April 26, 2022 (Lincoln, ON) – During last evening’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Council for the Town of Lincoln received an update report on the Jordan Hollow Indigenous Cultural Park Project, including a presentation on the concept design.
Jordan Hollow Park is situated within the traditional territory of the Haitwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee and the Anishinaabe. The park is located at the base of the Niagara Escarpment and is located in close proximity to an important archaeological site showing evidence of multi-generational settlement by members of the Neutral Nation circa 1600.
For thousands of years, this area has been a place of gathering, relationship building, harmony, balance, and commerce. The establishment of a park to commemorate Indigenous connections to the land within current-day Lincoln is an opportunity to highlight and reflect on this rich history and contribute to the celebration of historical and contemporary Indigenous culture.
“Through intentional and mindful connections, we can move forward in growth and understanding,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “I am proud of the time and work that the Town has dedicated to getting this project to this stage in collaboration with the local Indigenous community. Lincoln continues to show leadership and commitment in Niagara by doing our part on the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.”
"The Town of Lincoln embraces opportunities to collaborate with local indigenous communities and government partners at all levels,” said Chief Administrative Officer Michael Kirkopoulos. “This approach encourages a holistic application to project planning and is an example of social, environmental, and financial resilience to increase the overall wellbeing of our community.”
“The Niagara Regional Native Centre is excited to partner with the Town of Lincoln through the Jordan Hollow Indigenous Cultural Park project to expand our reach to Indigenous people in the region,” said Karl Dockstader, Executive Director, Niagara Regional Native Centre. “We will use the park as a site for gathering, programming, teaching, and celebration.”
This is a project of significance for the Town of Lincoln and the Indigenous community with ties to the Niagara area because it is an essential step in the process of Reconciliation. To date, no public place-making projects have been identified in Lincoln that recognize Lincoln as the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples before European settlers' arrival.
The identified land for this project is at the base of the Twenty Mile Creek in the Twenty Valley; it has been a location of human settlement long before European arrival due to its proximity to water and fertile agricultural land. The Town of Lincoln is committed to Reconciliation and acknowledging this history through an innovative and collaborative approach.
At the same time, the Niagara Region is preparing to commence a detailed design for the replacement of the Twenty Mile Creek Arch Bridge in Jordan Hollow. Plans include a multi-use path for walking and cycling, ensuring safer transportation through the hollow. A temporary bridge is proposed to be constructed to maintain traffic, including emergency services during the project construction and access to local businesses, residents, and the Jordan Hollow Park will remain in place.
The Jordan Hollow project aligns with plans to enhance Active Transportation in Lincoln and will connect to the Jordan Village Improvement Project.
To stay updated on project development, please visit SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Jordan-Hollow-Park.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
Direct: 905-563-2799 ext. 230
Tel: 905-563-8205
Project Details: Jordan Hollow Indigenous Cultural Park
The project design incorporates the following elements:
- The Town’s first rain garden, including native plants species, educational signage and monitoring well
- Rest and comfort areas, including permanent shade and table seating
- Berms for a dynamic landscape and natural amphitheatre for performances and gatherings
- Elements to support active transportation, including new pathways, enhanced Bruce Trail connection, future trail connection opportunities, bicycle parking and repair stations
- Trees, plantings and new park signage
- Architectural features inspired by cultural forms, including a palisade and longhouse
- Interpretive storytelling signage and evolving art installations, including rock podiums
The project’s financial contributions:
- Town Council approved $83,00 towards park enhancements at Jordan Hollow Park in the 2020 Capital Budget process.
- Town staff and project partners made financial applications in 2020 and 2021 to regional, provincial, and national agencies to increase the overall project funding.
- Funding has been secured through the Government of Canada, Niagara Region, Greenbelt Foundation, and the Niagara Community Foundation.
- The current project budget is $348,00, with external funding representing 80% of the total budget.