The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is celebrating a major milestone for Niagara Shores Park, a valued public green space that has been important to the community for many years.
Niagara Shores Park is a 14-hectare forested area within Parks Canada’s lakeshore properties at 1515 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. The property is managed by Parks Canada as part of the Niagara National Historic Sites.
After three years of collaboration and support, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has approved a Licence of Occupation Agreement with Parks Canada. This agreement was approved by the NPCA Board on December 19, 2025, and supports the ongoing care, planning, and stewardship of Niagara Shores Park. The Agreement allows NPCA to carry out work that helps protect and enhance the park’s natural and cultural landscape, and supports public recreational and educational use.
The Town has worked with partners to support a coordinated approach to future improvements. The agreement creates opportunities to explore land care and maintenance, research and studies, and the development of a future land management plan in consultation with the community.
“Niagara Shores Park is a special place for Niagara-on-the-Lake, and this progress reflects years of hard work and persistence. I want to thank Parks Canada and the NPCA for coming together to move this forward, as well as the Harmony Residents group for their advocacy,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. “I also wish to thank Council for its leadership, and Councillor Kaiser for spearheading key discussions at the regional level. This has required steady coordination over time, including site tours and valuable conversations at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Rural Ontario Municipal Association conferences that helped keep momentum moving.”
“This has been an extensive process, and we are pleased to see the parties aligned around a shared goal,” said CAO Nick Ruller. “Thank you to Town Staff for supporting this process, and we look forward to continued collaboration focused on safe public access, responsible stewardship, and a clear plan for the future of Niagara Shores Park.”
With the agreement in place, NPCA will prepare a high-level work plan to guide priorities and activities for Niagara Shores Park. NPCA, Parks Canada, and the Town will continue working together to explore potential improvements that support safe access and a positive resident and visitor experience.
The Town will communicate more about this project once additional information is available
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Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Corporate Communications Lead
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com