Tag: Fort Erie

  • 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

  • Important Health Care Update

    This Weekend Niagara Health staff have contacted the Mayor of Fort Erie to advise of temporary changes to Urgent Care Centre hours this weekend due to a physician shortage.

    Photo Credit Niagara this Week

    • The Fort Erie (Douglas Memorial) Urgent Care Centre will close at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday

    • The Port Colborne Urgent Care Centre will close at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday

    NH have advised these closures will occur on alternating days and are related to staffing challenges being experienced across the Niagara Health system.

    Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and seek alternative care options if needed.

    Further updates will be shared as they become available or visit Niagara Health for more detail.

  • Public Statement – Re: Niagara Health Request for Additional $10.5M

    I would like to formally acknowledge receipt of Niagara Health’s recent letter to Fort Erie Council regarding the South Niagara Hospital and the future of the Fort Erie healthcare site.

    For the first time, Niagara Health has formally recognized that healthcare services in Fort Erie have a future. That acknowledgement matters to our community and to this Council. However, it is deeply concerning that this recognition appears to be conditional on the Town making a $10.5 million financial contribution. Can we say extortion maybe?

    Fort Erie residents should not be asked to pay for access to healthcare or to secure recognition of services in their own community. Healthcare is a public good, not a bargaining tool.

    The Town has been clear and consistent: Fort Erie requires accessible, reliable healthcare close to home. Our residents already face longer travel times, limited transit options, and reduced local services. Any request for municipal funding must come with clear, binding commitments—not uncertainty or implied pressure.

    In my opinion the Town of Fort Erie should not commit taxpayer dollars without:

    • Clear guarantees about healthcare services for Fort Erie residents
    • Transparency around the future of the Fort Erie site
    • A fair and equitable approach that recognizes Fort Erie’s unique geography and needs

    I reject the notion that planning for Fort Erie’s healthcare future is “premature.” Our community has waited long enough. Fort Erie has the right to plan for its future now, not after financial conditions are imposed.

    Myself and the rest of Council remains open to collaboration, but collaboration must be based on mutual respect, transparency, and certainty not conditional recognition or deadlines driven by external interests. Fort Erie has always wanted to collaborate by we need a partner to make it happen.

    I will continue to stand up for Fort Erie residents and will not make decisions under pressure or without clear public benefit.

  • Hospital funding commitment needs ‘iron clad’ conditions, councillor says

    Hospital funding commitment needs ‘iron clad’ conditions, councillor says

  • Community improvement plan program to include Crystal Beach

    Community improvement plan program to include Crystal Beach

  • Campaign Lawn Signs Start Going Up!

    Well it’s staring to look like a campaign! Thank you to all of my supporters, and to those who choose to show their support by taking a sign. If you’d like one for your lawn, email tom@tomlewis.ca or call 289 599 1717. Get them while supplies last!

  • Article: Fence blocking access to lake in Crystal Beach sparks petition

    By Nick FearnsFort Erie Post Tue., July 21, 2020

    A fence blocking a road allowance in Crystal Beach has sparked a petition that has garnered more than 570 signatures, surpassing a goal of 500.

    Tom Lewis, a Crystal Beach resident, started the petition earlier this month after a fence went up in one location near the access, and then was installed in a different location nearby.

    Lewis said he grew up in nearby Ridgeway and has used the road allowance for at least the past 20 years in order to go kayaking or use his paddle board.

    He said he had not been aware of any issues about accessing the water prior to the fence going up.

    Lewis, a former town councillor, said it was never an issue when he represented the ward from 2003 until 2006.

    To read the full article click here

    To visit the petition click here