Niagara as a region continues to see progress in all areas, from revitalization projects to new developments, and to economic growth as a whole, there’s a lot of good going on. Niagara-on-the-Lake exemplifies this progress, with a revitalization project being planned for Lock 1, along with a recent development announcement and a UNESCO application.
NOTL a world heritage site?
Town council decided to move ahead with an application that would see Niagara-on-the-Lake become a world heritage site through UNESCO. The application is due on January 27, and if they are put on the tentative list, could see a cost between $75,000 and $100,000 to apply to UNESCO. The process would take four- to five-years.
68 private properties, the docks, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club clubhouse have been removed from the application so that the sole focus on this designation is for the landscape heritage only.
More townhomes approved for development
The planned townhome development on Anne Street is going to happen after Niagara-on-the-Lake council reversed its initial decision to reject it. In 2014, Solmar Development Corp. planned to build a four-storey apartment building with 125 units after plans for a five-storey, 226 unit building were rejected.
After changing these plans due to the market conditions, council recently approved them for 58 units instead of 61, with the remaining space to be used for parkland. There are currently 19 homes on Anne St. along with two others under construction.
Councillors torn over development approval
Councillors are torn on this project, with some thinking the townhomes aren’t the best option for development on Anne Street. The ones that are in favour of this development are pointing to the market in favour of this type of housing for people who want to downsize.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is pretty busy, to say the least. Councillors aside, this townhouse development is great for the region when taking a look at the initial regional plan reports outlining the need for smaller lots to encourage Niagara growth.
