The Neutral Indian Village now known as Barbican Heights in St. Catharines is a subdivision located between highway 406 and St. David's Road. The neighbourhood consists of residential homes, and a park called Barbican Heights Park. This park provides residents an opportunity to connect with the outdoors with amenities such as a playground and a basketball court, while also providing social benefits, habitats for wildlife and acting as a vegetation buffer. The direct community of Barbican Heights excludes large industries, and structures making it a low-density residential zone. As highway 406 is located on the North and West sides of the subdivision it increases the communities accessibility and potentiality for future developments, while also exposing them to noise pollution, safety issues, and eliminated a once lively ecological landscape composed of wetlands and woodlands.

Ancient Native artifacts have been discovered on the site since 1895 ("Neutral Indian", n.d.). Although small discoveries of inhabitants had been previously made, the historical significance only emerged prior to the development of the new subdivisions. The work completed by Professor William Noble concluded that Barbican Heights was once a ten- acre village, containing over 25 long houses and over 1,500 people (Hughes, 2013, p.1). The inhabitants of this village were considered "The Neutral", but one should not assume that this is a result of a certain peaceful nature. Instead, this name derived from their refusal to be involved in the animosity and resentment found between the Huron and the Iroquois (Hughes, 2003, p .2). When resources began to deplete, ancient villages like this one became abandoned, leaving behind the remnants of a once vibrant Native village (Thompson, 1898, p. 9).

Changes to the site are clearly apparent. As previously mentioned, the site once contained over 25 long houses with several families living inside. While now, the site contains over 100 single family homes. As well, the Neutral Village was once surrounded by a wall used to protect the village. This large barrier of protection is no longer seen in Barbican Heights. Instead, you are more likely to encounter fences surrounding individual backyards for a sense of privacy. Landscape ecology which highlights the interrelationships, interactions and patterns of and between humans, plants, and animals on particular landscapes has clearly evolved in this community (Farina, 2006, p.1). Land that was once used for agriculture, hunting and providing life for many families is now used primarily as a place for single family brick homes to reside and occasional recreation usage. It is clear that the relationship between the land, animals and humans has changed immensely and the development and modification of the site and its attributes has been heavily influenced by humans. As highlighted by Hough (2004), the growth and changes of urban areas like this one not only changed the physical landscape but also altered how humans view both the environment and the land ultimately altering their interactions with it (p.5). Nonetheless, the area has served as a protected living space containing health, social, cultural and environmental benefits for all its inhabitants. Without the role of humans, this land would not be a place of cultural, historical or ecological significance.

Municipality: St. Catharines

Local area name: Barbican Heights

Other identifying names or descriptions : The Thorold Site, Neutral Indian Village

Latitude and longitude: 43.17°N, -79.25°W

Physical Dimensions

Length: 165.69m

Width: 625.03m

Surface Area: 0.044km² (0.017 sq miles)

Elevation:

Highest: 175m

Lowest point: 160m

The local landscape that I have chosen to analyze is the Neutral Indian Village, now known as Barbican Heights in the city of St. Catharines, Ontario. Barbican Heights is a subdivision located between highway 406 and St. David's Road. The trapezoid shaped community consists of over 100 single family homes and features a single park known as Barbican Heights Park. This park located on the South Western edge of Barbican Heights separates residents from the neighbouring highways and also provides them with outdoor amenities such as a playground, basketball court, and public seating. It must also be noted that this community did not always function or look the way it does now. Upon the development of the subdivision it was discovered that this site was once a ten-acre village known as "The Neutral", containing over 25 long houses and a home to over 1,200 people (Hughes, 2013, p. 1). The development of this now low-density residential zone, and its surrounding features including highway 406 came as a result of the housing demand following the Second World War (Brown et al., 2010, p. 49). With this being said, it is safe to say that humans play a large role in the changes seen within this area and are a large reason as to why Barbican Heights is a place of such cultural, historical and ecological significance. This local landscape report will analyze the changes and evolution within this local landscape of Barbican Heights by dissecting its ecological, physical, historical and cultural features, while also understanding the role, humans have on its evolution.

As previously mentioned, it is clear that this local landscape possesses a large ecological significance as well as several physical features that have evolved and changed overtime through the influence of human activity. Not only have humans had a large impact on the area, but the interrelationship between humans and the ecological elements such as plants, animals and the land has also evolved. When understanding the ecological significance of this landscape, it is first important to understand landscape and urban ecology. Landscape ecology is the study of patterns, interactions and relationships between ecosystems including elements such as plants, animals, and humans in the area and the affect that these actions have on ecological processes (Farina, 2006, p.1). Landscapes depict both abiotic and biotic frameworks, but we will first be analyzing the biota of Barbican Heights. Within Barbican Heights, the landscape classification that can be found are functional patches. Functional patches serve a particular function or accommodate for physical characteristics such as temperature, moisture or light penetration (Farina, 2006, p.11). These patches are found within Barbican Heights Park, as well as between streets and homes. They consist primarily of planted trees, grass and shrubs. Within the park, newly planted trees including Redmond Linden (image 1), and Maple Trees, mature trees including Redmond Linden, Eastern White Pines (image 2), White Spruce Tree, and Maple Trees (image 4) as well as smaller bush such as Staghorn Sumacs, and an abundance of grass can all be found. Other smaller plant features include Wild Bergamots and Pin Cherry Trees (image 5). Along streets, and between homes mature trees including American basswood or Redmond Lindens (image 6) are observed. Although, some of the plants in the area are considered to be mature, it is obvious that the plants present were specifically placed here by humans with their best interest in mind. Understanding the landscapes of functional patches that are present within the area comes along with the understanding of urban ecology. Urban ecology is the study of the interactions, and interrelationships between living organisms and their urban environment. It focuses on how humans' effect and collaborate with ecological processes (Marzluff et al., 2008, p. 7). Within this area, it is clear that some trees and plants observed are native to North America but have been selected or cultivated in order to satisfy the needs of the urban environment. Trees alongside streets, in between homes and within the park serve many purposes including providing privacy, shade and aesthetic. All plants found within the community also serve the purpose of reducing air pollution, modifying climates, providing spaces for humans to interact with nature and have traditional value (Hough, 2004, p.93).

Adding these ecological features to the community was of severe importance as the landscape and environment found in Barbican Heights has been subject to great change by humans and their development of an urban environment. Barbican Heights located within St. Catharines makes up a part of the Niagara region that is home to diverse natural landscapes including wetlands, woodlands and agricultural green land areas. Before humans mutilated landscapes in order to cater them towards their urban lifestyles, three million hectares of the Ontario Deciduous Forest could have been found in the Niagara region but now only about 450,000 hectares are seen (Brown et al., 2010, p. 46-47).This means that the landscape of Barbican Heights once consisted of thriving forests and wetland ecosystems which are no longer seen as a result of humans and urbanization. Not only has the landscape of the community changed overtime, but so has the urban ecology in regard to the interrelationships and interactions between the land and humans. Dating back to the 19^th century when Barbican Heights was known as the Neutral Indian Village, ancient natives lived within the area and majority of its natural ecosystem remained. As seen in image 7, the community is pictured to be surrounded by the natural woodland, and possible wetland ecosystems. The interactions with the surrounding ecosystems was also different as natives used their landscapes for agriculture, hunting, habitats for animals, shelter, food, medicine and accessing their basic needs in order to provide for many families. The landscapes that were once present were therefore classified as resource patches as they were home to many animals, as habitat patches since it effected populations of organisms and as functional patches as every part of their natural ecosystem served a purpose in survival (Farina, 2004, p.11). Since the landscape ecology began to change as the area became industrialized and urbanized, the interactions with our ecosystems also evolved. Through the Ariel imaging of Barbican Heights from 1934 seen in image 8, it is apparent that the community was composed of what looks like primarily Greenland or wetland with the occasional tree. Although no major housing developments were made yet when this Ariel photo was taken it is clear that the environment was already subject to change by human activity. Now looking at the present-day Ariel photos, similar to the one seen in image 11, we see that the only woodland that remains within the community is found in Barbican Heights Park and between homes. Although, within the surrounding area North of Barbican Heights a bigger forest ecosystem can be found in Glenridge. The ecological interactions between humans and nature no longer function how they once did. Ecological features found within the community now primarily serve as an opportunity to connect with nature, aesthetic, a vegetation buffer between highways and housing for privacy and shade.

Another aspect of ecosystems that has changed throughout time within Barbican Heights is the presence of and interactions between wildlife and humans. As highlighted by Hough (2004), different plant organizations provide different habitats for particular groups of species (p. 131). The wetland and forest ecosystems that once covered Barbican Heights are no longer present. This has many negative implications as forest and wetland ecosystems served as rich habitats for many species of birds. Forests also provided habitats for species such as deer's, moose, wolves, insects and hares. While wetland ecosystems also provided habitats for fish, reptiles, insects, or mammals such as beavers. As over 2 million hectares of Niagara's forest region has been removed and over 80 percent of the original wetlands of southern Ontario have been drained or altered, many of these species no longer have a thriving habitat (Brown et al., 2010, p.48). This results in decreased population in many species as a whole within the area as many animals became endeared. Some of these endangered species within the region include the Hooded Warbled, the Short-ear Owl, the Red Headed Woodpecker and the common Nighthawk (Brown et al., 2010, p. 49). Animals are now forced to live in harsh conditions with limited shelter, food or chance of survival. Animals that can now be observed are some birds, squirrels and racoons. The interactions with animals has also changed as animals within prior forest and wetland ecosystems found on the Neutral Indian Village, once served as a purpose for food, fur, materials, or protection for the community. While now, interactions between humans and animals within the community of Barbican Heights serves as an aesthetic, or no purpose at all. Although the addition of several trees within the community is a clear attempt to rehabilitate the area, it is clear that providing proper habitats for animals is not a central focus for the community. Even though as highlighted by Hough (2004), the lack of focus on providing animals with sufficient and separated habitats has many negative impacts such as increased chance of diseases to be carried from animals to people, decreased safety for humans as well as increased management issues (p.136).

Overall, the main physical features including large areas of woodland and wetlands are no longer seen within the area of Barbican Heights. Instead the area now consists of over 100 single family homes and a single park. Although, trees and grass are incorporated between streets and homes, the major plant features are found within the park. The park gives residents the opportunity to connect with nature, provides habitats for a small range of wildlife and acts as a vegetation buffer. Including an environment with some ecological livelihood within the community was of utmost importance as the development of this low-density residential zone removed majority of wetlands, and woodlands and nature once found in the area. It is clear that the relationship between the ecological features and humans that are now found within the community serve as an element to satisfy their urbanized needs. In saying this, it is evident that Barbican Heights possess a large ecological significance, several physical features, and diverse relationships that have evolved overtime as a result of human interactions and patterns.

b) Geomorphology:

As Barbican Heights makes up a part of the Niagara Escarpment, the processes that have shaped and created landscapes within the area overtime are of severe importance to analyze. According to Brown et. Al., (2010), the geology found within the Niagara Escarpment consists of sedimentary rock originating 430-450 million years ago when the area was a shallow inland sea as a result of layers of materials including sand, and clay being compressed together (p.44). The Niagara Escarpment was essentially formed when the sea was no longer existent and different natural processes such as erosion caused softer shales to make large blocks of resistant dolostone, while the creation and extinction processes of glaciations created valleys through meltwater found within Niagara (Brown et al., 2010, p.45). The natural processes of erosion and weathering or potential geological hazards such as floods and earthquakes still play a large part in shaping the landscapes found within Barbican Heights and the Niagara Escarpment as a whole. In terms of the bedrock geology of Barbican Heights today, it is composed of layers of sedimentary limestones, shale, sandstone and dolostone with soil laying over the resistant dolostone which can be observed in image 9. The geology created through the sea, erosion and glaciation also enhanced the properties of soils which include their abiotic factors like water holding properties or minerals, as well as its biotic factors which include its fertility, and presence of plants and insects. These elements then assisted in creating the landscapes of rich woodland and wetland ecosystems which Barbican Heights once consisted of.

Although it is important to understand the natural processes that have occurred overtime within Barbican Heights, it is also important to highlight the major role that humans have played in shaping the landscape and its main physical features. As previously mentioned, the landscape that was once present within Barbican Heights consisted of woodland and wetland ecosystems. Human activity through urban expansion as a result of the Second World War and the increasing popularity of the automobile caused a high demand for the creation of housing, and roads to support new lifestyles (The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines, 2014). This new urban lifestyle changed the landscape for Barbican Heights as wetland and woodland ecosystems were replaced with the subdivision consisting of houses (image 10), a recreational park (image 11), roads and highways (image 12) which can now be seen. In order for these new predominant physical features to be present within the community, human alterations and modifications had to be made which had and continues to have many negative implications in the area. Two main alterations made were the major removal of trees as well as the draining and dredging of wetlands which resulted in the decline and distinction of many plant and animal species. Another modification that needed to be made in order to accommodate for urbanization was the sealing of soils. According to Wessolek (2008), the sealing of soils consists of destroying soils by replacing, burying and paving them with materials such as concrete or asphalt in order to accommodate for the construction of urban environments (p.161). Completing this modification not only destroys the natural landscape once found in the area but it also affects the natural water cycle which is seen through reduced rainfall filtration and ground water recharge. This causes climate imbalances through factors such as rising air temperature and reduced air humidity, endangers biota by reducing flora and fauna species and habitats and increases pollution concentration which can destroy topsoil or slow down its respiration (Wessolek, 2008, p. 161). As the negative implications of the sealing of soils depends on the sealing class, it is important to note that Barbican Heights can be considered to have had between low and moderate sealing. The adjacent highways, and automobile activity also lead to an increased amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses being emitted into the atmosphere which can cause soil pollution. Understanding the changes that have been made by humans and their negative implications on Barbican Heights is important, as it depicts the future of the area. As natural ecosystems and geological aspects such as soil have been destroyed, the future physical features of Barbican Heights will most likely include further urban expansion including housing, buildings, shopping centres, and transportation routes. Overall, understanding the natural, ecological and human processes that shape the landscape of Barbican Heights is of importance as it helps to understand the major physical features of the past, future and present as well as the natural and human induced changes on the area.

c) Hydrogeology:

Water is an essential aspect to all biotic components on earth. Animals, plants, humans and ecosystems depend on water in order to survive and function. It is first worthy to mention that water has played an important role in the development of the geological landscapes of the Niagara Escarpment, which has been previously touched upon. As the area was once a shallow inland sea, the natural processes of compression, erosion, and glaciation helped develop its geological composition. As Barbican Heights is located in St. Catharines, it is surrounded by an abundance of water specifically the two great lakes of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Water from these lakes are used to supply water for drinking, recreation, fishing, hydropower generation and many more important aspects to urbanized human lifestyles. Although our water is sourced from the two great lakes, the processes of getting and using this water is a result of human alterations completed to our natural landscapes. Rivers, streams and canals such as the Welland Canal that supplies water for the Decew Water Treatment Plant was modified and created by humans. Barbican Heights and the surrounding city is composed of waterworks of underground watermains, hydrants and valves that ensure water is readily available to its citizens (St. Catharines Water Distribution System, 2018, p.2). As seen in image 13, although located near a pond, the largest body of water closest to Barbican Heights is the man-made reservoir of Lake Gibson created for hydroelectric power generation (Ontario Power Generation, n.d.). Although all of these human produced modifications to landscapes in the city yield beneficial results for its citizens, urbanization through the continuous development of the area has many negative consequences for water. As previously mentioned, Barbican Heights once consisted of forest and wetland ecosystems but is now a subdivision as a result of urban expansion and the demand for housing. To this day, further urban expansion to the area has already begun. As a result of the urbanization and construction to the landscape water quality in the area is at risk as it is more susceptible to increased nutrients, metals, fertilizers, pesticides, pollutants, sediments and toxins due to urban runoff (Alberti, 2008, p. 136). This urban runoff is increased by construction, cars, backyards, parks and humans which can all be found within Barbican Heights. The increased contamination of water results in a decline of rich algae, invertebrate and fish communities while also increasing invasive species which all pose major threats to stream ecosystem's, water quality, and water balance (Paul & Meyer, 2008, p. 207). Another threat highlighted by Paul & Meyer (2008), is that the paving and sealing of soils can cause an increase in drainage densities which can lead to increased flooding of the areas (p.211). Due to Barbican Heights proximity to large bodies of water, this can pose a major threat to the community. As the sealing of soils, and urbanization has occurred in Barbican Heights it poses a major threat to the essential element of life known as water for the biotic components found in the community and its surrounding environment.

d) Climate/ Microclimate

Climate as well as microclimate are essential aspects to life as they shape, change and determine food production, water availability as well as the overall well-being of plants, wildlife and humans. The average climate of the Niagara Region consists of mild summers accompanied by moderate winters seen through image 14. As St. Catharines is located between two Great Lakes, a cool lake breeze helps to regulate summer temperatures, while the lakes also help moderate winter temperatures (Brown et al., 2010, p. 45). Although the natural element of water helps regulate, and determine the climate of the region, human induced changes play a large role in the modification of the climate and microclimate. According to Hough (2004), moderated urban landscapes reduce air quality, affect moisture conditions, increase temperatures, blockade air movement while materials such as concrete or pavement increase heat conduction and cars, factories or construction produce heat through air pollution (p. 190- 191). Not only do landforms, materials and utilities result in the alteration of climates, but the sealing of soils also reduce wind speed, ventilation and humidity (Wessolek, 2008, p. 162). After analyzing the human factors that modify the climate around us, it is evident that the subdivision now known as Barbican Heights has a large impact on the area's climate. Landforms including houses, materials including roads, pavement, concrete and utilities such as cars and construction are present within the area. As well, low to moderate sealing of soils has taken place within the community which poses immediate threats to the microclimate. Furthermore, the destruction of forest ecosystems that once resided in the area has also taken place. This also has a large impact on the climate as vegetation dictates and absorbs solar radiation, reduces wind speeds, and regulates rain intensity (Hough, 2004, p. 190). Without the forest ecosystem once present in the area the positive climate controlling properties are no longer available.

The results of climate change induced by humans has a long lasting, and potentially irreversible consequences. Within the Niagara Region some changes have already been observed including an annual increase of 1.3 degrees Celsius within the last 40 years, increased heat waves, decreased lake levels, longer growing seasons and increased annual precipitation (Penney, 2012, p.8). The changes in climate also pose many potential threats for St. Catharines including danger to ecosystems, harsh weather conditions, negative impacts on water and energy supply as well as an estimated three degrees increase in temperatures by 2050 (The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines, 2014). It is evident that humans have had a large impact on the region's climate and microclimate, and if we do not act soon our actions will slowly become irreversible.

Archaeological influences:

Not only does Barbican Heights possess an ecological significance but the area also possesses rich historical significance. An extensive history in Barbican Heights was first assumed as a result of the discovery of ancient Native artifacts dating back to 1895 by Mcomb and Case who were two local collectors ("Neutral Indian", n.d.). Although these artifacts had been discovered in this area, the historical significance of the site was only uncovered prior to the construction of the now visible subdivision. Researcher Professor William Noble and his team concluded that Barbican Heights was once a ten- acre village, with over 25 long houses surrounded by fortification and a home to over 1,500 people in the 17^th century from approximately 1612 to 1630 AD (Hughes 2013, p. 1). What the village may have looked like is seen in image 15. Archeological remains of five longhouses were identified on the site with dimensions of 20 to 50 metres in length and 7 metres wide ("Neutral Indian", n.d.). These longhouses housed multiple families inside each one. The village was formerly known as the Neutral Indian Village due to the inhabitants being recognized as the "The Neutral". However, this name did not derive from the fact that the inhabitants were harmonious and serene. Instead, the inhabitants received this name as they refused to be involved in the indignation and hostility present between the Iroquois and Huron (Hughes, 2003, p. 2). At the time the land surrounding the village would have been used to supply life to the village. Forest and wetland ecosystems were used to supply food through hunting, fishing and gathering, medicine through herbs while bones and fur were used to make utensils and clothing. Geographically, the large 10-acre village was alongside Dicks Creek and in close proximity to Mohawk Trail, which was an essential route to travel across the Niagara Peninsula as a means of transportation and a method for trading fur (Hughes, 2013, p.1). Upon the discovery of ancient Native artifacts were items including flint, beads and trading goods like axes, hooks and knifes of European origin (Thompson, 1898, p. 4). It can be assumed that they used the nearing trails and creek in order to trade furs for these European goods. As the surrounding area played an essential role in the life of those in the village, when resources began to diminish such as firewood and cornfields, the land was considered impoverished which forced the inhabitants to abandon the area around 1630 AD (Thompson, 1898, p. 9).

Land use history:

At the end of the 18^th century, St. Catharines was settled by United Empire Loyalists, as the area was filled with fertile soils, and convenient sources of water for agricultural growth (The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines, 2014). By the end of 1812, the surrounding area of the Twelve Mile Creek found in St. Catharines was used by settlers to produce grain and lumber (The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines, 2014). Due to the popularity of agriculture, and the proximity of Barbican Heights to the Twelve Mile Creek, it can be assumed that Barbican Heights slowly became an area used for agriculture as opposed to a vibrant Neutral Village. St. Catharines remained an agriculturally rich area until the construction of the Third Welland Canal was completed increasing the population, manufacturing, industrialization and urbanization of the area (The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines, 2014). These elements resulted in Barbican Heights slowly moving from being utilized for agriculture purposes to becoming an urbanized space in the 1900's. After the Second World War, the increased demand for housing influenced the creation of the subdivision now visible in Barbican Heights along with its surrounding roads, and highways.

Education / Interpretation:

There are some educational and interpretive resources available which deal with Barbican Heights. Firstly, Allen Hughes, a former Brock University Graduate collected rich historical research on Barbican Heights and his findings can be found through pdf documents when searched up on google. Secondly, there is a book called the Jubilee history of Thorold Township and Town which discusses the archeology of the Thorold township and touches upon the history of the Neutrals, along with their settlement and characteristics. Many archaeological artifacts and historical research found in and around Barbican Heights can also be found within the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre located in St. Catharines. The corporation of the city of St. Catharines website also provides a lot of information of St. Catharines which Barbican Heights is located in. Finally, St. Catharines also offers many events that commemorate and acknowledge the rich indigenous history that is present within the community. These events include several Pow Wows including one that has been held in Montebello Park for seven years and a Celebration of Nations held by First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, as well as exhibits like the More Than Words: Truth and Reconciliation held in St. Catharines city hall. Throughout the year, you can find many events and exhibits that pinpoint the cultural, heritage and historical importance of the area in order to reconnect people to their roots, engage supporters, and bring light to the rich history as authenticity matters when identifying a place (Baeker & Hanna, 2009, p. 9).

Architectural Heritage:

According to Hughes (2003), in 1612 AD the environment and buildings that had been created in Barbican Heights consisted of a village composed of over 25 longhouses surrounded by palisades in order to protect the village (p. 1). In the centre of the village, a communal space was most likely found. The archaeological team and local collectors that worked on the site before the construction of the now subdivision in Barbican Heights, found the remains of 5 longhouses, as well as several ancient Native artifacts ("Neutral Indian", n.d). Although the excavated remains of the village can no longer be seen in Barbican Heights, the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre possess some of the artifacts within their dwelling that individuals can visit and appreciate. Overtime, the environment and buildings within Barbican Heights transformed from a thriving village of 25 longhouses, to an agricultural Greenland and lastly, to a subdivision with over a 100 single family homes which can now be seen in the community.

Recreational Uses:

In order to lure people, investments and visitors to places, a one- of a kind authenticity needs to be presented within said places (Baeker & Hanna, 2008, p. 9). Not only does the proximity of Barbican Heights to highway's 406 and 58 make it an attractive area to live as a result of its accessibility, but it's enclosed structure and private park make it an ideal location for families. The community is structured in an irregular trapezoid shape, with a single park located on the Western edge. This parks location in an enclosed community nearly makes it a private amenity for the inhabitants of Barbican Heights. The park is used for informal recreational use as it includes amenities such as a basketball court, jungle gym, swings, seating areas, walking paths as well as large fields of greenery. It gives residents the chance to connect with nature, provides social, mental and physical health benefits while also providing habitats for wildlife within the area. The park also separates the community from the highway giving them an extra sense of privacy and safety.

Barbican Heights is under the municipal jurisdiction of the city of St. Catharines. Although houses and their accompanied lots are privately owned, the streets, sidewalks and neighbourhood park found in Barbican Heights are all managed by the city of St. Catharines. Besides privately-owned houses and their lots, public access is permitted in Barbican Heights. The landscape of Barbican Heights has been influenced by the land ownership as well as the municipal jurisdiction of the city of St. Catharines as rules and standards regulate the land. Barbican Heights Park is operated and influenced by the city of St. Catharines Parks, Recreation and Culture Services as they are in charge of park operations and maintenance, tree planting administration, security, accessibility and cultural services ((The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines, 2014). Barbican Heights also falls under the City of St. Catharines Zoning By- Law which carries out the policy's stated within the City of St. Catharines Garden City Plan. The By- Law regulates the use of land, the characters of the location, regulations that apply to development of lots and the utilisation of buildings and structures (City of St. Catharines Zoning By-Law, 2013, p. 1). Barbican Heights is influenced by a large amount of sections of the Zoning By- Law but specifically to section 5.3 which outlines the Provisions for low density residential (R1) Zones in suburban neighbourhoods. The section specifically outlines the permitted uses within the zone, regulations that determine characters and locations of structures and buildings as well as permitted lot sizes, lot frontage, and building heights (City of St. Catharines Zoning By-Law, 2013, p.2). Barbican Heights is also subject to the regulations of the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, as it falls under the Niagara Escapement boundary (City of St. Catharines Zoning By-Law, 2013, p. 3).

Barbican Heights is an example of an urban landscape as it has been formed, shaped, and influenced by human activities (Kaymaz, 2013, p. 48). Urban landscapes are extremely complex as they are composed of heterogeneous components, factors and interactions that make them diverse (Alberti, 2008, p. 94). Many ecological elements consisting of geomorphology, hydrology and climate as well as human developed elements such as roads and utility corridors within surrounding environments all have an influence on urban landscapes.

Barbican Heights has been influenced by both natural and human features of its surrounding environment. Highways 406 and 58 on the North and West side of Barbican Heights have influenced the urban landscape as they provide accessibility to the community. The highways have increased the landscapes population, urbanisation and development due to its desirable proximity to heavily used transportation routes. Just off of Highway 406, the land use consists of Glenridge Quarry. This quarry is a naturalization site that allows for residences to interact and learn about nature. It includes a pond, boardwalk Children's Science and Nature Area and several trails including Meadow Trail, Bruce Trail, and Loop Trail (Niagara Region, 2006, p.2). As the trails can be used by pedestrians and cyclists throughout the year, they influence the popularity of the community of Barbican Heights. Some major waterways near Barbican Heights include Lake Gibson, Lake Moodie, Twelve Mile Creek and the Welland Canal which have a major influence on the hydrology of the area. Adjacent land uses also include low- density residential areas. Within these areas are several features such as schools, churches, and convenient stores. Barbican Heights is also close to major amenities consisting of the Pen Centre as well as Brock University. RMoN Sanitary Gravity Mains run straight through Barbican Heights while RMoN Sanitary Force Mains and RMon Water Mains run in close proximity to the landscape. Also, in close proximity to Barbican Heights is the waste management facility.

City of St. Catharines

50 Church St.

St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7C2

Tel: 905.688.5600

TTY: 905.688.4TTY (4889)

Fax: 905.682.3631

Other Important information: PO BOX 3012. City Hall Hours: Monday- Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Parks, Recreation and Culture Services Administration Office

320 Geneva St.

St. Catharines, Ontario L2N 2G6

Tel: 905.688.5601 x 3222

TTY: 905.688.4TTY (4889)

Fax: 905.646.9262

References

Alberti, M. (2008). Landscape Signatures. In Advances in Urban Ecology (pp. 93-131). Springer. https://doi-org.proxy.library.brocku.ca/10.1007/97....

Alberti, M. (2008). Hydrological Processes. In Advances in Urban Ecology (pp. 133- 161). Springer. https://doi-org.proxy.library.brocku.ca/10.1007/97...

Baeker, G., & Hanna, J. (2009). Culture, Authenticity, Place: Connecting Cultural Mapping and Place Branding. Municipal World.

Brown, T. D., & Middleton, J., & Vaughan, S. K. (2010). The Land Between the Lakes- An Overview of the Niagara Region. In Black, J. E., & Roy, K. J., (Eds.), Niagara Birds (pp. 41-55). Brock University Printing and Digital Services.

City of St. Catharines Zoning By-Law. (2013). Zoning By- Law. https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/buildin/resources/Comprehensive-Zoning-By-law-No.-2013-283.pdf.

Farina, A. (2006). Introduction to Landscape Ecology. In Principles and methods in landscape ecology (pp. 1-52). Springer. https://doi-org.proxy.library.brocku.ca/10.1007/1-...

Hughes, A. (2003). Rich treasure at "Thorold Site". Retrieved September 27, 2020, from http://www.niagaragreenbelt.com/pdfs/Hughes%20Alun%202003- %20Rich%20Treasure%20at%20Thorold%20Site%20%20- %27Indian%20Tree%27%20-%20www_tbhs_ca_hughes_treasure_html.pdf

Hough, M. (2004). Plants and plant communities. In Cities and natural process: A basis for sustainability (pp. 86-129). Taylor & Francis Group.

Hough, M. (2004). Wildlife. In Cities and natural process: A basis for sustainability (pp. 130- 159). Taylor & Francis Group.

Hough, M. (2004). Climate. Cities and natural process: A basis for sustainability (pp.189-218). Taylor & Francis Group.

Hughes, A. (2013). Looking back with Allen Hughes: The early history of Merritton. Retrieved September 20, 2020, from https://brocku.ca/social-sciences/geography/wp- content/uploads/sites/152/The-Early-History-of-Merritton.pdf

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Image References

Image 1: Coimbra, S. (2020). Redmond Linden [Photograph].

Image 2: Coimbra, S. (2020). Eastern White Pine [Photograph].

Image 4: Coimbra, S. (2020). Maple Trees [Photograph].

Image 5: Coimbra, S. (2020). Pin Cherry Trees [Photograph].

Image 6: Coimbra, S. (2020). Redmond Lindens on Roadside [Photograph].

Image 7: Hughes, A. (2003). Neutral Indian Village [PNG]. http://www.niagaragreenbelt.com/pdfs/Hughes%20Alun...

Image 8: Google. (1934). [Aerial Photo of Barbican Heights]. Retrieved November 9, 2020, from https://earth.google.com/web/search/Barbican+Heigh...,+Barbican+Trail,+St%2e+Catharines,+ON/@43.1241313,-79.2266993,170.35848728a,746.17088587d,35y,0h,45t,0r/data=CqQBGnoSdAolMHg4OWQzNGZkZTlmZGUyMDg1OjB4YzZlNDU3YzQyODhiZTY2ORl59NCI449FQCGr4cc9gs5TwCo5QmFyYmljYW4gSGVpZ2h0cyBQYXJrLCBCYXJiaWNhbiBUcmFpbCwgU3QuIENhdGhhcmluZXMsIE9OGAIgASImCiQJUCOXPxuRRUARuM2lQL2ORUAZIsXMToPNU8AhMq_QWjHQU8AoAg

Image 9: Shaw, A.B., (n.d.). Bedrock Geology of the Niagara Region [PNG]. https://www.vqaontario.ca/Library/Documents/NiagaraPeninsulaTechnicalInformation

Image 10: Coimbra, S. (2020). Houses [Photograph].

Image 11: Coimbra, S. (2020). Recreational Park [Photograph].

Image 12: Coimbra, S. (2020). Roads and Highways [Photograph].

Image 13: Google. (2020). [Aerial Photo of Barbican Heights]. Retrieved November 9, 2020, from https://earth.google.com/web/search/Barbican+Heigh...,+Barbican+Trail,+St%2e+Catharines,+ON/@43.1241313,-79.2266993,170.35848728a,746.17088587d,35y,0h,45t,0r/data=CqQBGnoSdAolMHg4OWQzNGZkZTlmZGUyMDg1OjB4YzZlNDU3YzQyODhiZTY2ORl59NCI449FQCGr4cc9gs5TwCo5QmFyYmljYW4gSGVpZ2h0cyBQYXJrLCBCYXJiaWNhbiBUcmFpbCwgU3QuIENhdGhhcmluZXMsIE9OGAIgASImCiQJUCOXPxuRRUARuM2lQL2ORUAZIsXMToPNU8AhMq_QWjHQU8AoAg

Image 14: [Average day and night temperature] [PNG]. (n.d.). Weather & Climate. https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Ra...,niagara-falls,Canada

Image 15: Encyclopedia Britannica. (2020). Sketch of the Algonquin Village of Pomeiock [PNG]. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Native-American/T...

Image 16: [The Neutral Nation] [PNG]. (n.d.). https://civilization-v-customisation.fandom.com/wiki/Neutral_Nation_(Tsouharissen)?file=NeutralMap.png

Image 17: Google. (2020). [Google maps directions to Barbican Heights]. Retrieved November 1, 2020, from https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Barbican+Heights+...@43.1241352,-79.228888,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89d34fde9fde2085:0xc6e457c4288be669!8m2!3d43.1241313!4d-79.2266993

Image 18: HeadBentInToo. (n.d.). The Iroquois Lived in Longhouses [PNG]. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/507499451755244182/

Image 19: Niagara Air Photo Index. (1934). Barbican Heights Ariel Photo [PNG]. ArcGIS. https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?web...,42.802,-78.8143,43.2863

Image 20: [71 Barbican Trl, Saint Catharines] [PNG]. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2F...

Image 21: Google. (2020). [Aerial Photo of Barbican Heights]. Retrieved November 9, 2020, from https://earth.google.com/web/search/Barbican+Heigh...,+Barbican+Trail,+St%2e+Catharines,+ON/@43.1241313,-79.2266993,170.35848728a,746.17088587d,35y,0h,45t,0r/data=CqQBGnoSdAolMHg4OWQzNGZkZTlmZGUyMDg1OjB4YzZlNDU3YzQyODhiZTY2ORl59NCI449FQCGr4cc9gs5TwCo5QmFyYmljYW4gSGVpZ2h0cyBQYXJrLCBCYXJiaWNhbiBUcmFpbCwgU3QuIENhdGhhcmluZXMsIE9OGAIgASImCiQJUCOXPxuRRUARuM2lQL2ORUAZIsXMToPNU8AhMq_QWjHQU8AoAg

Figure and Map Reference

GIF: Coimbra, S. (2020). Barbican Heights Ariel Time Travel [GIF]. https://giphy.com/gifs/e69s9CAQ4U1lrERezD/html5

Street view: Google. (n.d.). [Google Earth view of Barbican Heights]. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Barbican+Heights+Park/@43.1241313,-79.2288933,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89d34fde9fde2085:0xc6e457c4288be669!8m2!3d43.1241313!4d-79.2266993.

Map Indicating Water Proximity: Google. (n.d.). [Google Maps Satellite View]. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://earth.google.com/web/search/Barbican+Heigh...,+Barbican+Trail,+St.+Catharines,+ON/@43.1241313,-79.2266993,170.35848728a,746.17088587d,35y,323.89928416h,45t,0r/data=CqQBGnoSdAolMHg4OWQzNGZkZTlmZGUyMDg1OjB4YzZlNDU3YzQyODhiZTY2ORl59NCI449FQCGr4cc9gs5TwCo5QmFyYmljYW4gSGVpZ2h0cyBQYXJrLCBCYXJiaWNhbiBUcmFpbCwgU3QuIENhdGhhcmluZXMsIE9OGAIgASImCiQJwRhEiH_BP0ARLN5sxf1NM8AZMCmfXZqHV0AhcARw-LiNOMA

St. Catharines logo: [St. Catharines]. (n.d.). https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/

This Local Landscape Report was prepared by Sumher Coimbra for the Brock University course TMGT 2P94: Human Dominated Ecosystems on November 12, 2020.

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