The Battle of Beaverdams Park a 10-acre community park built in 1974. It is located just south of the downtown core of Thorold. The northern-most point is on Sullivan Avenue and stretches south through the community to Ormond Street South and Portland Street. Prior to the War of 1812, many families lived and farmed on this land. Once construction of the Second Welland Canal was completed in 1845, the land was heavily modified. It became an area of industry and transportation. Lock 25 of the Second Welland Canal and The Thorold Cement Works were located within the park grounds. Evidence of this can be seen at the remnants of Lock 25 and the JB Stone. The construction of the third and current Welland Canals, in 1887 and 1932, respectively, meant that the actual Beaverdams battle site, the approximate area of Davis and Old Thorold Stone Roads, would be destroyed. The second canal would be emptied and filled by 1961 and become a landfill. In the 1970s, the city of Thorold decided they wanted another use for the land and that it would become a historical community park. Currently the park is home to several historical monuments and plaques from the original site such as monuments of the Battle of Beaverdams, Laura Secord, an obelisk marking the remains of 16 American soldier from that battle and the Thorold Millennial Time Capsule and the JB Stone. The area is also a multi-use recreational park. It provides the community with benches, the Brian Williams Band Shell, a swing-set, paved cement surfaces and fields for picnics. The park is surrounded by apartment buildings, businesses, the downtown core and the Prince of Wales South Public School. The buildings and traffic creates a significant source of noise pollution for the area. Evidence of neglect by the city can be seen by the garbage and vandalism in the area.

Municipality: Thorold, Ontario

Local area name: Downtown Thorold

Other identifying names or descriptions: The main entrance is located at the intersection of Sullivan Ave and Towpath Street. The parking lot is located at the south end proximate to Ormond St. S. and Portland St.

Latitude and longitude: 43° 7'21.58"N and 79°12'5.13"W

Physical Dimensions

Length: 440m from the entrance gate to the most southeasterly point.

Width: 94m at it widest point, the east entrance to the fence of the Prince of Wales South Public School

Surface Area: Approximately 10 acres or 4 hectares.

Elevation:

Highest Point: 177m at the south-eastern edge

Lowest Point: 172m within the remains of Lock 25

The Battle of Beaverdam Park is a 10-acre municipal recreational and historical park located at the south end of downtown Thorold. The main gate, as seen above, is located at the corner of Sullivan Avenue and Towpath Street. Alternatively, entrances are located at the east and west on Front Street South and Towpath Street, respectively. There is also a small gravel parking lot located to the south along Ormond Street. Within the park resides several landmarks which depict the history of the park, the city of Thorold and surrounding area. In addition, the city has built a band shell with bathroom facilities, a swing set, a picnic area for recreational use. However, before the creation of the park, the landscape had gone through some drastic changes. Post-Colonial Settlement, the area was a small agrarian township. The land was primarily used for cultivation of grains such as wheat, raising dairy livestock (Niagara This Week, 2008) and excavation of the surrounding escarpment. Later the entire area turned into the battleground for the War of 1812. Many pivotal battles were fought in the Niagara region, the most crucial battle being the Battle of Beaverdam in 1813 which turned the tide of the war in favour of the British. However, farming continued throughout this period. With the addition of the first Welland Canal in 1829, the area began shifting to a more to industrial base. When the Canadian Government began construction of the Second Welland Canal and the city of Thorold grew along its banks. Flour mills and industrial production lined the canal to take advantage of its ease of transportation. The canal came through what is now downtown Thorold between current-day Pine and Front street and continued south along Ormond Street. The canal construction was complete in 1848 and continued in use until 1886. The area was later used as a landfill and filled in 1961 (Craggs, 2007). The park was actually built on the site of Lock 25 in 1974. Currently, park is surrounded by a variety of small business, apartment buildings and a public school. The park serves as an example of how a modern day municipal park can hide the scars of human manipulation, neglect and misuse. It is the aim of this report to critique the park itself, the surrounding area and how the two interact to create a reclaimed green-space within downtown Thorold.

Map 1: Location of Battle of Beaverdams Park (Source: Google Maps)

The park was completely reclaimed by the city with the goal of creating a small oasis of greenery within the downtown core. It is home to a small variety deciduous trees and shrubbery, such as maple and oak, can be found within the park. Additionally a few pine trees are present. Most of which are found central to the aprk and along its periphery. A large grass field is also present in the south end of the park. The park has become more "naturalized" over time with the growth of vine plants to hide the surrounding fences and telephone poles. Unfortunately, it is still more than evident that the layout of the park and selection of trees and plant life were to accomplish the aim longevity of plant life low maintenance for the city. Hough this describes as our modern day perception of "horticulture science" (p.92). He also adds that parks such as this one, "intended to "rehabilitate" a neglected area of the city, replaces the natural diversity of regenerating nature with the uniform and technology dependent landscape of established traditional design" (p.92). Furthering this idea of a manufactured park, Hough would also conclude that the biota in the park would be classified as a, "cultivated plant group", which arose from the careful selection of plant life which serve the surrounding area (p.88) rather than vice versa.

Very little animal life is present within the park. There are no water works to sustain any kind of aquatic or amphibious life. This would also discourage the presence of any form of large bird from gathering in this area. At most, migratory birds may find this area appealing as a temporary respite on the journeys or rest or grazing. At most, the trees could host a small variety of insects and birds common to this area. Rodentia, such as the Eastern Chipmunk, Red and Gray Squirrel, White Foot Mouse are common in the area of Ontario. Also is it likely that likely that the park is frequented by the North American Skunk and Raccoon. These animals frequent public parks to scavenge on food and garbage left by the public and surrounding buildings (Ontario Nature, 2016).

Before the development of the canal, it is very likely that the area had a much more abundant variety of wildlife. Frequent to this area are the White-Tailed Deer, Red Fox and grey Wolf (Dobbyn, 1994). With the completion of the canal, there habitat and migratory patterns would have been fragmented. The area become almost impassable for these animals. Furthering this pressure was the industrialization and increase in population to the area. As the city grew, the animals were pushed further and further out of their natural habitat.

b) Geomorphology:

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The origins of the Niagara Escarpment date back 450 million years ago during the Ordovician and Silurian Periods of the Paleozoic Era (ONE, 2016). During that time, the entire area laid underneath a massive lake. This lake contained an abundance of calcium-rich organic material while surrounding rivers carried sand, silt, and clay deposits into the area. Factors such as time and pressure formed what can now be found within the escarpment. It was not until the lake receded, approximately 300 million years ago, that the layers of sediment were revealed (Brown et al., 2010, p.44-45). Glaciation also played a major role in the development of the Niagara Escarpment. During the Pleiostocene Period, approximately 2 million years ago, the Wisconsin glacial retreat helped shape the escarpment (ONE, 2016). At the time, the ice was around 2 km thick and as the ice melted and retreated north, the resulting water and friction helped the landscape of this area.

Currently, deposits of limestone, dolomite, sandstone and shale could be found in what is now referred to as the Lockport-Amabel Formations (Hewitt, 1972). This has provided local quarries with materials for cement, mortar production, railroad ballast and ashphalt (Geology.com, 2016). The soil deposits of the area are nutrient rich which is favourable to agriculture. Historical uses of the land include crops such as grain, hay, corn and soybeans (Brown et al., 2010, p.45).

The park itself is contaminated due to misuse in the 20^th century. Despite being in an area so rich of nutrients and other agriculture, the land was at one time used as a dumping ground by the city (Bolichowski, 2011). The land has been has been deemed to contain moderate levels of combustible gas and leachate (Ministry, 1984). A monitoring system has been placed within the park for regular measurements of chemical byproducts.

This site has gone under significant human-induced changes since the creation of the Second Welland Canal in the early 1840's. Each lock mechanism dimensions measured 45.7 m long, 8.1 m wide and 2.7 m deep (St. Lawrence, 2003). The total length of the Second Welland Canal Spanned from Port Dalhousie to Port Colbourne. In addition to the main canal, towpaths were situated along certain sections of the canal in order to allow for the flow of water and aid in the towing of the ships by horse. This fragmented the landscape but also introduced a large volume of water into what was formerly dryland.

It was not until the late 1970's that the city of Thorold decided that it wanted to turn the then-dumpsite into a community park. As seen in the aerial photos of the ###insert year here###, the area has somewhat modernized. Buildings and stores surround the area. It was at this time that the city removed the waste and began the process of turning the area into a park. An underground stormwater drainage system was the first piece to be placed in the park during its construction. These manholes of which are visible throughout the park. Leveling for the various pathways and statues were also necessary for the park. The centre piece, Lock 25, remained while the surrounding area had grass dropped and plants and trees inserted into the area.

Currently, there is no major source of water within the park. The closest source of water would be the current Welland Canal which is approximately 500 m east of the park. However, the two sites remain completely isolated from each other. There is very little effect on the hydrological cycle of the park as a result of the canal.

However, due to the direction of flow on the Niagara Watershed, it is possible that runoff from the park does have some, if any, influence on the Welland Canal (Niagara Connects, 2016). The park itself may experience approximately 20% rainfall runoff due to its low levels of impervious surfaces. Expanding this scope to include the surrounding buildings and roadworks would have a significant effect on this figure. The city would increase the amount of impervious surfaces and the amount of rainfall runoff would increasre to 30% (Alberti, 2008, p.146-147)

[Read Hough (Chapter 6): Climate (pp.189-218)

Human activities can have a profound influence on local climate and microclimate. With specific references to the readings above and other resources you have found on your own, describe the human-induced changes that have occurred to your local landscape that may have altered its microclimate and contributed to changes in the climate of the region.]

[Archaeological influences: To the best of your ability, describe the pre-European settlement and land use history of your landscape (i.e., from the earliest recorded human residents to European settlement), and how they have influenced your landscape over time.

Land use history: Describe the land use history of your landscape after the arrival of European settlers, including its commercial / industrial / agricultural / residential uses, and how these have influenced your landscape over time.

Support your observations with citations from the literature.

Wherever possible, illustrate your observations about changes over time with appropriate illustrations, satellite imagery, air photos, and maps.]

The Battle of Beaverdam Park is the centre piece of town pride for the city of Thorold. It resonates the earliest and most important claim that the city has to Canadian History; the battle which ended the War of 1812. On June 24, 1813, Laura Secord overheard the plans of the impending American attack and set out to on a 32 km walk to warn the British troops. The actual battle took place in the area proximate to where Davis and Old Thorold Stone Roads are today. This battle has been said to be won by the British troops under the command of Lieutenant James Fitzgibbons. However, there are conflicting reports that state that local First Nations warriors were the ones who actually fought the battle against the Americans. Originally the cairn commemorating the victory was located in the field where the battle took place. When the designs of the Third Welland Canal were completed, it was decided that they needed to be moved. The cairn was moved into its present day location in the north of the park.

Behind this Cairn, is an obelisk which serves as a gravestone to the found remains of 16 American troops who were killed in the same battle. The remains were found during the excavation of the Third Welland Canal. As with the cairn, they were moved into the park upon its completion.

To the east of the Cairn, lies the mysterious 'JB' stone. This stone comes from the time when the canal ran through this area. It was said to be part of the original Thorold Cement Works building which lied along the banks. The mystery which surrounds the stone pertains to exactly who 'JB' is, or rather which 'JB' is. What is known is the original owner was John Brown, who established the building around 1841. He was an important businessman who worked on the second and third canals and also built railways, buildings and lighthouses. Unfortunately, this building burned down on May 1, 1876 but Brown began rebuilding almost immediately after. Unfortunately, Brown was killed in an accident in a nearby quarry approximately one month later. The business was immediately bought up by John Battle and a partner. Later, Battle bought out his partners interest in the company and brought his son, James, into the operation. In 1929, the plant shut down all operations. The building remained erect until 1955. The actual JB stone was lost at that point until the early 1990's. It was found in the backyard of a Merriton residence in two pieces and moved to the Lakeview Cemetery. Sometime after, the stone was reclaimed by the city and moved to its current resting spot where it is believed the Thorold Cement Works was. It is still unknown as to which JB the stone refers to: John Brown, John Battle or James Battle (LACAC, 2002).

South of the JB Stone is the Millenium Carin. This contains the City of Thorold's Time Capsule which was sealed on July 1, 2000 and. It contains items donated by community schools, Brock University, Niagara College, the public and the city council. The capsules found within are marked to be reopened on July 1, 2100.

Further south lie the cast iron City of Thorold Commemorative Anchor. It is placed here to celebrate the founding of Thorold during the creation of the First Welland Canal in 1828. The anchor symbolizes the cities connection to maritime tradition and history.

The Brian Williams Bandshell is an original piece to the park. However, it was not until 2012 that it was renamed in honour of the longstanding Director and Conductor of the Thorold Reed Concert Band.

In front of the bandshell lies the remnants of Lock 25 from the Second Welland Canal. It was this piece of history which the park was built around. The stone pieces are original to the canal. It gives patrons of this park a stark reminder of how the land-use of this area has had remarkable changes of the history of this city.

The land is municapal property and is owned, operated and maintained by the City of Thorold

The Battle of Beaverdam Park is located central to the downtown core of Thorold. To the north lies many of businesses and bars which the citizens of this city frequent. To the south lies a heavily residential area where a large portion of the population lives. To the west, immediately is the Prince of Wales South Public School and a number of apartment buildings. To the south lies a few industrial workshops and Highway 58. Roads surround the boundaries of the park. Roadways are kept at residential and school zone speeds so fluidity of traffic can be quite static at times. Compounding this problem is that the majority of intersection require all-way stopping. However, due to the heavy residential influence on the area, this is by necessity.

Administration

Dave Akrigg

Operations Supervisor, Parks

City of Thorold

3540 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, Ontario

L2V 4A7

Tel (905) 227-1148

Email betty@thorold.com

Website http://thoroldtourism.ca/

More Information:

Lock 7 Tourist Centre

Thorold Public Library

City of Thorold's municipal office at 3540 Schmon Parkway (905) 227-6613.

Heritage Thorold, Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, (LACAC)

"Battle of Beaverdams Park." 2016. Accessed November 14. http://www.niagaragreenbelt.com/listings/55-historic-sites/668-battle-of-beaverdams-park.html.

"Beaverdams_Surrender.pdf." 2016. Accessed September 21. http://www.tbhs.ca/images/uploads/Beaverdams_Surrender.pdf.

Bolichowski, Jeff. 2016. "War History Hides in Plain Sight in Thorold." St. Catharines Standard. Accessed November 13. http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2011/08/14/war-history-hides-in-plain-sight-in-thorold.

Caley, J. F. 1961. "Part of Niagara Peninsula, Ontario: Showing Structure Contours Drawn on Top of the Clinton Formation and Positions of Wells Drilled to Obtain Natural Gas." Ottawa: Surveys and Mapping Branch.

City of Thorold. 2014. "Energy Conservation & Demand Management 5 Year Plan 2014 - 2019." City of Thorold. https://thorold.civicweb.net/document/3402.

Company, Board of Works-Welland Canal. 2016. "Second Welland Canal - Book 2, Survey Map 7 - Locks 23, 24 and 25 in Thorold." Accessed November 14. http://images.ourontario.ca/Brock/20026/data.

Craggs, Samantha. 2016. "Battle of Beaverdams Park Marks More than Just ..." St. Catharines Standard. Accessed September 21. http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2007/11/22/battle-of-beaverdams-park-marks-more-than-just-war-of-1812-clash-thorold-green-space-also-honours-laura-secord-and-contains-part-of-welland-canals-lock-25.

"Dairy Farms Were Once a Common Sight in Thorold." 2016. Accessed November 13. http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news-story/3288664-dairy-farms-were-once-a-common-sight-in-thorold/.

Dobbyn, Jon. 1994. "Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario." https://www.ontarionature.org/discover/resources/PDFs/atlases/mammal_atlas_intro.pdf.

"Dolomite Mineral | Uses and Properties - GEOLOGY.COM." 2016. Accessed November 13. http://geology.com/minerals/dolomite.shtml.

Forsyth, Paul. 2016. "Time Capsule Proposed for Battle of Beaverdams Park." Accessed November 14. http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news-story/5915475-time-capsule-proposed-for-battle-of-beaverdams-park/.

Geology.com. 2016. "Limestone: Rock Uses, Formation, Composition, Pictures." Accessed November 13. http://geology.com/rocks/limestone.shtml.

Great Lakes Seaway. 2003. "The Welland Canal Section of the St. Lawrence Seaway." http://www.greatlakes-seaway.com/en/pdf/welland.pdf.

Heritage Thorold LACAC, ed. 2002. The Thorold Hydraulic Cement Works: A Historical Background Report. Thorold, Ont: Heritage Thorold LACAC.

Hewitt, Donald F. 2016. "Paleozoic Geology of Southern Ontario Showing Bedrock Industrial Mineral Producers [Map] / [Revised Compilation by D.F. Hewitt and B.A. Liberty ; Cartography by P.A. Wisbey and Assistants, Ontario Dept. of Mines and Nortern Affairs]." Final Maps / Ontario Geological Survey ; 2254. Accessed November 9.

"Hist.htm." 2016. Accessed November 13. http://www.wellandcanal.com/hist.htm.

"HistoricPlaces.ca - HistoricPlaces.ca." 2016. Accessed September 21. http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=14602&pid=0.

Hughes, Alun. 2010. The American Surrender at Beaverdams. Looking Back ... with Alun Hughes. St. Catharines, Ont. : Historical Society of St. Catharines, 2010.

Ministry of the Environment. 1984. "Full Text of 'Waste Site Identification Study : West Central Region.'" February. https://archive.org/stream/wastesiteidwcent00onta/WASTESITEIDENTIF_00_SNSN_04662_djvu.txt.

Niagara Connects. 2016. "Niagara's Wetlands and Watersheds." Accessed November 14. http://www.livinginniagarareport.com/03-environment-2011/niagara%e2%80%99s-wetlands-and-watersheds/.

Ontario Nature. 2016. "Rodents." Accessed November 13. https://www.ontarionature.org/discover/resources/PDFs/atlases/mammal_atlas_rodents.pdf.

Ontario's Niagara Escarpment. 2016. "The Natural History of the Niagara Escarpment." Accessed November 13. http://escarpment.org/_files/file.php?fileid=filedIWsThxswp&filename=file_g.11.natural.history.pdf.

Piteo, Daniela. 2016. "Thorold Celebrates Canada at Beaverdams Park." Thorold Niagara News. Accessed November 13. http://www.thoroldedition.ca/2010/06/29/thorold-celebrates-canada-at-beaverdams-park.

Ridler, Jason. 2016. "War of 1812." Accessed September 21. http://www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/44.

The Thorold Hydraulic Cement Works : A Historical Background Report. 2002. Thorold, Ont. : Heritage Thorold LACAC, 2002. http://proxy.library.brocku.ca/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat00778a&AN=bu.b1651670&site=eds-live&scope=site.

n.d.

This Local Landscape Report was prepared by Stephen Brimer for the Brock University course TOUR 2P94: Human Dominated Ecosystems on November XX, 201X.

All copyrights for cited material rest with the original copyright owners.