As an agricultural community, Niagara-on-the-Lake holds a deep respect for our environment and local heritage. Following our significant expansion, we partnered closely with environmental agencies to ensure our resort’s design actively minimizes its carbon footprint. Sustainability and accessibility remain the cornerstones of our mission and guest experience, reflected in every detail of our resort.
Sustainability at 124 on Queen
Our Property Features
Live Green Roof
A Zen Garden and reflecting ponds above our parking garage
On-site Rainwater Harvesting
Stormwater is captured and reused for irrigation
Native Pollinator Habitat
Two on-site beehives support local bees and butterflies
EV Charging Stations
On-site for guest use
Farm-to-Table Sourcing
Locally grown produce and sustainably sourced seafood
Complimentary Bikes
For guests to explore town car-free
Motion-Sensored LED Lighting
Throughout the resort
Recycled Bamboo Key Cards
In every guestroom
Reusable Water Bottles
With filtered water stations throughout the resort
Charitable Donations
Of hotel items to local organizations
Community Support
Annual partnership with a local women’s shelter
Local Partnerships
Supporting area artists and retailers
The Zen Garden
Located above an underground parking garage in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, our Zen Garden integrates luxury hospitality with ecological design, featuring:
1,800 m²
Total Garden Size
80+
Native Plant Species
34.5 m³
Rainwater Storage
2
Reflecting Ponds
Living Realm & Habitat (745 m²)
Canadian Judas trees, Echinacea, Lavender, and native Ontario perennials that feed bees and butterflies spring through fall.
Gathering Spaces & Heritage (1,055 m²)
Stone walkways, reflecting ponds, private patio fire pits, and the relocated century-old Smithy building.
Rainwater Harvesting
A closed-loop system captures and filters stormwater into an irrigation tank, reducing runoff into the municipal sewer system.
Green Roof Engineering
A ZinCo system (Floradrain FD 40-E, protection mat) stores water and anchors structures without compromising the building’s waterproofing.
Building Progress
In 2023, we partnered with ZinCo Canada and Environmental Design Group to transform the roof of our underground parking garage into 1,800 m² of living landscape. The build layered a root barrier, a recycled drainage system, and a custom growing medium blended locally with recycled clay brick, creating a foundation strong enough for gardens, walkways, and mature trees alike. Even the century-old Smithy building found new life here, relocated piece by piece to anchor the space in the town’s history.
The Zen Garden is the first project of its kind in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Its green roof system captures 34.5 m³ of stormwater, well above regional requirements, filtering and reusing rainwater instead of sending it to the municipal sewer. The result is a thriving habitat of over 80 plant species and local pollinators, proof that a parking garage can become genuine green space, built to last rather than just for show.
Committed to a Sustainable Future
At 124 on Queen, we aim to blend our sustainable practices directly into your visit. As you plan your stay or your next event, ask us how we can help make it environmentally responsible from start to finish.