Dear editor:

I have been following the two hotel applications for our historic town.

We have so much history in such a small area: the first capital of Upper Canada, the first sitting of Parliament, Fort George not only won the War of 1812 but also preserved our independence, the Underground Railroad ended here, we have first purpose-built museum, the first recorded library in 1800, Ontario’s first newspaper, etc.

Millions of tourists are attracted to our beautiful historical town, thanks to the Shaw, wineries and more.

Parking has become challenging. Our crowded main street and stores keep locals away for months. Friends who moved away upon their return say NOTL is losing its charm.

We already have the following hotels in NOTL: Best Western Colonel Butler, Hilton Garden NOTL, Holiday Inn Express, Queen’s Landing, Prince of Wales, Niagara College Residence & Conference Centre, White Oaks, 124 on Queen, Riverbend, Pillar and Post, Staybridge Suites, Harbour House, Shaw Club & Hotel, Oban Inn, Moffat Inn, Charles Inn, Suites on King, South Landing Inn … not counting small inns and B&Bs.

On June 25, our council will vote on Benny Marotta’s 129-room hotel on the Parliament Oak site, having already approved Rainer Hummel’s 81-room modern hotel on Queen Street.

It was surprising to read in The Lake Report that Lord Mayor Zalepa feels the community is ready to accept Mr. Marotta’s hotel in a single-family residential area.

Added traffic, truck deliveries, escalated noise from the hotel are all acceptable, according to Zalepa.

If you vote to allow over 200 more hotel rooms in Old Town, are you as our councillor, willing to live in the immediate proximity? If the honest answer is no then put yourself in the shoes of those you will be affected and vote no.

You were elected to represent the interests of those who live here and voted for you, not the tourists who visit for a few hours, one or a few days. It’s your choice.

Luba Fraser
NOTL