A group of activists are standing up by setting down camp at Thundering Waters.
The proposed development site in Niagara Falls could see the destruction of the wetlands and wilderness in that area. According to a press release from the activists 484 acres of unique wetlands, supporting woodlands, savannah, and threatened species are on the bubble as this development is discussed.
The term 'biodiversity offsetting' has been heard several times during the debate surrounding Thundering Waters. This process would see the development go forward with plans to reestablish a similar wetland habitat in a different area.
Ed Smith is among the people camped out at Thundering Waters and he says when local politicians originally discussed this 'biodiversity offsetting' idea they claimed to have no particular place in mind.
"Since that time through the Freedom of Information process we've had a lot of documents released from the province that clearly demonstrate that in fact they were lobbying - they hired a lobbyist - Kealy & Associates - for this specific purpose of getting biodiversity offsetting implemented at Thundering Waters."
Owen Bjorgan is also taking part in the protest.
"There definitely seems to be a lack of transparency because certain deals always seem to happen in regards to this property that the community is left in the dark with and our other local politicians are left in the dark with."
Bjorgan says the Niagara Region has lost around 90% of its original wetlands and forests at this point.
The group hopes other likeminded people will join them at their camp through the week.