The Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) celebrated its 50th anniversary of
protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the Niagara Escarpment with a special
celebration yesterday, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Queenston Heights Park in Niagara-
on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Local dignitaries, provincial leaders, and members of the public gathered to celebrate
the creation of the Commission, which took place in 1973 following public concern about
unregulated growth and resource development along the Escarpment.
Among speakers at the event were Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources
Drew Vanderduim, Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, NEC Director Shawn
Carey, NEC Chair Jim Collard, and Niagara Parks Commission Chair Bob Gale.
Queenston Heights represents the southern end of Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment,
which spans 725 kilometers through Niagara, Peel, and Halton Region, the City of
Hamilton, and Simcoe, Dufferin, Grey, and Bruce County before ending at the end of
the Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory.
The NEC operates at an arm's length from the Ontario Government (Ministry of Natural
Resources) and is comprised of NEC staff and 17 members (Commissioners) appointed
by Order-in-Council.
“For 50 years, the Niagara Escarpment Commission has been a trusted steward of this
region’s breathtaking landscapes: Contributing to local and regional economies through
tourism, agriculture and more,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources.
“Today is an opportunity to show our continuous support for this important work on
behalf of the region and Ontario.”
“The Niagara Escarpment is a thriving example of how responsible development and
sustainable management can grow while protecting our natural resources,” said Drew
Vanderduim, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources. “Congratulations to the Niagara
Escarpment Commission on 50 years of your commitment to maintaining and protecting
this vital region for Ontarians.”
Around 195,000 hectares of land within 23 local municipalities spanning seven regions
and counties and the City of Hamilton are protected through the Niagara Escarpment
Plan (NEP), Canada’s first land use plan, which was implemented in 1985 for the
maintenance of the Niagara Escarpment – A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The
plan establishes land-use designations, development criteria, and related permitted
uses for lands within its boundaries. It also provides the framework for a string of more
than 160 parks and open spaces linked by the Bruce Trail.
Areas within the NEP are protected by the NEC through the issuance of Development
Permit Applications. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, NEC received 506 applications and
issued 267 permits.
“The Commission and staff have worked together to protect the Escarpment and
balance the needs of our partners and residents with the needs of the land,” said Jim
Collard, NEC Chair.
“Protecting, maintaining, and enhancing Ontario’s Escarpment for half a century is no
small feat,” said NEC Director Shawn Carey. “Many staff members, Commissioners,
and other governments have played a crucial role in keeping this unique landform
something all Ontarians can enjoy and be proud of.”
Quick Facts:
- Niagara Escarpment Commission celebrated its 50 th anniversary in Niagara-on-
the-Lake Tuesday
- NEC, which was founded in 1973 following public concern regarding
overdevelopment on the Escarpment, operates at an arm's length from the
Ontario Government (Ministry of Natural Resources) and comprises of NEC staff
and 17 members (Commissioners) appointed by Order-in-Council.
- NEC protects, maintains, and enhances the Escarpment through the Niagara
Escarpment Plan (NEP), which was Canada’s first land use plan when
introduced.