she said, is “unsupported by the factual and historical record, inconsistent with public-interest principles governing parkland and sets a concerning precedent for the treatment of public waterfront lands in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”
Walker said public waterfront parkland is “an irreplaceable community asset,” calling on council to restore the land to Ryerson Park for public enjoyment and remove the encroaching fence.
Coun. Erwin Wiens said, “I think we’d be remiss if we didn’t do the due diligence of finding out everything that’s encumbered here.”
