The Niagara Courthouse and Gaol is located in the central district of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This municipality is enriched with history and heritage as it was built up following the destruction of the War of 1812. The citizens built typical and traditional British architecture. This was done by using similar scales and materials, along with close spacing between buildings. The Niagara Courthouse and Gaol is a prime example of the history in this town. The original courthouse was built in 1795 and was burned down by the enemy in 1813. After the attacks on the courthouse a popular architect from Toronto, William Thomas, built the second courthouse in 1817. It was built in neoclassical style, and describes the ideal multipurpose civic structure, and was deemed a historic site of Canada in 1980.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a very popular tourist destination, since this building is well kept and maintained viewers are able to fully appreciate the heritage of this landmark. Many culturally and historically significant events have occurred here, which continue to be recognized. This courthouse is the site that legal action took place between William Hamilton Merritt and William Lyon Mackenzie. In this legal case, Lyon Mackenzie accused Merritt of allocating money meant for the Welland Canal, in other uses. The first known hangings in the jail were George Newnes and Mary Lowdon, for the murder and poisioning of Barth Lowdon. By the mid 1800's many people in the region felt that St. Catharines would be a better choice for an area of government. Soon in 1861, there was a petition made to move the government building to St. Catharines, and the petition was successful.

There are not a lot of physical changes to the courthouse, other than the effects of tourism. You are able to see the exploitation of the building through the commercialized tours and prices of the building. Now visitors are able to visit and understand the historical significance of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse and Gaol.

Municipality: Niagara on the Lake

Local area name: Historic District of Niagara on the Lake

Other identifying names or descriptions Old Niagara on the Lake, NOTL

Latitude and longitude: 43°15' 18"N 79° 04'20"W

Elevation: 87m

The local landscape that will be presented through this report is the Courthouse and Gaol located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The Courthouse and Gaol are designated historical landmarks that are surrounded by a very urbanized, developed area. The impacts of urbanization and human-induced changes are quite evident through the municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake. In the Urbanization chapter, written by Brian J.L. Berry in 2008, it states that urbanization is a result of natural increase which is the concept of population growth. Due to the opportunity for a successful knowledge economy, many people become interested in settling here with hopes of financial success. There is a strong direct correlation between the population growth and the increase in urbanization. The continuing development of Niagara-on-the-Lake has impacted the climate/microclimate, and overall biota. Although the process of urbanization has somewhat negatively affected the environment it has strengthened its historical significance and preservation of the Courthouse and Gaol. Both are significant landmarks that the surrounding knowledge economy relies heavily on. The district of Niagara-on-the-Lake has maintained its efforts in preserving it, so that the historical significance can continue to be appreciated and further capitalized on.

Map 1: Interactive map showing the street patterns, building density, and the increasing urbanization in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Map 2: Orientation of the two bodies of water that are bordering Niagara-on-the-Lake; the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

As previously discussed, the Old Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse and Gaol is located in a very condensed, urbanized district. This situation does not allow many natural plant species to flourish, or unique animal communities to develop. The biota of this location has been significantly changed due to human activities and development in this area. In the Hough article, Cities and Natural Process, it explains that urbanization negatively affects the biota as a whole. Specifically, the process of urbanization increases the release of pollutants including sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, fluorides and fine particles (Hough, page 88). These are transmitted through transportation of vehicles, factories, and heating/cooling systems (Hough, page 88). These pollutants severely impact the typical transpiration and respiration of plants. The vegetation located in the Niagara-on-the-Lake historical district must adapt to these disrupted soils and excessive paved surfaces. Hough suggests that these conditions hinder plant growth, due to the lack of water penetration, supply of nutrients, lower groundwater levels, and the presence of harmful air and gases. The collective plant species located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake courthouse would classify under the cultivated plant group. This plant group is described as plants that are the production of horticultural science (Hough, page 88). Horticultural science combines the disciplines of biology, production, genetics and plant breeding within economic context. These plants are carefully selected to fit the conditions of that specific environment. They are also set to create certain aesthetic and cultural standards for landscaping, considering Niagara-on-the-Lake is a hub for tourism. It is also clear through the photos presented, that there are serious efforts in place to maintain a clean and uniform biota. The Hough's article suggests that the tidiness of the environment allows comfort and relaxation for people who are experiencing it (Hough, page 92) Plant species in cultivated groups are provided extended care because of the hostile environment they are subjected to. Due to the human control of this biota, there is very little room for expansion, growth, or fluctuation. In the article Integrating Humans into Ecology: Opportunities and Challenges for Studying Urban Ecosystems written by Marzluff et al. (2008) it highlights the evolution of human-dominated ecosystems. The biota presented at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse and Gaol is a very clearly human dominated ecosystem. Marzluff et al. suggest that humans drastically impact the influence of evolutionary processes, and that species selection is more directed by human engagement. This article recognizes that humans are very critical aspects of ecosystems, and how it is important to consider human impact when analyzing a biota (Marzluff et. al, 2008).

The concept of geomorphology focuses on the study of landforms, their processes, form and sediments at the surface of the Earth. These studies include looking at landscapes to work out how the earth surface processes, such as air, water, and ice can determine the landscape. Since Niagara-on-the-Lake is an urbanized district, there are not many aspects contributing to this landscape. In the Wessolek, Gerd article titled Sealing of Soils it suggests that most-urban areas cannot be represented with a singular measurement of the degree of sealing. Sealing is a process that explains the covering and paving of soiled surfaces mostly in urban areas. Due to the amount of sealing in Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake there is very limited exposed soils, topography, and significant geological features. Since sealing is a human-induced problem, there are many consequences that deeply impact the biota. These consequences can affect biotopes, microclimate, and water balance (Wessolek & Gerd, 2008). Biotopes are affected by the loss of possible vegetation areas, reduction of flora and fauna species, and the spreading of habitat fragmentation. The loss of vegetation at the Courthouse and Gaol is very clear as it is on the main road of Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake district which does not allow much uncontrolled growth. The microclimate is also impacted by reducing wind speed, air humidity, and ventilation (Wessolek & Gerd, 2008). Water balance is also deeply affected by sealing as it increases runoff and reduces rainfall infiltration, groundwater recharge, and evapotranspiration. These consequences impact the cleanliness of the water itself, ultimately determining the quality of water given to the biota.

This district is quite flat, which indicates there are no mountains, hills, or valleys. Although land in the overall vicinity of Niagara-on-the-Lake is generally flat, the land has enabled the vineyards to flourish. The vineyards in this area are a main contributor of vegetation which is one of the four subcategories of topography. Due to the climate, and geological patterns there is no volcanic activity, glaciation, or erosion directly impacting the Courthouse and Gaol. The district of Niagara-on-the-Lake has experienced minimal erosion from the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario. These bodies of water naturally cause some form of erosion on the shoreline. The majority of the changes in this landscape have been human-induced. As previously mentioned, sealing has serious impacts on the biota. Another example of a human-induced change would be the leveling of the ground, and grading of roads. This is a process that must take place before any sealing can be accomplished. This is an unnatural process that allows for further urbanization.

Hydrogeology is the discipline of geology that deals with the distribution and movement of water in an environment. The district of Niagara-on-the-Lake is bordered by the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. These are the two main hydrogeological features in this area. The Great Lakes are heavily influenced by precipitation, runoff, and evaporation. While many of these influences are human-induced, some are natural processes. Seasonal changes deeply impact the water levels of the Great Lakes, which includes Lake Ontario. Precipitation increases in the winter and spring seasons and supports the fact that a warming atmosphere can transport more water vapor (Gronewold, 2019). This conversion results in increased atmospheric moisture which leads to more precipitation. In May 2020, Lake Ontario levels peaked due to this process at 75.40 meters (With Lake Ontario Water Levels Declining, n.d) . This level is very high, and has declined due to the seasonal changes. Summer is usually a dry season, which results in very little moisture. The urbanization of Niagara-on-the-Lake has also affected the hydrogeology. Sealing a process caused by urbanization as it is meant to further building development. Sealing affects the overall water balances, by raising runoff and reducing rainfall infiltration, groundwater recharge, and evapotranspiration (Wessolek & Gerd, 2008). Runoff is a very serious contributor to water pollution. As the water runs it collects litter, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizers, and other harmful substances (Gronewold, 2019). The runoff from the Historic District of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where the Courthouse and Gaol is located, all flow into Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. The reduction of evapotranspiration also impacts the plant species located in this biota. The process of evapotranspiration is the combination of evaporation and plant transpiration from the earth's surfaces to the atmosphere. When this process is restricted the atmospheres water vapor is decreased, which results in limited clouds or precipitation. When precipitation is lacking plant species are unable to flourish

Climate refers to temperatures, humidities, sunshine, winds, and other weather characteristics that reign over an extended area for a significant amount of time (Microclimate, n.d). Microclimate refers to the climate that prevails over a very small region (Microclimate, n.d). Since Niagara-on-the-Lake is a smaller district, it would experience more aspects of microclimate compared to climate. Although there are natural processes that impact climate, there are also many human-induced changes that severely influence the climate. These natural processes can include seasonal changes, and lake-effects. As seasons change the temperature and climate patterns obviously reflect these changes. Niagara-on-the-Lake is bordered by the Niagara River and Lake Ontario which causes lake-effect weather resulting in an exaggerated climate. There are also many changes that are a result of human caused urbanization, development, and other unnatural processes. For example, sealing is a process that impacts many aspects of the overall environment, specifically the microclimate. Sealing reduces the wind speed, air humidity, ventilation, and increases air temperature. These are all crucial components to the microclimate of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The reduction of wind speed impacts the temperatures, evaporation, the rate of moisture loss and transpiration (Hough, 2004). All of these components are critical to the microclimate of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Sealing raises the levels of heat in the area due to the dry, concrete areas. The boost of air temperature also creates harsher environments for vegetation to succeed in. Factors that can contribute to the elevation of heat in urban districts include increased development, and a decrease in free space. There is minimal natural free space in the Historic District of Niagara-on-the-Lake as this is where the hub of tourism is located. As the tourism industry increases in prevalence, more natural space decreases. Business owners wish to capitalize on the area, which continues further development. A consequence of the continuing development of cities is global warming and air pollution. Urban areas face this because of the difference in materials used compared to non-urban cities, the aerodynamic roughness of built-up areas, the extreme amount of heat energy released into the city due to factories and vehicles, and air quality (Hough, 2004). Urban centres such as Niagara-on-the-Lake use different materials in the development to be more cost efficient. The material may also be more effective for the climate conditions it faces. For example, the roofs of buildings, concrete surfaces, and walls of buildings create a very compact layer of heat compared to a wood shelter and leveled trees. In the Hough article, it is expressed that it has been proven that cities typically have a higher temperature compared to more rural areas. The large buildings also increase the aerodynamic roughness. This slows down the wind pressures, and increases extreme gusts around select buildings. The air quality of air is also impacted by the increased quantity of vehicles, heaters, cooling systems, and factories. Although Niagara-on-the-Lake is not necessarily an industrial district, they do have many variables that impact the air quality. The heating and cooling systems are not as efficient as we assume, since large quantities of hot and cold air are lost to the outside of the building. This reduces the quality of air and creates a great deal of heat that is cycled into the city. Vehicles are also a significant source of Carbon Dioxide in North America. As these greenhouse gases rise, the population's health begins to suffer. Carbon Dioxide, dilute sulphuric acid, and fluorinated gases are serious irritants to human's respiratory systems. The release of these gases into the air results in acidic rain, which drastically impacts the Courthouse and Gaol itself. Acid rain is the process when chemical compounds such as sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides are concentrated in the air, as they rise into the atmosphere they blend and react with water, oxygen, and other pollutants creating acid rain. Denaturation is a natural process caused when acidic liquids begin to break down the structure of buildings. It is more common when buildings are made with natural substances, such as brick, limestones, wood, lime plaster, and slate. As the Niagara Courthouse and Gaol are built using limestone, the structural strength of this building has deteriorated through exposure to acid rain. This is a physical and direct impact of human-induced changes regarding climate and microclimate that Niagara-on-the-Lake deals with.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a hub for heritage and historical knowledge. The district that the Courthouse and Gaol belongs to was built up following the destruction of the War of 1812. This building was built using a traditional British architectural style. This included using similar materials, close spacing, and dimensions. Specifically this building used limestone, and followed the typical three pillar, flanked stairway and pediment top. This site is a prime example of a historical landmark as it marks many cultural and historic events. This courthouse has been built twice, as the original was burned down by the enemy in 1813. The courthouse was burned down by the Americans on December 10, 1813. This was because the British wanted to occupy this land in the war of 1812. The village had to be rebuilt which increased the town's historical significance. In this courthouse the legal case between William Hamilton Merrit and William Lyon Mackenzie took place. In this action, Lyon Mackenzie accused Merritt of moving the money meant for the Welland Canal for other purposes. In regards to the jail, the first known hangings were of George Newnes and Mary Lowdon, for the murder and poisioning of Barth Lowdon. Both buildings were used to cater civic purposes rather than judicial functions. It was also used as a public library and has accommodated many municipal and federal offices over history. Over time this building has remained very similar due to the care that goes into maintaining it. The district of Niagara-on-the-Lake has put careful consideration into how this landmark is preserved regarding the building itself, and the landscaping around it. The picture shown represents the attempts in preserving the historic facade of this building. Since the building is made of limestone, the structure itself has deteriorated due to acidic rain the district of Niagara-on-the-Lake has had to continuously maintain work to maintain the structure itself.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is very culturally diverse as it is an urban city, and there are many opportunities to flourish economically, and personally. Specifically focusing on the Courthouse and Gaol, there are many educational opportunities, and significant architectural history that are evident through this building. Since the Courthouse is located on the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queen Street, it is a very central figure which allows many visitors and viewers to be enriched with the culture of this historical site. The interior of the structure is used more recreationally than educationally. It can be rented privately to host events such as weddings, parties, shows, etc. This building can be rented through a company that specializes in special recreational events. Groups typically enjoy this location due to its prime location, and picturesque landscaping. Not only do renters capitalize on the Courthouse and Gaol, but tours of the historical district of Niagara-on-the-Lake also take advantage of the historical significance of this site to increase profitability, and tourist engagement. The municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake capitalizes on the economic prosperity this building provides. In the Baeker and Hanna (2009) article titled Culture, Authenticity, Place, it suggests that place and culture have a serious impact on the economic viability of an area. Baeker and Hanna believe that tourism thrives off of historical significance and how visually appealing a location is. As Niagara-on-the-Lake possesses both of these two qualities, Baeker and Hanna believe that there are many opportunities for an expanding knowledge economy. This type of economy relies on the quantity and accessibility to the knowledge and opportunities available, compared to a traditional economy that relies on production and consumers. The prosperity of the knowledge economy is very strong in this district as it is a cultural and historical hub. Although the Courthouse and Gaol have become a large contributor to the business opportunity, the historical and architectural significance is still highlighted through less profitable ways. Referencing the photo below, the historical significance of the Courthouse and Gaol are shown through signs. These posted signs are brief descriptions of the events that have taken place, and the importance of the district and building itself. Prior to the Coronavirus Pandemic, tourists and visitors were able to visit inside the building, dependent if there were no events taking place. There was a fee to enter, which also profited the knowledge economy of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The tours of the Courthouse and Gaol can be easily connected to identity mapping. In the Baeker and Hanna (2009) article, it defines identity mapping as a way of "exploring in tangible cultural resources", ultimately it is recognizing the cultural traditions, histories, and values that create the overall culture of this municipality. The historic district of Niagara-on-the-Lake recognizes the aspects of their traditional culture and history and uses it to market their business success.

The architectural heritage of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse and Gaol is also crucial to the prosperity and success of this building. The biota around the courthouse has not drastically changed, as it has always been a cultivated plant group due to its landscaping. A major change in the area has been the increased development and urbanization of the area. As previously mentioned, acid rain and other pollutants in the air impact the building as it was built using limestone. There are obvious efforts in maintaining care for the courthouse, as it is regularly taken care of. The municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake has made it a priority to preserve these cultural and historical landmarks as they are essential to the success of civic businesses, and the overall economy. It is important to maintain care of these buildings not only for economic reasons, but due to the fact that they represent such important aspects of history. Both structures reflect historical events that are significant to Canadian and Ontario culture. As seen in the photo, the courthouse has remained quite similar to the original. The architecture has remained similar, as well as the landscaping. This is done to honour the historical traditions in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse and Gaol was declared a National Historic Site in 1980 (Historic Places, n.d). This building is a large contributor to the cultural and historical significance of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Subsequently this subjects the building to many tourists and visitors who want to further understand the history of this building. The property of the Courthouse and Gaol are protected under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, and is designated to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (Historic Places, n.d). The Ontario Ministry suggests that the purpose of this act is "to give municipalities, and the provincial government powers to preserve the heritage of Ontario" (Government of Ontario, n.d). The Ministry also highlights that its primary focus is to preserve heritage properties, and archaeological sites. This act has protected the Courthouse's historical significance, and reassures it is not used purely as a tourist attraction. This act ultimately gives control to the municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake on how it is visually maintained. As it is placed in a very central location, the landscaping of this building is crucial as visual appearance is important to the success of tourist engagement. The entire strip of the Historic district in Niagara-on-the-Lake uses cultivated plant groups. In the Hough article, Cities and Natural Processes, it is explained that cultivated plant groups are strategically selected to create calming environments, as this plant group is usually very uniform with others around it. The landscaping follows a municipal plan, as Queen Street has it closely resembling landscaping on the exterior of the buildings. The town does have people regulate the landscape of this site, since it is property of the town. The plants assigned to these landscapes were chosen based on their maintenance needs, and are changed before drastic seasonal changes. For example, prior to winter, the annual plants are usually removed as they will not survive through the cold temperatures. The perennial plants typically remain there as they are able to retain their form throughout seasonal changes.

The exterior of the Courthouse and Gaol can be accessed by the public, as it is located on Queen Street which is the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake. As shown in the photo below, it is found in a very central location which allows for many visitors to be enriched with the history of the building. The interior of the building is currently closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Previous to COVID-19 there were guided tours of the internal workings of the building, which shepherded people through rooms and hallways explaining the specific history of each area.

The location of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse and Gaol can be described as a very urban, and developed area. There is a very complex relationship between the human and ecological processes in this municipality. It is important to recognize how the ecological features, climates, hydrogeology, and geomorphology have been affected by the continuing urbanization. The concept of urban-rural gradient is a scale that can help geologists determine how urban or rural a township, or municipality. Factors that contribute to this scale are the density of population as well as infrastructure. As Niagara-on-the-Lake has expanded due to the increase in tourism, and business opportunity the ecological and geographical aspects of this municipality are being negatively impacted by the increasing level of urban gradience. The physical geographical aspects that are located in this municipality have had to alter due to the increase in development. Due to the growing tourism industry and economic prosperity potential, human-induced changes are leading the rest of the biota. It is the major factor that is influencing change. Due to these alterations in the original township, the connectivity has become limited and sparse. Connectivity is the degree that landscapes either enable or hinder the flow and transportation of resources and the movement of organisms (Alberti, 2003). As the development of this township increases, the connectivity is extremely confined as there is not much natural space in this area. In the historic district of Niagara-on-the-Lake there is not room for much natural growth or organic space, as the township is attempting to capitalize on all available opportunities to strengthen their knowledge economy. Overall, the continuous development and urbanization of Niagara-on-the-Lake will always be a driving factor in influencing how the remainder of the environment functions.

References

Baeker, G. , Hanna, J. (2009). Culture, Authenticity, Place: Connecting cultural mapping and place branding.

Hough, M. (2004). Cities and natural process: A basis for sustainability. Routledge.

Marzluff, J. M. (2008). Urban ecology: An international perspective on the interaction between humans and nature. Springer.

Microclimate. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://science.jrank.org/pages/4304/Microclimate....:~:text=Climate is the set of,over a very small area.&text=Microclimates are parts of a,climates that exist on Earth.

Urban ecology an international perspective on the interaction between humans and nature. (2008). Springer.

https://earth.google.com/web/search/26+Queen+Stree...,+Niagara-on-the-Lake,+ON/@43.2549168,-79.0719643,86.53623291a,744.4296174d,35y,0h,45t,0r/data=CpMBGmkSYwolMHg4OWQzNWY3MTFiZGU0NzVkOjB4ZWIyNzEwMGMwYzc3MTUzOBm5mRsdoaBFQCGwviYQm8RTwCooMjYgUXVlZW4gU3RyZWV0LCBOaWFnYXJhLW9uLXRoZS1MYWtlLCBPThgCIAEiJgokCdq0ae5xokVAEXH0qdT9nkVAGRmyGa9vw1PAIZ85Y579xVPAKAI

This Local Landscape Report was prepared by Riley Pisek for the Brock University course TOUR-GEOG 2P94: Human Dominated Ecosystems on November 12, 2020.

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