At the January 13, 2026, meeting, Council formally approved the purchase of an approximately 9-acre parcel of land north of the existing Sandalwood Stormwater Management Facility in St. Davids, marking a significant investment in resilient municipal infrastructure that addresses long-standing community concerns and prepares the area for future growth and climate impacts.
This strategic purchase enables the Town to address historic infrastructure gaps through a comprehensive, systems-based approach to climate adaptation and asset management, consistent with the Town’s adopted Climate Change Adaptation Plan. By expanding stormwater management capacity, the Town is reducing flood risk, protecting private property, and strengthening resilience to climate-driven extreme weather, in direct alignment with the Climate Change Adaptation Plan’s infrastructure and flood-mitigation goals.
The Sandalwood Stormwater Management Facility (Vineyard Creek Estates) was originally constructed around 2005 to support development in the western portion of St. Davids. While the facility was appropriately designed at the time, it is no longer sufficient to manage current stormwater demands. Over the past two decades, increased runoff from lands outside the urban boundary, development that exceeded original design assumptions, and additional property hardscaping, such as patios, pools, and expanded driveways, have significantly increased stormwater volumes, contributing to localized flooding.
Through this investment, the Town is positioning itself to deliver modern, climate-resilient infrastructure solutions aligned with best practices in municipal asset management, climate adaptation planning, and long-term infrastructure lifecycle sustainability, as outlined in the Town’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan adopted by Council. Planned improvements will increase stormwater management capacity, system redundancy, and operational flexibility, while also creating opportunities for enhanced natural features, including tree planting, expanded open space, and potential community amenities. These enhancements are intended to deliver long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits for residents.
This initiative reflects the Town’s commitment to responsible asset stewardship, proactive governance, and strategic infrastructure investment that integrates climate risk, environmental performance, and long-term service delivery outcomes, while implementing Council-endorsed climate adaptation actions in a practical and measurable way. By planning ahead and investing in resilience today, the Town supports sustainable growth and ensures that critical infrastructure continues to serve the community effectively now and into the future.
Quotes:
“This land acquisition represents a meaningful step forward for our community. By planning and investing in resilient stormwater infrastructure, the Town is responding to long-standing concerns in St. Davids while preparing for the impacts of a changing climate. This project reflects Council’s commitment to protecting residents, safeguarding private property, and building a stronger, more sustainable Niagara-on-the-Lake for future generations.” - Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa
“From an operational and asset management perspective, this acquisition allows the Town to take a systems-based, long-term approach to stormwater management and climate adaptation. Expanding the Sandalwood facility creates the flexibility needed to enhance capacity, improve redundancy, and integrate climate considerations into infrastructure planning, ensuring the Town’s investments deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic value.” - CAO Nick Ruller
For immediate alerts, follow the Town on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Corporate Communications Lead
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com