Hopefully, over the holiday season, you can enjoy time with friends, family, and the special people in your life. It’s hard to believe how fast this year has flown by. This is especially noticeable now as the days are shorter, and we approach the end of another year.
From my family to yours Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
On Monday, December 18th Council received and unanimously supported the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments for the implementation of Land Use Policies and Regulations regarding Short Term Rentals in the Town of Fort Erie. This included all waterfront properties from west of Point Abino to Kraft Road within the Municipality. The Town of Fort Erie and Council recognizes the town’s economic prosperity and diversification and the need to balance visitor accommodation options that support economic development and tourism. Earlier this year Council reformed the Town of Fort Erie Noise and Nuisance Bylaw which gives inspectors more tools to deal with noise and nuisance complaints.
To read the full report click here
Municipal Staff will be coming forward with recommended changes to the town’s STR licensing framework. As additional information becomes available it will be shared on this site.
On Monday December 18th at 6pm Council will be receiving and voting on the Recommendation Report for the Proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments for the Implementation of Land Use Policies and Regulations regarding Short Term Rentals in the Town of Fort Erie. This will include a discussion and direction about including Waterfront properties within the Municipality.
The report recognizes the towns economic prosperity and diversification initiative and the need to balance visitor accommodation options that support economic development and tourism.
To read the full report click here
In an effort to help our community prepare for emergency situations that often include power outages. The Town of Fort Erie has partnered with Canadian Niagara Power Inc. to create a 72-hour emergency kit postcard that will be delivered to Fort Erie homes. This work was done by the Fort Erie Fire Department – Public Education and various internal departments.
The card and QR code on the card direct residents to the Town of Fort Erie emergency website which can be found by visiting www.forterie.ca/emergency. There you can download an updated, complete, 72-hour emergency kit planning document.
Fort Erie council and staff are reminding everyone to prepare for winter bad weather events and take steps to be ready in advance.
Today, on Remembrance Day we honour the women and men who served, and continue to serve our country, in times of war, conflict, and peace.
We pause to remember their brave sacrifices.
Today we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives, and those who have been physically or mentally scarred by their service, as well as their family members and loved ones.
More than 2.3 million Canadians have served in uniform since Confederation, and many made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thanks to their dedication, and bravery, members of our military and police have been defending freedom, peace, and democracy – the values that we cherish deeply within our hearts and often take for granted.
Today, at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, we observe in silence to pay tribute to all who have fought for our freedoms.
Many of us will be wearing red poppies close to our hearts, reflecting, and thinking about those who served so courageously to keep us safe and gave their lives in service of a better Canada.
Today and everyday they have our respect, thanks, and heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to pay tribute to those who fought for our freedoms.
“Lest we forget.”
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Council Chambers, starting at 6:00 p.m.
To view the Capital Budget documents once posted click here.
Last budget year, the Region of Niagara approved significant increases to the budget, including a 7.58 percent increase to its operating budget, an 8.5 percent increase to the water and wastewater budget, and a 5.5 percent increase for wastewater management.
“I was proud to second the motion by my colleague Councillor George McDermott and it was nice to see that it had the full support of the Council. Hopefully, other area municipalities in Niagara send the Region the same message” said Councillor Lewis
To read the full story in Niagara this Week click here
The Crystal Beach 5k race is on October 7th and this year will be the 19th Annual 5K run/walk.
The race will begin at begin and end at Sneakers on Erie Rd in Crystal Beach. The 5K race begins at 11 a.m., with the 1K Kids Run starting at 10:15 a.m.
All registrants will receive a participation medal and a CB5K t-shirt registration and additional information can be found by visiting www.crystalbeach5k.com
The Truth and Reconciliation Walk is on Friday, September 29, 2023
The 3rd Annual Truth and Reconciliation Walk from Mather Arch to the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre will take place on Friday. It is anticipated that there will be approximately 400-500 participants.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Updated October 1st
The pictures below are from the 2023 Truth and Reconciliation Walk. There were hundreds of participants and many supporters along the way. Thank you to everyone who organized, participated, and showed support. The procession was heartwarming and included people of all ages.
NOTICE OF COMPLETE PUBLIC MEETING- Town of Fort Erie Initiated Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for Short-Term Rentals
DATE: Monday, September 11, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: This will be a hybrid meeting. Members of the public may attend the meeting in person in Council Chambers, Town Hall, 1 Municipal Centre Drive, or virtually via Zoom.
LOCATION OF SUBJECT LANDS
This Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment affects all lands within the Town of Fort Erie.
PROPOSAL
The Town has initiated amendments to the Town of Fort Erie Official Plan and Zoning By-law 129-90 to implement recommendations to address the emergence of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) within the Town of Fort Erie, pursuant to Sections 17 and 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended.
The Official Plan Amendment (OPA) defines two types of STRs, outlines general policy goals and identifies where STRs are generally permitted. The Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBLA) defines STRs as commercial uses and permits them in specific zones as well as establishes regulations including parking, and size limitations.
The amendments will apply to the entire area of the Town of Fort Erie. The Town’s current Official Plan, which was approved in 2011, and the current Zoning By-law 129-90 will be amended.
Draft versions of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment can be found on the Town of Fort Erie ‘Let’s Talk’ webpage: https://letstalk.forterie.ca/short-term-rentals-in-fort-erie-land-use-study
GETTING MORE INFORMATION
A copy of the Information Report will be available to the public by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. The Information Report will be available in the Council agenda portion of the Town’s Web Site: www.forterie.ca or by contacting the undersigned.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gerrit Boerema, Manager of Policy and Community Planning
Planning and Development Services Department
Town Hall, 1 Municipal Centre Drive
Fort Erie, ON L2A 2S6
905-871-1600 ext. 2504
gboerema@forterie.ca
PLANNING ACT LEGAL NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make a written submission to Council before the proposed official plan and zoning amendment is adopted and approved, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of Council to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to Council before the proposed official plan and zoning amendment is adopted and approved, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the
hearing of an appeal before the OLT unless, in the opinion of the Board, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.
The Town of Fort Erie Council meeting live webcast will be streamed at
www.youtube.com/townofforterie or click on the YouTube icon on the home page of the Town’s website (www.forterie.ca).
PROVIDING YOUR COMMENTS OR REQUESTING NOTICE OF DECISION
If you wish to be notified of the adoption of the proposed Official Plan Amendment, or of the refusal of a request to amend the official plan, you must make a written request to c/o Ashlea Carter, Deputy Clerk, 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie, Ontario, L2A 2S6 or an email to acarter@forterie.ca
Notice dated at the Town of Fort Erie this 10th day of August 2023.