Author: Tom Lewis

  • Building a Better Crystal Beach: Sidewalk, Curb, and Lighting Improvements

    There’s a noticeable increase in construction activity across the Crystal Beach neighbourhood this week, as crews work on a series of important infrastructure upgrades. Residents and visitors may see sidewalk and curb repairs underway, along with street light replacements at the intersection of Ridgeway Road and Erie Road.

    While this kind of work can sometimes bring shortterm inconvenience, it plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the safety, accessibility, and overall appearance of our community. Well-maintained sidewalks and curbs support pedestrian safety and mobility, while updated street lighting enhances visibility and contributes to a safer environment for everyone, especially during evening hours.

    These projects are part of the Town of Fort Erie’s ongoing commitment to investing in local infrastructure and ensuring that Crystal Beach remains a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, and visit. Regular maintenance and timely upgrades help extend the life of public assets and prevent more significant issues down the road.

    This is also a great opportunity to remind residents that keeping our community in top shape is a shared responsibility. If you notice an area in need of repair whether it’s damaged pavement, lighting issues, or other concerns please take a moment to report it. Submitting these observations helps Town staff track issues, prioritize work, and plan for future improvements.

    Residents can report concerns by calling 905-871-1600 or by emailing customerservice@forterie.ca. Every report helps contribute to a safer, more connected community.

    Thank you to everyone for your patience as this work continues, and for playing a role in keeping Crystal Beach and the broader Fort Erie community well-maintained and thriving.

    Check out the Fort Erie Radio article by clicking on this link https://forterieradio.ca/fort-erie-expands-sidewalk-repairs-to-fix-worst-hazards/

  • Volunteer Appreication Week

    Volunteer Appreciation Week was this week and provided a time to recognize the MANY people who make Fort Erie and Crystal Beach so special.

    From community events to everyday acts of support, volunteers help keep our Town of Fort Erie connected and thriving. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt everywhere.

    Thank you to all our volunteers for the time and care you give to our community.

    Hand sketched THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS phrase as ad, web banner. Lettering

  • Fort Erie Pride Statement

    I am sharing this to offer a bit of clarity on how FortErie acknowledges, reflects, and celebrates diversity, pride, and equity.

    These values matter to our community, and it’s important to highlight the ways our community continues to grow, learn, and support one another.

    Statement from Mayor Wayne Redekop Regarding Pride Flag Raising

    “The Town of Fort Erie has committed meaningful and sustained action to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and foster inclusion across our municipality. Through ongoing partnerships, hosting community events, providing town facilities, raising the Pride flag, and actively promoting Pride initiatives, we have worked to ensure residents feel seen, supported, and welcome.

    We also work closely with the town’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coalition to advance inclusive practices, strengthen community connections, and guide our efforts across programs and services. Inclusion is reflected in our actions, our spaces, and our continued commitment to providing a community for everyone.

    We have historically supported Pride Niagara and will continue to do so. We value the relationship and the important work Pride Niagara does across the region.

    This year, Pride Niagara required that the Town of Fort Erie purchase a table of tickets to its annual awards event as a condition for raising its Pride flag.

    Introducing a required financial commitment to raise an organization’s flag sets a precedent that Fort Erie is not willing to do.

    This position does not reflect our commitment to Pride Niagara or the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is about maintaining a consistent and fair approach to how the town supports organizations across the community. We recognize that other municipalities are facing similar considerations.

    Fort Erie has been approached by local Pride community members wishing to raise the Pride flag on June 1st at Town Hall, so we will confirm a time and welcome anyone in the community who wishes to join us.”

  • Thank you to our Volunteers

    Volunteer Appreciation Week offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the many individuals who help make Fort Erie and Crystal Beach such vibrant and connected communities.

    From organizing local events to quietly supporting neighbours and community initiatives, volunteers play an essential role in strengthening the fabric of our town. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition, yet its impact is seen and felt every day.

    Their dedication, generosity, and community spirit are what keep Fort Erie thriving. On behalf of the community, thank you to all our volunteers for the time, energy, and care you continue to give.

    Thank you for all that you do!

  • Sidewalk and Curb Repairs

    There’s a lot of construction activity happening in the Crystal Beach neighbourhood this week, including sidewalk and curb repairs, as well as street light replacements at Ridgeway Road and Erie Road.

    These improvements are part of ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance our community’s infrastructure.

    This is also a good reminder if you notice an area in need of repair, please report it so it can be logged and reviewed by staff for future follow-up. You can call 905-871-1600 or email customerservice@forterie.ca.

    Keeping our community safe and well-maintained is a shared effort.

  • Happy Earth Day

    Today was a true celebration of community spirit and EarthDay from the opening of the community garden in Fort Erie with COPE, to tree planting in Ridgeway with the NPCA and the hard work from the Crystal Beach Beautification Committee including so many residents out walking, picking up garbage and debris.

    It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to care for the place we call home. Let’s not make this a once-a-year effort let’s stay committed every day to keeping our community clean, green, and thriving.

    Screenshot

    Happy Earth Day!

  • Niagara Transit Changes and New Route 751 Connecting Fort Erie

    Niagara Transit is introducing a new community bus service in Fort Erie, with Route 751 set to begin operations on Monday, April 27. This new route is designed to better serve high-demand areas across the community and offer consistent, reliable transportation for residents heading to work, school, appointments, shopping, and other daily activities.

    To help residents learn more, Niagara Transit is hosting a series of community information sessions on April 13, 15, and 16.

    At tonight’s Council meeting, I also raised the importance of accessibility and asked whether a virtual information session or webinar could be offered. This would provide an opportunity for those unable to attend in person to stay informed and even access the information afterward.

    For more information visit: https://www.nrtransit.ca/news/fort-erie-community-bus/

  • Fort Erie’s Response to the Regional Chair’s Amalgamation Proposal

    Tonight, Fort Erie Town Council listened to a presentation from Regional Chair Bob Gale outlining his personal view on the possible future of the Niagara Region, specifically, the concept of amalgamating into either one municipality or four. This came after Regional Chair Bob Gale wrote to Niagara Mayors last week asking for their preference by March 3rd with no details or public consultation.

    Chair Gale expressed concern about rising property taxes. That concern is legitimate and shared by many across Niagara including myself. However, when pressed for evidence that his proposed governance restructuring would reduce property tax increases, no supporting financial analysis, modelling, or data was provided. There was no business case, no cost-benefit assessment, and no implementation framework presented to substantiate the claim that amalgamation would result in savings. There was noting!

    It was also evident that this proposal does not carry the endorsement of Regional Council. Chairman Gale confirmed that his opinion and proposed recommendation have not been formally brought forward to Regional Council for debate or approval. A matter of this scale one that would fundamentally reshape local governance warrants regional deliberation and consensus before being advanced publicly or to the Province.

    Governance reform is not a minor administrative adjustment. It affects representation, taxation, service delivery, infrastructure planning, and community identity. Residents deserve a transparent, evidence-based discussion grounded in facts, comprehensive financial modelling, and meaningful public consultation.

    “Governance reform is too important to be driven by opinion alone. If we are going to have a serious conversation about amalgamation, it must be grounded in facts, supported by clear financial evidence, and shaped by meaningful public input. Fort Erie residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a credible plan not assumptions or slogans.”

    Tom Lewis – Councillor Town of Fort Erie

    Following the presentation and in light of correspondence received from Chair Gale, Fort Erie Council unanimously passed on a recorded vote an amendment (moved by Councillors Dubanow/Lewis) authorizing the Mayor of Fort Erie, on behalf of Council, to file a formal complaint with the Integrity Commissioner under Section 11 of the Region’s Code of Conduct. This decision reflects Council’s commitment to accountability and proper governance processes.

    Fort Erie remains focused on disciplined financial management and addressing long-term infrastructure challenges responsibly. We share the goal of efficient and effective government. However, efficiency cannot simply be asserted it must be demonstrated and tonight’s presentation by Chairman Gale was a failure is doing just that.

    This is part of Fort Erie Council’s response to the Chair’s proposal. Conversations about amalgamation must be based on evidence, include the voice of residents, and proceed with transparency and respect for established governance processes.

    Thank you to those who watched and attended and Council for asking the many questions that need to be addressed before any further consideration can be made with respect to the questions Chairman Gale is requesting.

    Residents can view the full Council meeting on the Town’s website and are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as this discussion continues to view the presentation visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2cx3QE_CQg [Time Starts at 1:20;40]

  • Bob Gale, Regional Chair – Announces plans for Niagara Region Governance Reform with minimal public consultation.

    Newly appojnted Niagara Region Chair Bob Gale has indicated that he intends to move forward with recommendations to the Province regarding potential governance reform in Niagara.

    The Town of Fort Erie recently received correspondence advising that options under consideration include amalgamating Niagara’s municipalities into either a single city (1) or four (4) city’s. Feedback from local councils has been requested by March 3, 2026.

    This is an important conversation and one that should be approached thoughtfully, transparently, and with meaningful public input.

    In my opinion governance reform should focus on improving efficiency, reducing unnecessary spending, and delivering better value for taxpayers. It should also recognize and respect municipalities that have managed growth responsibly, carried low levels of debt, and worked diligently over decades to address infrastructure gaps with little Provincial support.

    For perspective, it’s true Ontario has 124 MPPs representing the entire province, yet across Niagara there are 126 municipal elected officials including the Region of Niagara represatives.

    If we are serious about affordability and accountability, a discussion about modernization and reform is overdue. At the same time, amalgamation is not the only possible path to savings and we need to look at all options. We should carefully examine whether there are ways to reduce costs and improve service delivery without fundamentally restructuring our local governments and communities losing local attonomy.

    Many questions remain unanswered such as but not limited to

    • What would a one-city (1) or four-city (4) model actually look like?

    • What are the verified, long-term cost savings?

    • How would local representation be maintained?

    • Would decisions affecting your neighbourhood be made further from the community?

    Before any recommendation is finalized by the Regional Chair, local municipalities including residents deserve clarity and the opportunity to weigh in.

    With all that said… I want to hear from you!

    What are your thoughts on potential amalgamation and its impact on Fort Erie?

    Your feedback will help me pass along information from the community!

    tlewis@forterie.ca or follow me on face book or linkedin

    “Governance reform is a conversation worth having, but it must be done thoughtfully, transparently, and with meaningful public input. While Regional Chair Bob Gale has signaled his intention to move quickly, residents of Fort Erie deserve more details than simply implying ‘one city or four?’ and “tell me what you think, but you dont need more than two weeks time” We need to clearly understand what the models look like, what the real cost savings are, and how local decision making will be protected. If our goal is affordability and accountability, then reducing unnecessary spending and improving efficiency should be the focus , not rushing toward a predetermined outcome. I encourage residents to share their feedback as this important discussion moves forward.”

    Councillor – Tom Lewis – Town of Fort Erie

    To view the official Town of Fort Erie current position on the recent letter received by Regional Chair Bob Gale click here

  • 3990 Rebstock Road – Zoning Amendment Open House

    145 Derby Road and 3990 Rebstock Road – Applications for an Official Plan Amendment, a Zoning By-law Amendment, a Draft Plan of Subdivision and a Draft Plan of Common Elements Condominium to facilitate the development of 36 block townhouses and one 4-storey apartment building with 24 dwelling units had been submitted to the Town of Fort Erie.

    To view the full submission visit the link below.

    https://www2.forterie.ca/resource/eservicesPlanning.xsp?s1=PZAA-CRII-DC4R85

    Public Open House is February 24 2026 at 5:00 PM Town Hall 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie