While sustainable development advocates are still reeling from the decision at the Ontario Municipal Board to approve the expansion of Hamilton's urban boundary into rural Glanbrook, the assaults on boundaries continue. Environment Hamilton is working with Winona residents to ensure that the boundary of this rural community is not extended into Niagara Escarpment Plan protection area.

The pressure to expand comes from developer Peter DeSantis and his son Gabriele through a proposal to build an 'estate survey' on the south west boundary of the Winona rural settlement area.

The development would include 17 estate lots with homes ranging in size from 4000 to 6000 square feet. At issue is the fact that the development is proposed for an area south of Highway 8 and within the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) protection area.

Criteria set out in the NEP clearly indicate that a development of this nature is not appropriate within Niagara Escarpment Plan protection area. The challenge will be to ensure that the Niagara Escarpment Commission respects this fact and that the city of Hamilton also does not support expansion into lands that have been protected in order to ensure that the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve — not to mention the prime agricultural lands bordering it — remains for us and for future generations to enjoy.

EH is helping to collect the detailed planning information required for residents to proceed with their effort to protect the escarpment and their rural community for future generations.

Return to Issues of Concern Index