Category: Uncategorized

  • Council to Consider Official Plan and Zoning Amendments for 19 Derby Road

    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

  • Crystal Beach Concert Series Kicks Off the 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 what promises to be a great season ahead.

    A sincere thank you goes out 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.

  • Making Parking More Accessible for Crystal Beach Residents and Visitors

    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.

    👉 Read the full article here:
    https://forterieradio.ca/town-reducing-monthly-fees-on-crystal-beach-parking-passes/

    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

  • 2026 Town of Fort Erie Fire Department Awards

    One of my favourite events each year is the Town of Fort Erie, Fort Erie Fire Department Awards Evening. It’s a meaningful opportunity to reflect and recognize the many contributions made by our largely volunteer fire department.

    Thank you to everyone who helped make tonight such a success and to those who couldn’t attend because they were on duty, ensuring our community remained protected while we gathered to celebrate you. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.

  • 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

  • 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

  • ‘Enough is enough:’ Local politicians decry Niagara Health’s decision to reduce urgent care hours

    Niagara Health has announced temporary closures and reduced hours at urgent care centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne this summer due to a critical shortage of doctors, forcing the facilities to shut on some weekend days and holidays. The health-care provider says the changes are necessary to ensure full 24/7 staffing at major emergency departments in Niagara Falls, Welland and St. Catharines, and that physician staffing gaps remain severe despite recruitment efforts. The Pointer

    The service changes have drawn strong criticism from local leaders who say residents will face longer travel times and reduced access to care. Councillor Tom Lewis called the decision a “health care emergency and a threat to our health care” and has pushed for Niagara Health leadership changes in response.

    To read the CBC article click here