Help save the Bench

A proposed development nearly double the allowed height threatens frost damage to our vineyards. We're fighting this at the Ontario Land Tribunal — and we need our community behind us.

BEAMSVILLE BENCH WINERY ASSOCIATION

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Donate Now

OUR STORY

Since May, the Beamsville Bench Winery Association has been an official party at the Ontario Land Tribunal, standing alongside the Town of Lincoln to advocate for how growth happens at 5205 King Street. Hundreds of volunteer hours and a significant financial investment have gone into this effort: retaining experts, gathering evidence, and making sure your voice and the voices of the people who farm and work this land are heard.

Our wineries know how to grow things, and we bring that same instinct to how our community grows, too. We welcome new neighbours and investment in a way that respects the businesses, the environment, the agriculture, and the tourism that make the Bench worth growing in the first place.

That's what this case is really about.

Where we stand

Ontario Land Tribunal hearing

Join the hearing online

The Tribunal is hearing the case for 5205 King Street. Watching online is the simplest way to show that our community is paying attention. No experience needed, and you don't have to speak or do anything.

Next hearing date
Tuesday, October 6
10:00 AM Eastern · Opening of the hearing
Join the meeting
Meeting access code 914-098-901
Join a few minutes early so you're settled before it starts.
New to online meetings?Tap for 4 easy steps to join

Here's how to join in four easy steps. It works on a computer, phone or tablet.

1
Click “Join the meeting”Use the gold button on this page a few minutes before 10:00 AM.
2
Open or install the free GoTo appOn a computer, choose to join in your browser if you're offered the option. On a phone or tablet, you'll be asked to install the free GoTo app. No account or sign-up is needed.
3
Enter your name and the access codeType your name when asked. If it asks for an access code, enter 914-098-901.
4
Mute your microphone and turn off your cameraTap the microphone and camera icons so each shows a line through it. Then sit back and watch. Your presence is the support.
Screen blank or waiting? The hearing may not have started yet. Wait a minute, then refresh the page and try again.

Hearing dates

We'll add each new date here as it's confirmed.

Green leaf icon
Green leaf icon

Irreplaceable land

Protected specialty crop lands in the shadow of the proposal

Icon of a document with a checkmark and a ribbon or badge attached.
Icon of a document with a checkmark and a ribbon or badge attached.

Evidence, not sentiment

A funded climate study, planning experts and legal counsel behind the case

Two stylized human icons in green, facing forward and to the right.
Two stylized human icons in green, facing forward and to the right.

Why the wineries

Their name, resources and standing carry the case — so individual voices can be heard

Where the money goes

Climate and engineering study

Planning consultant

Legal representation through hearing

$43,000

$37,000

$65,000

$60,000 committed of $145,000 total

$85,000 still needed

Gold calendar icon with a blank date space.
Gold calendar icon with a blank date space.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER

The Good Earth Food and Wine Co. — Aug 31, 6:30–8:30pm
Pay-what-you-can entry, light fare and wine included. RSVP via Tock.
*SOLD OUT*

Campaign updates

Where things stand

Hearing scheduled for October Latest
Community fundraiser announced for Aug 31 August
Witness statements submitted to the Tribunal Earlier