Author: Tom Lewis

  • New funding opportunities are now available to support investment, revitalization, and improvements in Crystal Beach.

    I’m pleased to share that the Town of Fort Erie’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) programs are now moving forward, with approximately $215,000 earmarked specifically for Crystal Beach to help encourage investment and improvements in our community.

    Following Council’s approval of the program in September, the formal appeal period concluded on October 28, 2026, with no appeals received. This means the Town can now begin accepting applications for funding through the program.

    Crystal Beach has experienced significant investment and revitalization in recent years, particularly within our commercial core. The Community Improvement Plan is another important tool to help build on that momentum by encouraging property improvements, supporting local businesses, and attracting continued private-sector investment.

    The $215,000 allocation for Crystal Beach represents a dedicated commitment to supporting the continued improvement and revitalization of our community.

    “As your Ward 5 Councillor, I have consistently advocated for programs and investments that recognize the unique needs and opportunities within Crystal Beach and Ridgeway. Ensuring that Crystal Beach receives a dedicated share of this funding was an important part of moving this initiative forward” Tom Lewis – Councillor Ward 5 Town of Fort Erie

    Property owners, businesses, and others interested in potential funding opportunities are encouraged to review the program details and eligibility requirements.

    Information about the available Community Improvement Plan programs, including application forms, can be found on the Town of Fort Erie’s website:

    Click here: Community Improvement Plans – Town of Fort Erie

    For additional information or questions about the application process, please contact:

    Kimberlyn Smith
    Town of Fort Erie
    Phone: 905-871-1600 ext. 2508
    Email: ksmith@forterie.ca

    Our local businesses, property owners, and community partners, including the Crystal Beach Business Improvement Area (BIA), have played an important role in the ongoing revitalization of Crystal Beach.

    This program provides another opportunity to build on that progress.

    I encourage eligible property owners and businesses to explore the available funding opportunities and consider how the Community Improvement Plan could support their future projects.

    Investing in our commercial areas, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our community remain important priorities as we continue moving Crystal Beach forward.

  • Help Shape Fort Erie’s Tourism Future

    Residents have until Friday November 6th to share their feedback and help shape the future of tourism in Fort Erie, with a chance to win a $200 gift certificate!

    The Town of Fort Erie is developing a new Tourism Strategy, and your input is an important part of ensuring that future tourism growth reflects the priorities, values, and expectations of our community.

    Tourism plays an important role in Fort Erie’s economy, supporting local businesses, creating opportunities, and showcasing everything that makes our community a great place to live and visit.

    From Crystal Beach and Ridgeway to communities across Fort Erie, residents have a valuable perspective on what makes our town special, what we should protect, and where opportunities exist for the future.

    The Town is encouraging residents to complete a short, 15-minute survey to share their thoughts on tourism, community priorities, and how Fort Erie can continue to grow as a welcoming destination while maintaining the character and quality of life that residents value.

    At the end of the survey, participants will also have the opportunity to express interest in upcoming in-person group discussions about tourism in Fort Erie.

    Have Your Say Before of Friday November 6th 2026!

    Residents who complete the survey will be entered into a draw for a $200 gift certificate to a Fort Erie business or service of their choice.

    Complete the Resident Survey here:
    https://bit.ly/4AlMw72

    As your Ward 5 Councillor, I encourage residents of Crystal Beach, Ridgeway, and across Fort Erie to take a few minutes to participate.

    Our community has so much to offer, and it’s important that residents have a voice in shaping how we promote, support, and manage tourism in the years ahead.

    Your community. Your voice. Your future.

  • 7th Annual Crystal Beach Halloween Walk Returns!

    Halloween is here, and Crystal Beach is getting ready for another afternoon of spooky fun, community spirit, and family-friendly activities as the 7th Annual Crystal Beach Halloween Walk takes place today, Saturday, October 31, 2026.

    This annual tradition has become a highlight of the fall season in Crystal Beach, bringing together residents, families, visitors, volunteers, and local businesses for an afternoon of trick-or-treating and Halloween celebrations.

    This year’s event promises even more excitement, with new games and attractions, music, a costume contest, food trucks, and plenty of opportunities to explore the shops and businesses that make Crystal Beach such a special community.

    Halloween Walk Event Details

    The Halloween Walk takes place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with activities centred around Erie Road and the Grove in Crystal Beach.

    Here’s what you can look forward to:

    • 1:00 PM: Road closures begin, with food trucks and the beer tent hosted by Evermore Bistro setting up in the Grove.
    • 2:00 PM: The Halloween Trick-or-Treat Walk officially begins, along with music from the DJ and new games and attractions in the Grove.
    • 3:30 PM: Costume contest nominees gather in the Grove.
    • 3:50 PM: Costume contest winners are announced and prizes awarded.
    • 6:00 PM: Erie Road reopens to traffic.

    Visitors are encouraged to use the main beach parking lots and take some time to explore the local businesses before and after the Halloween Walk.

    One of the things that makes Crystal Beach such a wonderful place to live is the commitment of residents, volunteers, and local businesses who continually step forward to create memorable experiences for our community.

    A very special thank you and shout-out to Charlotte Hawkswell and Tara, along with the entire Crystal Beach BIA Halloween Walk Committee, for their hard work, dedication, and countless hours organizing this year’s event.

    Organizing a community event of this size takes considerable planning, coordination, and commitment. From working with local businesses and volunteers to arranging entertainment and activities, their efforts help ensure families can enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween experience.

    Events like the Halloween Walk are about more than just costumes and candy. They bring neighbours together, support our local businesses, welcome visitors, and strengthen the sense of community that makes Crystal Beach unique.

    The Halloween Walk is also a great opportunity to support the many small businesses that contribute to the character and vibrancy of Crystal Beach.

    Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, visiting a shop, or simply enjoying the atmosphere along Erie Road, I encourage everyone attending to take a little extra time to explore and support our local businesses.

    Their participation and continued investment in our community help make events like this possible.

    As your Ward 5 Councillor, I’m always pleased to see community events that bring people together and showcase everything that makes Crystal Beach and Ridgeway such wonderful places to call home.

    Thank you again to the Crystal Beach BIA Halloween Walk Committee, participating businesses, volunteers, and everyone who helps make this annual tradition a success.

    Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and spooktacular Halloween Walk!

    Tom Lewis
    Councillor, Ward 5 – Crystal Beach/Ridgeway
    Town of Fort Erie

  • Looking Ahead: A New Term of Council for Crystal Beach & Ridgeway

    With the 2026 Fort Erie Municipal Election now behind us, I want to thank the residents of Crystal Beach and Ridgeway for the opportunity to continue serving as your Ward 5 Councillor for another four years.

    It is an honour and a privilege to represent our community on Fort Erie Town Council, and I look forward to continuing the work ahead.

    I also want to acknowledge all the candidates who put their names forward in this year’s municipal election, along with their families, volunteers, and campaign teams. While the results were not what some candidates and their supporters had hoped for, I want to sincerely thank everyone for their willingness to participate in the democratic process. Running for public office takes time, dedication, and commitment, and our community benefits when residents step forward, share their ideas, and contribute to important conversations about Fort Erie’s future.

    Congratulations to Mayor-elect Tom Insinna, newly elected Councillor Dan Turner, and all returning members of Council. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to outgoing Mayor Wayne Redekop for his many years of dedicated service to Fort Erie, and to Councillor Joan Christensen for her contributions and commitment to our community. Both have made meaningful contributions to our municipality, and I wish them all the best.

    Throughout the election, I heard from residents about the issues that matter most to them. From roads and infrastructure to healthcare, community services, responsible development, and preserving the unique character of Crystal Beach and Ridgeway, there is important work ahead.

    As we begin a new term of Council, my focus remains on listening to residents, addressing local concerns, and working collaboratively with my Council colleagues, Town staff, and the community to move Fort Erie forward.

    This page will continue to be a place for community news, Council updates, local initiatives, and information that matters to Ward 5 residents.

    Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing our work together over the next four years.

    Official 2026 Fort Erie Municipal Election Results:
    https://www.forterie.ca/town-hall/elections/2026-official-election-results/

  • Fort Erie Moves Forward with Community Health Hub Planning

    Fort Erie Council has taken another step toward answering a question that has been hanging over our community for some time: What will health care in Fort Erie look like when the new South Niagara Hospital opens in 2028?

    At our September 28 Council meeting, we agreed in principle to continue exploring a Community Health Hub for Fort Erie and approved up to $118,000 from the South Niagara Hospital Health Care Reserve to move into the next phase of planning.

    For me, this is important work. The report prepared by Santis Health confirmed some of the challenges many of us already see in our community. More than 13,000 Fort Erie residents do not have a local family physician, and we could see a significant number of our existing physicians retire over the next five years.

    A Community Health Hub could help address some of those challenges by bringing services together in one place. That could include primary care, walk-in and after-hours care, diagnostics, specialty clinics and other community health services.

    There are still a lot of questions to answer. We need to determine what services should be included, who the partners will be, how it would be funded and governed, where it could be located and, most importantly, how we turn the idea into something that actually works for Fort Erie residents.

    At the same Council meeting, I also made the decision to withdraw my long standing and “several times” deferred motion calling for the resignation of Niagara Health’s President and Board of Directors and requesting provincial oversight of its operations.

    I introduced that motion for a reason. It was intended to apply pressure, demand accountability and make it clear that Fort Erie was not prepared to quietly accept the loss of local health-care services without a plan for what comes next.

    I believe it helped make the point. But the goal was never simply to pass a motion. The goal has always been to get results for Fort Erie.

    The Santis report makes it clear that if we are going to successfully develop a Community Health Hub, we are going to need people working together. That includes the Town, Niagara Health, the Niagara Ontario Health Team and other health-care providers and community partners.

    With Council moving ahead with this next phase, I did not want my outstanding motion to become an obstacle to those discussions. Withdrawing it now was a show of good faith and an opportunity to create some room for everyone to come to the table and work toward a solution.

    That does not mean the advocacy stops. I will continue pushing for meaningful health-care services here in Fort Erie just as I always have, including urgent care, better access to primary care, diagnostics and other services close to home. Council has also maintained its position that the existing Urgent Care Centre should remain until a viable alternative is actually in place.

    There is still a great deal of work ahead. The next phase will look more closely at potential partners, funding, services, locations, implementation and ultimately the development of a detailed business case.

    The South Niagara Hospital is scheduled to open in 2028. Between now and then, we need to make sure Fort Erie isn’t left wondering what comes next.

    Withdrawing my motion doesn’t mean the pressure for a solution is gone. It means we’re giving collaboration an opportunity to produce one.

    And at the end of the day, that has always been the objective: making sure Fort Erie residents continue to have access to the health-care services they need, here in their own community.

    Fort Erie Advances Reimagining Douglas Memorial Initiative Following Consultant Report

  • Free Bay Beach Passes Part of Operational Review

    On Monday, September 28th where Town of Fort Erie Municipal Council unanimously supported my motion calling for a review to explore the possibility of providing free seasonal Bay Beach passes to Fort Erie residents.

    Town staff will now examine the current revenue from resident passes, the financial impact of removing the $10 seasonal fee, and potential options for maintaining Bay Beach operations and services.

    Bay Beach Facility

    Free resident passes have not yet been approved. The information gathered will be considered through the 2026–27 budget process, with the possibility of introducing free passes for the 2027 beach season.

    This is an important step toward understanding what may be possible while ensuring Bay Beach remains accessible, well-managed, and financially sustainable.

    “I’ve remained committed to keeping our waterfront accessible to residents. Exploring free resident passes is another step toward that goal while supporting tourism and responsible revenue growth.”

    Tom Lewis, Councillor, Ward 5 Town of Fort Erie

  • Fort Erie Approves New 2026 Tanker for Station 4 in Ridgeway.

    Fort Erie’s Station 4 firefighters will soon have a new piece of equipment to support their work serving Ridgeway, Crystal Beach and the surrounding community.

    At its September 14 meeting, Town Council approved the purchase of a new 2026 tanker for Fire Station 4 at a quoted price of $759,619.81.

    The purchase represents an important investment in maintaining reliable emergency response equipment for the volunteer firefighters who serve our community.

    Investing in Station 4

    As part of the approval, Council also amended the Town’s 2026 Capital Budget to increase the Tanker 4 capital project budget by $332,000. The additional funding will come from the Town’s Fire Equipment Replacement Reserve and will account for the purchase price of the tanker along with related project costs.

    Maintaining a planned replacement schedule for major fire equipment is important. Fire apparatus are significant long-term investments, but they are also essential tools that firefighters depend on when responding to fires, emergencies and other calls for assistance.

    The new tanker will replace aging equipment at Station 4 and help ensure our local firefighters continue to have reliable equipment available when responding throughout Ridgeway, Crystal Beach and other parts of Fort Erie.

    Supporting Our Volunteer Firefighters

    Fort Erie is fortunate to have dedicated volunteer firefighters who give a tremendous amount of their time to our community.

    Beyond responding to emergency calls, our firefighters dedicate countless hours to training, maintaining their skills, participating in public education and preparing to respond whenever they are needed.

    Providing them with safe, modern and dependable equipment is an important part of supporting that commitment.

    The purchase of the new Tanker 4 is one more step toward ensuring Station 4 has the resources necessary to continue providing dependable emergency response for the residents, businesses and visitors of Ridgeway and Crystal Beach.

    Thank You, Station 4

    I want to take this opportunity to thank the firefighters at Station 4 for everything they do for our community, as well as all of Fort Erie’s firefighters for their continued dedication and service.

    Whether responding to a fire, collision, medical emergency or another call for assistance, these men and women are there when our community needs them.

    I’ll continue to provide updates on this purchase and other municipal investments and services affecting Ward 5 as information becomes available.

    For more Ward 5 news and constituency updates, visit www.tomlewis.ca.

  • Four-Way Stop Coming to Mitchener Road and Point Abino Road!

    I’m pleased to share that the intersection of Mitchener Road and Point Abino Road South will very soon become a four-way stop.

    Following concerns raised about traffic safety and driver confusion at this intersection, I brought the matter forward again to Town staff and requested that a four-way stop be considered. I’m pleased that the change is now moving ahead.

    This is a relatively small change, but one that I believe will make an important difference in improving safety and providing clearer direction for motorists travelling through the intersection.

    “This has been a long time in the making, and I’m pleased to now have the support of the Traffic Coordinating Committee, Council and Town staff to move this much needed change forward. Residents have raised concerns about this intersection for some time, and making it a four-way stop will provide greater clarity for drivers and, most importantly, improve safety for everyone using the intersection.” Councillor Tom Lewis, Ward 5

    Road and pedestrian safety continues to be an important priority for me, particularly at locations where residents have identified concerns. Thank you to everyone who reached out and helped bring attention to this intersection.

    Drivers should watch for the new signage and traffic-control changes as they are installed and remember that all approaches will soon be required to stop.

    I’ll continue working with residents and Town staff to identify opportunities to improve traffic safety throughout Ward 5.

    To read the full report click here

  • Council Approves Community Improvement Program which includes Crystal Beach & Ridgeway

    Tonight Council gave final approval of the Town’s updated Core Area Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and Brownfield Community Improvement Plan. The Core Area plan includes Crystal Beach and Downtown Ridgeway, along with Bridgeburg, Stevensville, South End/Riverwalk and Gateway.

    The updated CIP would provide several incentive programs designed to encourage private investment and improvements, including commercial building improvement grants, professional study grants, sustainability and climate improvement grants, and residential creation and intensification grants.

    Of particular importance to Crystal Beach,who has never had the oppritunity to participate in a CIP program one-third of the existing $669,000 CIP reserve fund has been designated to support initiatives within Crystal Beach during the initial years of the program.

    “I have been supportive of ensuring Crystal Beach receives a fair share of these funds, and I look forward to seeing this updated program move forward and create opportunities for continued investment in both Crystal Beach and Ridgeway” Councillor Tom Lewis – Town of Fort Erie Ward 5.

    The map below shows the areas for both the Crystal Beach and Ridgeway CIP areas.

    Crystal Beach CIP Area

    Ridgreway CIP Area

    To reviewd the full report click here

  • Council Preview: What’s Coming to Council – September 14, 2026

    Fort Erie Council-in-Committee meets Monday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. This is a substantial agenda, with several items directly affecting Ward 5 as well as important Town-wide planning, financial and community matters.

    Here are some of the items I’ll be watching closely:

    Community Improvement Plans – Including Crystal Beach & Ridgeway

    Council will consider final approval of the Town’s updated Core Area Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and Brownfield Community Improvement Plan. The Core Area plan includes Crystal Beach and Downtown Ridgeway, along with Bridgeburg, Stevensville, South End/Riverwalk and Gateway.

    The updated CIP would provide several incentive programs designed to encourage private investment and improvements, including commercial building improvement grants, professional study grants, sustainability and climate improvement grants, and residential creation and intensification grants.

    Of particular importance to Crystal Beach, approximately one-third of the existing $669,000 CIP reserve has been designated to support initiatives within Crystal Beach during the initial years of the program.

    I have been supportive of ensuring Crystal Beach receives a fair share of these funds, and I look forward to seeing this updated program move forward and create opportunities for continued investment in both Crystal Beach and Ridgeway.

    Erie Beach Park Improvements

    Council will receive the Erie Beach Concept Landscape Plan, including a presentation from the project’s landscape architects. Staff are recommending that Council receive the concept and associated studies and authorize staff to move ahead with final design and construction drawings.

    This represents another step toward improving our waterfront and public spaces, and I’ll continue to keep residents updated as the project progresses.

    All-Way Stop – Michener Road & Point Abino Road

    Another important Ward 5 traffic-safety item is moving forward. Council will consider a memorandum to amend the Traffic By-law to install an all-way stop at Michener Road and Point Abino Road.

    Traffic calming and pedestrian safety continue to be significant concerns throughout Ward 5. I’m pleased to see this intersection coming forward following the concerns that have been raised about safety in this area.

    272 Ridge Road South

    Council will consider extending draft approval for the proposed vacant-land condominium at 272 Ridge Road South for another two years, to September 26, 2028. Staff are also recommending amendments to the conditions of approval.

    I’ll continue to monitor development applications in Ridgeway and Crystal Beach with a focus on appropriate growth, infrastructure capacity and compatibility with our established communities.

    Alliston Woods – Phase 2

    Council will consider Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments and draft subdivision approval for Phase 2 of the Alliston Woods subdivision. The proposed plan includes 53 single-detached lots, 257 street townhouse units and 68 stacked townhouse units, along with stormwater management, servicing and roads.

    Importantly, staff are recommending holding provisions requiring confirmation of adequate sanitary sewer capacity and, for later stages, sufficient transportation capacity before development can proceed.

    Town Finances – Second Quarter Update

    Council will also receive the 2026 Second Quarter Financial Report. The report includes several proposed amendments to the capital budget, including advancing the Stevensville Hall HVAC replacement and additional funding for the Idylewylde sanitary sewer replacement project.

    Fire Department Tanker Replacement

    Council is being asked to approve the purchase of a 2026 tanker for Fire Station 4 at a quoted price of approximately $759,620, along with a $332,000 increase to the existing capital budget funded through the Fire Equipment Replacement Reserve.

    Other Items

    Council will also consider naming the neighbourhood park at 761 Niagara Parkway “Burdett T. Sisler Park” and whether the Town should proceed with an application to Nature Canada for entry-level Bird Friendly City certification.

    Staying Connected

    There is a lot on this agenda, including several matters that will have a direct impact on Ward 5.

    As your Ward 5 Councillor, I’ll continue to keep residents informed about the decisions being made at Town Hall and, most importantly, what those decisions mean for Crystal Beach, Ridgeway and our surrounding neighbourhoods.

    Council-in-Committee begins at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026 in Council Chambers.

    To view the complete package click here