As one of Ontario’s geographic wonders, the Niagara Escarpment has long been a space for agriculture, residential and leisure opportunities to co-exist. But with new developments that encourage unsustainable commercialization that threaten its natural heritage, we need the government to support a responsible approach to agricultural land use along the Escarpment that preserves its ecology and history and prioritizes responsible and sustainable development.
We need the government to oppose the regulatory amendment that will commercialize the Escarpment’s environmental heritage.
Specifically, one of the regulations proposed under the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act permits agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversification on all lands. This will damage local agriculture, harm the escarpment’s ecosystems, and create congestion on local roads from the rapid increase of tourists looking to find their best Instagram photo at industrial-sized attraction farms.
As agritourism and photo-op businesses grow, the Government of Ontario needs to protect against industrial-scale attractions along the Escarpment and support a regulated approach that preserves its history and prioritizes responsible and sustainable economic development.
The Niagara Escarpment in a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve.
Stretching almost 725 km through Ontario, the Escarpment includes some of the oldest forest ecosystems in North America.
Large-scale tourist attractions disrupt local farming, increase traffic in local communities, and affect the local environment.
Responsible land use means a more sustainable escarpment for local communities and visitors alike.
A distinct geographical feature that runs through Southern Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment hosts residential communities, agriculture, tourism centres, and an extensive trail network including the Bruce Trail and many local conservation areas. Managed by the Niagara Escarpment Commission, the escarpment is a highly sensitive ecosystem and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
We are advocating to push back against development approach changes in the Niagara Escarpment Plan that disregard local farmers and the region's natural heritage, and we support a more sustainable path forward for the escarpment that includes effective responsible agricultural land management and limiting large-scale tourism attractions on prime agricultural land to the benefit of local communities.
By opposing this part of PC-225 from being included in the NEC’s agricultural land policy, we can support local farmers and ensure that development doesn’t encroach on the Niagara Escarpment.
Protect local communities, farms, and Ontario’s natural heritage. Let government know that unsustainable, uncontrolled Instagram tourism is a significant threat to the Niagara Escarpment.