Dear editor:
In 1986, Ontario designated the Queen/Picton area of Niagara-on-the-Lake as a heritage conservation district and in 2003 the area was designated a hational historic district, the first in Ontario.
As well, this area was a battleground during the War of 1812 and thus we should honour this historical designation by preserving its historical significance.
Our town is made up of a large agricultural area, small hamlets and five villages. The suggested new large landscaping area at Queen and Mississauga streets should be placed in another location to welcome everyone to our whole town, not just at the edge of the designated heritage area.
May I suggest on the QEW in the Glendale area, the major entrance to our town, similar to other towns and cities in Niagara Region. Being located there it will welcome visitors to our whole town, not just one area where I believe it will detract from the importance of its historical significance.
Again, the rainbow crosswalks are a good idea, but not the requested location, which is at the only crosswalk located on Queen and Picton streets, which were put there for safety reasons.
If authorized, I believe it should be placed to represent the whole Town of NOTL, not one small heritage area. We have to remember there is more than one area of Niagara-on-the-Lake, not just the designated historical area within the Old Town.
Town council must stop trying to cram everything into the historical designated area by putting these and any other suggested projects in other areas of our town.
Stan Harrington
NOTL