The Fonthill Kame-Delta is one of the most significant geological features nationally, if not internationally, located in the Town of Pelham in the centre of the Niagara Peninsula. This position is supported by Dr John Menzies, Professor of Earth Sciences and Geography at Brock University. Professor Menzies is a specialist in glacial geology and sedimentology and sits on a UNESCO Committee that assesses geological sites world wide.
The Fonthill Kame-Delta is a large ice-contact delta of sand and gravel deposited at the margin of the Laurentide ice sheet during the advance and retreat of the glaciers approximately 13,000 years ago.
Its significance lies in the size and overall morphology which includes both the ice contact slope, and the top and frontal slopes exhibiting lake wave action beveled terraces and bars. While there are similar deltas found in northern Europe none are of the dimensions and preservation detail of the Fonthill Kame-Delta.
The Kame-Delta is nearly a 1000 hectares in area, and stretches 6 km (4 mi) east to west and 3 km (2 mi) north to south. It’s the headwaters of the Twelve Mile Creek, Niagara’s only cold-water stream supporting a mature brook trout population.
It slopes gradually on the west side, more steeply on the south and east and merges with the Short Hills Provincial Park area of the Niagara Escarpment on the north. The steep northern slope marks the point of contact with the original ice field.
The Fonthill Kame-Delta has considerable influence on the climate of Pelham by sheltering it from the winds from the southwest. Microclimatic conditions create an ideal atmosphere for tender fruit production on the Kame including peaches, sweet and sour cherries, apples and pears.
The Kame-Delta is responsible for the special character and much of the attractiveness of the Fonthill area.
