Author: Tom Lewis

  • Reflecting on AMO 2026 – From Learning to Leading

    While driving to Ottawa the other day for the Asoscaiton of Municipalities Ontario conference, I found myself reflecting on my first few AMO conferences back in 2003-2006, when I was a “younger” community leader, newly elected to Council at just 19 years old.

    Back then, AMO was an incredible opportunity to learn. I attended sessions on everything from municipal governance, infrastructure and planning to community development. It was a place to network with other municipal leaders, exchange ideas and learn from communities across Ontario. For a new councillor, it provided me with a great foundation if you took advantage of the opportunity to listen and learn.

    Driving home from AMO this year, I reflected on how that experience has evolved for me.

    AMO is still an important place to learn, network and build relationships, but this term our focus has increasingly been on advocacy and getting results for Fort Erie.

    This year, our Fort Erie delegation participated in close to 1 dozen meetings, using every opportunity to advocate for our community, highlight the great things happening in Fort Erie, and be clear about where we need the Province’s partnership and support.

    Our delegations included meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism; Ministry of Red Tape Reduction; Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming; Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Ministry of Infrastructure; Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; Ministry of the Solicitor General; and Ministry of Natural Resources.

    Just as important were the conversations outside the formal delegation rooms. Throughout the conference, we had opportunities to connect and network with members of the PC, NDP and Liberal caucuses, as well as municipal politicians and staff from communities across Ontario. Those relationships matter. They provide opportunities to share experiences, learn from one another and make sure Fort Erie’s priorities and successes are part of the conversation at Queen’s Park and across the province.

    There is something rewarding about looking back at those early AMO conferences and recognizing the progression from attending as a young councillor eager to learn how municipal government works, to now having sat on both sides of the table and again this week at the table with provincial decision-makers advocating for the community I am proud to represent.

    You never stop learning. But experience allows you to take what you’ve learned, the relationships you’ve built and the knowledge you’ve gained and put it to work for the community.

    Another productive AMO with lots of follow us, and another opportunity to keep moving Fort Erie forward.

    Read the full detailed media release by the Town of Fort Erie here

  • Fort Erie Deserves Better From Niagara Health: Calling for Accountability and Protecting Urgent Care

    For years, the future of health care in Fort Erie has been one of the most important issues facing our community. As your Ward 5 Councillor, I have consistently advocated for accessible, reliable health care close to home and for the continued delivery of Urgent Care services at the Douglas Memorial site.

    At an upcoming Council meeting, a Notice of Motion that I originally brought forward and that was deferred from the April 27, 2026 Council meeting will return for consideration. The motion addresses not only the future of Urgent Care in Fort Erie, but also broader concerns surrounding the governance, accountability and transparency of Niagara Health.

    Commitments to Fort Erie Matter

    Niagara Health previously committed to a three-hospital system that included the continued operation of the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre at the Douglas Memorial site.

    Those plans have changed. Niagara Health has indicated that it does not intend to continue operating the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre following the opening of the new South Niagara Hospital.

    For Fort Erie, this is not simply about a change in a health care plan. It is about a commitment that was made to our community and the very real need for accessible health care services for our residents.

    The Town of Fort Erie has continued to work toward a local solution. Council and Town staff have put considerable effort into reimagining the Douglas Memorial site, including a plan that maintains Urgent Care services while looking at how the property can better meet the long-term health and community needs of Fort Erie residents.

    Unfortunately, I do not believe we have seen the level of collaboration from Niagara Health that our community deserves.

    Concerns About Governance and Accountability

    The motion also raises concerns that extend beyond Fort Erie.

    Niagara Health is facing a significant $28-million operating deficit, while municipalities and taxpayers are being asked to contribute substantial funding toward the health care system.

    At the same time, there are legitimate questions about governance, transparency and public accountability, including the limited ability of Niagara Health Board members to directly engage with residents and respond publicly to questions and concerns.

    When an organization is responsible for delivering one of our most essential public services, the communities it serves deserve transparency and meaningful accountability.

    What the Motion Calls For

    If approved by Council, the resolution would formally request:

    • The resignation of the Niagara Health Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.
    • That Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s Minister of Health appoint a provincial supervisor to oversee Niagara Health operations.
    • That the Province ensure appropriate funding is available to continue Urgent Care services in Fort Erie and meet the health care needs of our community.
    • That the resolution be shared with Niagara Region, all 12 Niagara municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.

    This is a significant request, and it is not one that I bring forward lightly.

    However, after years of advocacy, changing commitments and continued uncertainty surrounding the future of health care in Fort Erie, I believe it is appropriate to ask whether the current governance structure is delivering the accountability, collaboration and results that Niagara residents deserve.

    Fort Erie Deserves a Strong Voice

    Our residents should not have to continually fight to maintain access to basic health care services in their own community.

    Fort Erie is growing. Our population is aging. Our community is geographically separated from other major health care facilities, and transportation continues to be a challenge for many residents. Maintaining appropriate local Urgent Care services is not simply a matter of convenience — it is about ensuring residents have reasonable and timely access to care when they need it.

    I will continue advocating for the future of Douglas Memorial and for a sustainable Urgent Care model that serves Fort Erie residents.

    This motion is ultimately about accountability, transparency and ensuring Fort Erie’s voice is heard when decisions are being made about the future of health care in our community.

    We have presented solutions. We have advocated. We have asked for collaboration.

    Now we need accountability and a clear commitment to the future of Urgent Care in Fort Erie.

  • Residential beach pass

    Exploring free Bay Beach passes for Fort Erie residents

    At Monday’s Council meeting, I brought forward an issue that I believe is worth exploring as we look ahead to the Town of Fort Erie’s 2026–27 budget: the possibility of providing free Bay Beach passes to Fort Erie residents.

    As part of the annual year-end Bay Beach report, I would like Council to better understand the proportion of revenue generated from resident passes compared with non-resident passes, and determine the financial impact if resident fees were eliminated.

    I also want staff to explore whether that lost revenue could be absorbed through the existing operation or offset through other revenue opportunities, including potential changes to non-resident fees.

    This was an initial discussion, and I will be following up with a Notice of Motion formally requesting that staff bring this scenario and the associated financial information back to Council for consideration during the upcoming 2026–27 budget deliberations.

    Start with the facts

    No decision has yet been made. The first step is getting the facts, understanding the financial implications and giving Council the information it needs to have an informed discussion.

    I believe it’s an option worth exploring. Bay Beach is one of our community’s greatest assets, and we should understand what opportunities exist to make it more accessible to the Fort Erie residents whose tax dollars help support it.

    Follow this web site for more information as Fort Erie explores this potential opportunity. 

  • Traffic Safety

    Point Abino Road and Michener Road: a priority

    Traffic safety continues to be one of the concerns I hear about most from residents, and it remains an important priority for me as your Ward 5 Councillor.

    Concerns about several locations have been raised. In particular, residents need an update following recent motor vehicle collisions at Point Abino Road and Michener Road.

    Immediate Priority

    The recent collision today at the Point Abino Road and Michener Road intersection did not result in serious injuries. However, we cannot simply wait for a more serious accident before acting.

    This intersection has been discussed at the Traffic Coordinating Committee and Council on numerous occasions, and residents in the area have raised concerns for some time. Some of the issues include:

    • Poor sightlines when approaching and entering the intersection;
    • The location and visibility of the existing stop sign on the south side of Point Abino Road;
    • Driver confusion about which direction has the right-of-way;
    • Vehicles stopping on Point Abino Road and then proceeding into the intersection, apparently believing traffic on Michener Road will also stop;
    • Reports from neighbours of frequent near misses and incidents that may never be formally reported.

    I have personally experienced vehicles entering the intersection in front of me when I traveled east and west. Based on what we are seeing and hearing, I believe this intersection should become a four-way stop. This would accomplish two important things: provide greater clarity and safety at the intersection; and help slow traffic travelling along Michener Road.

    Following the most recent incidents, I have spoken with the Mayor and the Director of Infrastructure. I believe there is sufficient evidence to support moving forward with a four-way stop in the interest of public safety. Staff are now working on the necessary data collection and review to support implementing a four-way stop, while we also work to bring the matter before the Traffic Coordinating Committee for discussion and direction. We are also looking at options to expedite the review rather than allowing the matter to unnecessarily sit in the process.

    I want residents to know that this intersection is being taken seriously and is a priority.

    Michener Road / Farr Avenue Area

    There are also concerns further along Michener Road that need attention, particularly approaching the bends in the road near Farr Avenue, Cherry Hill Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue. Travelling east, the speed limit is posted at 70 km/h near 4548 Michener Road and again around Cherry Hill Boulevard. It then drops to 60 km/h immediately before the bend near Elmwood Avenue. Feedback I have received suggests that the transition to 60 km/h should occur earlier, providing drivers with more time to reduce their speed before approaching the bend. There is also a need to review whether additional curve warning signs and directional chevrons should be installed to better identify the change in the roadway.

    I have asked that the entire approach to this area be considered rather than looking at one individual sign or location in isolation.

    Erie Road — Lakewood Avenue to Rosewood Avenue

    Another area requiring attention is the bend on Erie Road between Lakewood Avenue and Rosewood Avenue.

    There have been numerous incidents in this area. In the past year alone, vehicles have left the roadway and struck private property on two occasions. Residents also report other vehicles leaving the roadway that may never result in a formal police report. A particular concern is the sidewalk on the north side of Erie Road. When vehicles are unable to negotiate the bend and leave the roadway, there is very little separating them from pedestrians using the sidewalk. This area also needs to be reviewed from both a traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety perspective, including whether additional signage, speed reduction measures, roadway markings or other improvements are appropriate.

    We need to keep improving road safety

    Traffic calming isn’t about making it difficult to get around our community. It’s about encouraging drivers to travel at appropriate speeds, making intersections predictable and giving pedestrians, cyclists and motorists a safer environment.

    I appreciate the residents who continue to bring these concerns forward. Local residents see what happens on these roads every day, and reports of near misses are particularly important because they often don’t appear in official collision statistics. Point Abino Road and Michener Road, the Michener/Farr area, and the bend on Erie Road are priorities I am actively pursuing with Town staff. I will continue pushing for practical improvements and will provide residents with updates as recommendations and decisions move forward.

    Sharing your concerns with the Town of Fort Erie

    If there is a location in Ward 5 where you believe speeding, sightlines, signage, pedestrian safety or other traffic concerns need to be addressed, please reach out. Hearing directly from residents helps identify problem areas and supports the case for action.

    To report traffic concerns, there is currently a Traffic Calming page on the Town website, as well as a Traffic Calming Let’s Talk page where residents can submit feedback and concerns. I’ve included links to both below for your reference.

    Public safety must always come first and where there is evidence that improvements can make our roads safer, we should act.

    Councillor Tom Lewis
    Ward 5 – Crystal Beach & Ridgeway

  • Council Agenda: August 10 

    In this weeks upcoming meets we have the follow items to note:

    1. Draft Community Improvement Plan and Designation of Community Improvement Project Areas (PBBS-38-2026)
    2. PBBS-12-1-2026 Proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendments Addendum Recommendation Report for 19 Derby Road

    To view the full Council package click on the links below
    – Council -in-Committee Agenda- August 10, 2026 HTML
    – Council-in-Committee Agenda – August 10, 2026 PDF

  • Derby Road application

    At the July 20, 2026 meeting of Fort Erie Town Council, Council will consider a planning application involving 19 Derby Road in Crystal Beach.

    The item before Council, Report PBBS-12-1-2026, recommends approval of amendments to both the Town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law for the property. If approved, Council would also direct staff to prepare the necessary by-laws to implement the changes.

    Planning applications such as this are an important part of managing growth and ensuring future development aligns with the Town’s planning policies and long-term vision for the community. Council’s role is to carefully review the staff report, supporting documentation, and any public input before making a decision.

    Residents who have an interest in this application are encouraged to review the agenda materials in advance of the meeting to better understand the proposal and the recommendations being brought forward by staff.

    As your Ward 5 Councillor, I believe it is important to keep residents informed about significant planning matters coming before Council. I encourage anyone with questions or comments regarding this application to reach out to me or to participate in the Council process.

    Council’s decision on this item will be made during the July 20, 2026 Council meeting following discussion and consideration of the staff report.

    To read the full report click here

  • Summer season at Waterfront Park

    The first evening of the Crystal Beach Concert Series got underway tonight at Waterfront Park, marking a welcome start to another summer of live music and community gathering by the lake.

    Despite a weather forecast that looked uncertain earlier in the day, the evening turned out to be a beautiful one. The rain largely held off, and residents and visitors were able to enjoy a comfortable night outdoors, setting the tone for a great summer season.

    A sincere thank you to the volunteers from the Ridgeway–Crystal Beach Kin Club and the Crystal Beach Business Improvement Area Board of Management for their continued dedication in organizing and supporting this fantastic community event. Their hard work behind the scenes is what makes evenings like this possible.

    Thank you as well to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, and contributed to the success of opening night. Community events like the Crystal Beach Concert Series are a reminder of what makes this area such a special place to live, work, and visit.

    For those looking to enjoy more summer activities, information on upcoming Thursday Summer Market events and future concerts can be found by following the Crystal Beach Waterfront Supper Market.

  • Better parking options

    Parking in Crystal Beach continues to be one of the most talked-about issues in our community, especially during the busy summer season when our area welcomes so many visitors.

    Recently, Fort Erie Radio reported on changes to parking pass fees in Crystal Beach, including a reduction in monthly costs. These adjustments are part of an ongoing effort to find the right balance between supporting local residents, maintaining fair access to our municipal lots, and ensuring our local businesses continue to thrive.

    Parking policy is never simple in a beach community like ours. We need to consider turnover in high-demand areas, affordability for residents who rely on these spaces, and the overall visitor experience that supports our local economy. When changes are made, it’s important that they reflect real feedback from the community and remain practical for the long term.

    I continue to support approaches that keep Crystal Beach accessible while making sure we are managing our infrastructure responsibly. These conversations are ongoing, and I appreciate the input we continue to receive from residents, business owners, and visitors alike.

    For more details on the changes and the full discussion, I encourage you to read the Fort Erie Radio article below.

    👉 Click or tap the button below for the full article.

    Full article: Crystal Beach parking

    As always, I welcome feedback from residents as we work through these important community issues together.

    Tom Lewis
    Ward 5 Councillor, Town of Fort Erie

  • A four-way stop for Point Abino-Michener intersection?

    As many residents in Ward 5 know, traffic safety is something I take seriously especially in areas where rural roads, seasonal traffic, and residential access all meet.

    Recently, I spoke with Fort Erie Radio about an important intersection in our community: Point Abino Road and Michener Road. I have raised concerns about safety at this location and suggested that a four-way stop may be a practical, low-cost solution to help calm traffic and improve visibility for drivers entering and exiting the intersection.

    This is not about adding unnecessary infrastructure—it’s about responding to real conditions on the ground. Residents who travel this route regularly understand that traffic patterns change with the seasons, and safety measures need to reflect that reality.

    Traffic calming tools like four-way stops can make a meaningful difference, especially in areas where sightlines, speed, and turning movements create potential risks. My goal is always to look for practical solutions that enhance safety while respecting the flow of traffic and the character of our community.

    I encourage residents to read the full Fort Erie Radio article to learn more about the discussion and the context behind this proposal.

    👉 You can read the full article here:
    https://forterieradio.ca/lewis-eyes-four-way-stop-for-point-abino-michener-intersection/

    As always, I welcome feedback from residents. These conversations are how we continue to improve safety and quality of life in Ward 5—together.

    — Tom Lewis

  • Fort Erie Exploring New Development Charge Reduction Program to Support Housing Growth

    At this week’s Council meeting, an important report was presented regarding a newly announced funding opportunity that could help accelerate housing development in Fort Erie while securing additional infrastructure funding for our community.

    Council supported a recommendation directing Town staff to further investigate and prepare an application for the newly launched Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), with applications due by June 19, 2026.

    For those who may not be familiar with Development Charges (DCs), they are fees collected from developers to help municipalities fund infrastructure required to support growth, including roads, water and wastewater systems, parks, and other municipal services. Development Charges are often a topic of discussion when considering housing affordability and the cost of new residential construction.

    The Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program offers municipalities a unique opportunity. Under the program, municipalities can access federal and provincial infrastructure funding in exchange for committing to meaningful reductions in residential development charges for a period of three years.

    To be eligible, municipalities must commit to reducing residential Development Charges by at least 30%, with greater funding opportunities available for larger reductions of up to 50% or more. These reductions must be applied consistently across all residential development types and maintained throughout the three-year program period.

    The report presented to Council outlined the potential financial opportunities available to the Town, while also identifying the work that must be undertaken before an application can be submitted. Town staff will now review eligible capital projects contained within the Town’s Development Charges Background Study and 10-Year Capital Plan to determine which projects may qualify for funding through the program.

    Council’s support of this initial step does not automatically reduce Development Charges. Rather, it authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer and Town staff to conduct the necessary analysis, evaluate the potential impacts, and submit an application before the provincial deadline.

    This review is important because it will help determine whether Fort Erie can leverage additional infrastructure funding while continuing to support responsible growth and housing development in our community.

    As housing affordability and housing supply continue to be priorities across Ontario, programs such as the DCRP may provide municipalities with additional tools to encourage new residential construction while ensuring the infrastructure needed to support growth remains in place.

    I will continue to follow this initiative closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

    Residents interested in reviewing the full report can find it within the June 8, 2026 Council Agenda package:

    https://pub-forterie.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=10d22483-fee6-4f53-b050-72886088ac06&Agenda=Merged&lang=English