Wayne Gates
Special to The Lake Report

As we move through the summer months in Niagara, let’s take the time to reflect on the rich heritage that defines both our country and our community here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

We know how important our community is, both economically as a major beacon for tourism, but also culturally.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is the first capital of Ontario, it played a definitive role in the War of 1812, we have the oldest Catholic church and second-oldest Anglican church in Ontario right here in town, we are home to world-class wineries, restaurants, breweries and one of the greatest theatre festivals in North America. 

We cannot jeopardize what makes this town so unique with inappropriate development — and we must always hear the voices of residents before we move forward on big development projects. 

I am not anti-development — utilizing smart strategies to grow our local economy and important industries such as hospitality, viticulture and tourism is important to the continued success of the town. 

But it must be done with proper planning and foresight, it must be zoned appropriately, it must have input from residents and balance the wants of tourists with what residents need from their local government.

And it must respect existing neighbourhoods and communities. 

Input from residents is the key concept here. Their voices must be heard loud and clear in discussions about the town’s future.

Development should not come at the expense of our cultural heritage. Rather, it should complement and preserve it for generations to come.

We must find a path forward that respects residents and neighbourhoods, and preserves what keeps this community unique, while also investing in and supporting tourism.

In 2023 alone, more than 3 million tourists visited the region, injecting more than $500 million into the local economy.

These numbers underscore the importance of preserving our cultural assets — they are not just a source of pride but also a vital economic driver for our community.

Preserving Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cultural heritage isn’t just about protecting buildings; it’s about safeguarding our identity as Canadians.

It’s about ensuring that future generations can walk these streets and feel a connection to the past, understanding the struggles and triumphs that shaped Niagara and Canada.

My support for places such as the Shaw Festival is part of what I think represents a smart way forward. The Shaw not only enriches our community with world-class theatre, and as an important economic driver, but also serves as an important part of our cultural history. 

As we look to the future, let us reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cultural heritage.

Let us continue to support projects that honour our past, drive our economy and resonate with the spirit of our community.

Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a town that is as rich in history as it is in opportunity.

Wayne Gates is the NDP member for the provincial riding of Niagara Falls.