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.
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