It was my intention to continue our examination of the heritage designation process, however, a couple of occurrences have transpired over the last few days that have “bumped” that article to next week.

About seven days ago, men and machines descended on Virgil’s coniferous forest.

Located on several acres owned by a developer, the forest had somewhere between 700 and 800 mature conifers that delivered multiple environmental, health and aesthetic benefits to local village residents, the broader town and the region (see: “Arch-i-text: All about green infrastructure,” Dec. 19, 2024).

But, the developer, Grey Forest Homes Ltd., saw none of the benefits of the forest and applied for permission to clear-cut it so a strip of nondescript townhouses could be built on the land it occupied.

Town planners agreed and in 2024, the application was brought before council to decide.

Despite the fact that Niagara-on-the Lake has the lowest level of tree canopy coverage in the region and multiple eloquent delegations were presented before council in opposition, the majority of councillors endorsed clear-cutting this important environmental feature.

Moreover, in responding to a councillor’s question regarding saving a part of the forest as a park, town staff were apparently unable to provide even an approximate estimate of what 5 per cent of the developer’s lands equalled — something that, from the first keystroke to directly access Municipal Property Assessment Corporation data, it took me just two minutes to calculate — resulting in a complete dismissal of the overture by majority council vote.

So, at a juncture in history wherein climate change initiatives are generally considered by both governments and voters to be a high priority, most of the members of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s elected council apparently don’t give a damn — only if it stands in the way of development.

And, while the trees of Virgil’s “green lung” fall to the developer’s axe, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was proudly announcing the hiring of a new climate change co-ordinator who will “play a key role in several environmental initiatives” including a first level focus on “natural assets (rivers, wetlands, forests and more).”

One wonders if someone like the new climate change co-ordinator — promised in 2022 but not delivered until 2025 — might have made a difference in council’s decision vis-à-vis Virgil’s coniferous forest.

Call me cynical, but given this council’s “develop at any cost” record to date, I doubt it.

That said, I wish her, Kassie Burns, well on an uphill battle and will publicly applaud her “wins” as such transpire.

As a final note on this topic, one must question what appears to be a double standard — private landowners versus developers — by town staff concerning tree removal.

I am personally aware of at least half a dozen permit applications by private landowners to remove potentially dangerous senescent and/or invasive “weed” (e.g. Manitoba maple) trees over the last 12 months that have been denied by the town.

This, while the clear-cut application by a developer of about 800 healthy trees is given the “green” light?

Moving on, let us visit the experience of one of the resident scions of NOTL’s proud commercial fishing families and his efforts to preserve the industry’s historical contribution to the economic viability of the town (for additional insight see: “Arch-i-text: Niagara-on-the-Lake needs to learn from the past,” Aug. 1, 2024).

Over nearly two decades, this individual collected a vast number of historical fishing artifacts including what is likely the last surviving commercial fishing boat, the Teenie H, that plied the waters of Lake Ontario during the heyday of the industry.   

His vision was to establish an interactive display in the Docklands that would provide a window into the history and pivotal economic role that commercial fishing played for well over 100 years in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake — an industry which at its peak shipped out somewhere between 30 and 40 million pounds of fish per year.

Without his knowledge, the town acquired title to the Teenie H and it was placed in outside storage on town lands.

But, our intrepid visionary personally paid for a custom-made cradle and industrial tarp to protect it from the weather while preserving the integrity of the hull.

Still, he continued to present his vision — at times appearing to gain traction and at others slipping backwards.

Meanwhile, years passed and, ignored by the town, the protective tarp mouldered away threatening this irreplaceable historical artifact.

An alarm was raised with town staff and, in response, a couple of employees were sent out to evaluate the artifact. Note, these employees had no specialized knowledge in marine preservation or restoration, they were simply two folks who happened to own boats.

To my knowledge, no subsequent action (i.e. replacement of the tarp) has been taken.

After 20 years in the trenches and well into his senior years, our champion has been forced, in the interest of his health, to walk away.       

Terry Boulton is an unsung hero in the ongoing battle to preserve NOTL’s history and heritage. When you walk the path along the river from the foot of Ball Street to Delater, remember it was he who conveyed those lands to the citizens of the town.

The Teenie H must be saved and Boulton’s vision realized — it is an integral part of our shared heritage.

Just blue skying, it might be a fabulous project for the members of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club to undertake — it would fit right in with their historic clubhouse and marine tradition.

Brian Marshall is a NOTL realtor, author and expert consultant on architectural design, restoration and heritage.