AN IMPORTANT PART OF
THE CRYSTAL BEACH COMMUNITY IS
THREATENED BY THE
MOLINARO PLAN.
MEET YOUR BEACH NEIGHBOUR -
THE FOWLER'S TOAD
When I spoke with an official from the province's Ministry of Natural resources, she told me that the Fowler's toad burrows in the sand at Bay
Beach during the day, then comes to the shoreline at night for food and water.  During the winter months, it migrates inland to burrow in sand
beyond the storm line, specifically in the sand "behind the snack bar and near the foundation of the Lobster House."  When I advised her that
these structures would be torn down under the Molinaro Plan for a twelve story tower on the public land overlooking the beach at Bay Beach,
she said that the MONR had not yet received "any paper" on the project, but that the ministry was aware that the plan was being discussed.

Could the Molinaro Project mean the end of the Fowler's toad in Crystal Beach?  It certainly looks like their habitant will be severely affected
by the construction of what is planned for the south side of the property.  Even the construction of the so-called "amenities" would cause
upheaval to their natural habitant.  (I still believe that building on that old foundation will be prohibited.  It is too close to the shoreline and
within the "chain reserve."  Back when the original dance hall was built, such considerations were often overlooked.)  

There are several major changes to Bay Beach that could take place if the Molinaros get their way: 1.) the Fowler's toad's natural habitant
could be destroyed. The Fowler's toad is a threatened species. 2.) The shadow of a 120+ foot tower will be cast to the right and the left of the
buildings. This long shadow will block out the sun to neighbours within a large area for several hours a day.
3.) Public parking lots would be lost, thus adding to the congestion in Crystal Beach, while discouraging tourism.  An average good weekend in
Crystal Beach brings thousands of beach goers to the area.

Once the Molinaros get the go-ahead for their twelve story tower, it will be like the domino effect, property all along the shoreline will be
grabbed up by developers and the high rises will be seen all along the Lake. Since the Bridgeburg Neighbourhood Plan already allows for ten
story buildings on the Niagara Boulevard, look forward to high rises along that stretch along our waterfront.
HEY, FOWLER'S TOADS!:

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW
HOME!

Compliments of

The Molinaros
and
Martha Lockwood
(who allegedly conducted a toad poll and found they were all in
favour of the Molinaro Project ~just like she surveyed the Crystal
Beach businesses)

The Crystal Beach STRAND ~ Making Waves Since 2002
Residents who live along the shoreline in Crystal Beach were recently given these
bags that contain valuable information about a very important part of our beach
community: The Fowler's Toad.

In the information provided in the bag, the Fowler's Toad was compared to a canary in
a coal miner's hat: "Just as live canaries once provided an early warning
system for underground air quality, the presence of Fowler's toads tell the
beach lover that all is well along the beach.

In Canada, the Fowler's Toad (Bufo foweri) is found along the north shore of
Lake Erie, currently only in the Rondeau, Long Point and Niagara areas.

The habitat of this species is threatened by construction of shoreline break
walls, pier structures, destruction of backshore wetlands, intensive beach
grooming and cleaning, vehicle use on beaches and sand dune extractions."
THE FOWLER'S TOAD
(Originally published in
2009)