Dear Minister Calandra, I am…

Dear Minister Calandra,

I am a land use planner representing Zeljko Holdings Limited (“ZHL”). ZHL is owner of the property at the northwest corner of Dominion Road and Kraft Road in the Urban Area of the Town of Fort Erie, Niagara Region ("subject site").

On behalf of ZHL, we submit the attached letter prepared by the owner’s environmental/ecological consultant 8 Trees Inc. in response to Bill 150's Environmental Registry of Ontario ("ERO") #019-7885 commenting window.

In the Niagara Region Official Plan “NROP” (modified by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – “MMAH” – November 2022), the subject site is mapped for various Natural Environment System features.

Following comprehensive site investigations by 8 Trees Inc., the Natural Environment System mapping was found to be inaccurately mapped and identified, possibly hindering, or slowing residential development potential on the site and within the Urban Area boundary of Fort Erie.

Therefore, on behalf of ZHL, we are requesting a revision to the natural heritage system schedules of the Niagara Region Official Plan for the subject site, relying on the outcomes of 8 Trees Inc.'s investigations.

These findings (which are mapped as Figures 6 to 8 on the attached letter) confirm that the Natural Environment System has been inadequately mapped and identified for the subject site on Schedule C1, C2, and C3 of the Region of Niagara Official Plan, as modified by the MMAH in November 2022.

Recognizing the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's interest in feedback on Bill 150, aligning the Niagara Region Official Plan's Natural Environment System schedules with Figures 6 to 8 in the 8 Trees Inc. letter dated December 7, 2023, could expand the developable area on site and within Fort Erie's existing Urban Area. This adjustment would help facilitate new home construction without adversely affecting natural heritage system features slated for conservation, supporting the Province’s goal of building 1.5 million homes while upholding public trust.

Please feel free to contact me at (416) 693-9155 or esugden@thebiglierigroup.com should you have any questions.

Respectfully submitted,

Evan Sugden, HBASc, MA, CAHP, RPP, MCIP

Senior Planner

He/Him

esugden@thebiglierigroup.com

Phone: (416) 693-9155