Author: Tom Lewis

  • 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

  • Reflecting on AMO 2026 – From Learning to Leading

    While driving to Ottawa the other day for the Assocaiton 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 ups, 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