Despite a Lake Report investigation that showed a NOTL winery appears to be violating municipal bylaws by operating its agricultural business as a commercial venture, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has no plans to look into the matter.
The winery, Ferox by Fabian Reis, appears to be operating like an estate winery without proper zoning or paying the proper taxes.
Advertisements and social media posts show the winery is serving food, hosting events, running a patio and seems to be using off-site grapes — all of which is contrary to the permitted use of the property.
But a published article is not a filed complaint, says the town’s communications co-ordinator, Marah Minor.
The town enforces bylaws only when complaints are made, a system that has drawn criticism and concerns about a lack of consequences for rule violators.
“The town has not received a formal complaint about Ferox Winery. The town’s bylaw division operates on an educate, engage and then enforce manner, working toward a resolution,” said Minor.
Minor said the town is still working with Ferox on its zoning application.
“Staff have been actively engaging with Ferox as they complete the proper process of seeking planning approval to amend its zoning,” she said.
Reis could not be reached for comment by press time and has not responded to several inquiries from this newspaper.
