Lesley Pinto
July 29, 2024
SUMMARY
Bella Gardens is a major industrial business subdivision slated for development in the east end of Brantford. The 98-hectare parcel of land is bordered by Garden Ave, Highway 403, Lynden Rd and Adam’s Rd, all within the Johnson Tract which is under land claim by Six Nations of the Grand River. Developers want to build twenty-two general industrial blocks, accompanied by two high-traffic roadways. The land was previously zoned as prime agricultural land. Now, since being rezoned, all kinds of industrial uses will be permitted; salvage yards, storage tanks, liquid waste transfer stations, garages and manufacturing.
Figure 1: Map showing the boundaries of the Johnson Tract, which is under land claim by Six Nations of the Grand River.
ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS
A tributary of Fairchild Creek runs through the site where there are wetlands and wooded areas. The Grand River Conservation Authority considers Fairchild Creek to be of high importance and at high risk, due to above-average levels of sediment and phosphorus transport and discharge already entering the creek. The proposed Bella Gardens Industrial Development will pose more risks for the quality and quantity of water supply in Fairchild Creek.
IMPACT ON RESIDENTS
Those living in North Brantford are at risk of lowered water quality (due to an increase in erosion creating more debris in the waterstream). As part of the process, developers were required to conduct an archaeological assessment of the site. A homestead dated from before 1860 has been found, and recommended for further analysis to determine if it is of Indigenous descent. The cabin has triggered a more extensive investigation
Figure 2: Map showing the proposed Bella Gardens development boundaries, and “Hopewell K”- the approximate site location of the post-contact homestead identified in the archaeological assessment.
REFERENCES
1 https://vitacollections.ca/sixnationsarchive/details.asp?ID=3247438&n=9