Category: Tom

  • 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]

  • 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

  • Planning Application Notice 19 Derby Road

    The Town of Fort Erie has received an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application for the property at 19 Derby Road.

    The applications propose a three-storey apartment building. The requested amendments would:

    • Permit a three-storey apartment building within the existing site-specific Medium Density Residential designation; and
    • Rezone the property from Residential Multiple 1 (RM1-692) to a site-specific Residential Multiple 2 (RM2) zone.

    The zoning amendment includes site-specific provisions related to lot area, lot coverage, landscaping, and parking.

    Public Meeting

    A Public Meeting will be held to receive public input prior to Council making a decision.

    Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Council Chambers, Town Hall, 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie

    The meeting may be attended in person or virtually by registering with the Town Clerk at clerk@forterie.ca.

    The meeting will also be live-streamed on the Town of Fort Erie YouTube channel and the Town’s website (www.forterie.ca).

  • A Thank You to Our Infrastructure and Operations Team

    Over the weekend, Town of Fort Erie Infrastructure and Operations staff were hard at work clearing accumulated snow from the sides of roads in our business districts, including right here in Crystal Beach. I want to extend a sincere thank you to the crews for their dedication and professionalism.

    This work was an important and necessary step to ensure vehicles can park safely and access local shops and restaurants, while also preparing our roadways for any additional snow events we may see in the days and weeks ahead this winter. Keeping our business areas accessible is essential to supporting the local economy, especially during the colder months.

    I would also like to thank residents, business owners, and visitors for their patience as crews navigated temporary detours and road closures to complete this work safely and efficiently. These short-term inconveniences help ensure long-term safety and accessibility for everyone.

    Seeing crews out on a Sunday speaks volumes about their commitment to our community. Their willingness to work outside of regular hours does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated. Thank you for everything you do to keep Fort Erie safe, accessible, and moving.

    Now that the roads are cleared park the car, take a walk, and show some love to our local businesses. Supporting local makes a real difference!

  • Finding Beauty and Perspective along a Frozen Lake in Crystal Beach

    There’s something about a sunny winter day along Lake Erie that feels almost deceptive in the best way. With the sun overhead and the sky a clear winter blue, it’s easy to forget just how harsh and powerful the lake can be. A walk through Waterfront Park today was a reminder of that balance between beauty and respect for nature.

    The ice caves along the shoreline were absolutely stunning. Sculpted by wind, waves, and freezing temperatures, they feel otherworldly like something you’d expect to see much farther north. Sunlight bouncing off the ice brought out layers of blues and whites, and for a moment everything felt calm, quiet, and almost magical. It’s no surprise that these formations draw people out, cameras in hand, eager to take it all in.

    But as breathtaking as they are, the ice caves also tell a more serious story. Lake Erie doesn’t rest in winter it just changes. Ice can shift, crack, and break away without warning. What looks solid one moment can become dangerous the next, especially as temperatures fluctuate or sunlight weakens the ice from above. It’s a reminder that while nature invites us to admire it, it also demands our respect.

    Being out in the sun today, feeling the warmth on my face in the middle of winter, was a gift. Moments like these are what make living by the lake so special. At the same time, it’s important to enjoy them safely staying back from unstable ice, keeping distance from the caves themselves, and remembering that no photo or close-up view is worth the risk.

    Lake Erie in winter is beautiful, powerful, and humbling all at once. If you’re heading out to explore, take it slow, stay aware, and enjoy the view from a safe distance. Sometimes the best way to appreciate nature is simply to admire it as it.