The Foundation raises public awareness and demands accountability and transparency from decision makers — particularly in matters where properties of significance are endangered by development or threatened by deterioration or lack of use.
We present to various levels of government to ensure that significant built heritage and natural heritage are recognized and preserved. In addition, we champion protection of recreational and institutional spaces that support the needs of our community — places where Niagara-on-the-Lake residents can access services, learn, experience tradition, and culture.
As advocates, we lever our own diverse Board expertise, and partner with heritage-related groups, external experts, and advisors when needed.
Committee of Adjustment is being asked to approve severance for 187 Queen St that was rejected by Council
At its August 15th meeting, the NOTL Committee of Adjustment will be asked to approve Consent Application B-09/24, an application to sever a portion of 187 Queen Street. The Niagara Foundation opposes this severance request for 187 Queen Street.
Read MoreHeritage protection: Yes or no?
In a letter to Town Council about the application for 187 Queen St, The Niagara Foundation asks: Is heritage important to the community and should certain protections — meaningful, consistent protections — exist? Yes or No?
Read MoreAd reminds councillors of what they said prior to their election
Prior to the 2022 local election, we asked candidates to share their views on a number of key heritage and development issues that are important to our community.
Read MoreChange in zoning for Parliament Oak site will further limit available public space in NOTL
The Niagara Foundation is one of several community organizations voicing opposition to the re-zoning of 325 King Street – the site of the old Parliament Oak School – to General Commercial because if approved as is, it will drastically and permanently reduce the amount of land where residents might experience the traditions and culture of our community.
Read MoreProposed severance of 187 Queen Street would be detrimental for all heritage assets
The Niagara Foundation (TNF) opposes severances to estate lots, and to 187 Queen Street in particular. In a presentation to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on May 7, 2024, TNF President Lyle Hall said that allowing such a the proposed severance of 187 Queen Street would set a detrimental precedent for all heritage assets in Old Town and be one of the more damaging heritage precedents set by any council in memory.
Read MoreParliament Oak: Land Use, not Design, is the Main Point
In letter to the Niagara on the Lake Town Council, about the development proposal for the for the old Parliament Oak School site, The Niagara Foundation argues that the fundamental, and first, consideration should be land use.
Read MoreHeritage missing from most recent draft of Town Strategic Plan
In our July 11, 2023, letter from The Niagara Foundation to Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Council, about the process for drafting the 2023 Strategic Plan draft, we say that we are disappointed to see how little attention appears to be given to heritage, culture and/or development issues.
Read MoreParliament Oak Proposed Official Plan and Zoning Amendments
The Niagara Foundation requests that Council refuse, outright, the proposed change of use to commercial/hotel.
Read MoreResponse to proposed demolition of Parliament Oak School
We ask that Council refuse this demolition permit, and use all available options for you to require preservation of the original 1948 structure for the former Parliament Oak school, in its original location. We ask that Council resolve the request to rezone before demolition is permitted.
Read MoreObjection to the Official Plan Amendment proposed for 223-227 Mary Street
The current application for an Official Plan Amendment for 223-227 Mary Street is the second time since 2015 this wholly inappropriate and incompatible project has been presented to Council for consideration.
Read More2022 Municipal Elections
The Niagara Foundation asked candidates in the 2022 municipal election to share their views on a number of key heritage and development issues that are important to our community.
Read MoreTransportation master plan
In a submission to Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in July 2022, we expressed concern about the process and ideas proposed for the draft Transportation Master Plan.
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