Council met for a regular council meeting on March 23rd, 2026, with all Councillors present except Regional Councillor Insinna.
Dr. Lesley Rigg, President and Vice Chancellor of Brock University, provided a presentation with an update on Brock’s strategic plan. The presentation highlighted the importance of community partnerships, supporting innovation, and creating lasting impact in Niagara by retaining and supporting local talent.
Mayor Redekop and Councillors congratulated GFESS swimmers on their recent accomplishments and victories at Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association (SOSSA) and advancement to Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships, presenting each swimmer with a congratulatory certificate and Town of Fort Erie pin.
The tennis club conversation continued as Council received the Operating Agreement and Operational Update for information, with important concerns raised about water costs, memberships, and scheduling. The conversation resulted in a decision on the preferred operating model for the courts (2) and approval to cover initial startup costs needed to transition to this new model.
Council highlighted the invaluable role of volunteerism in communities, and proclaimed April 19th to April 25th, 2026, as “National Volunteer Week”.
The meeting provided an update on the Niagara Fiasco due to recent developments, such as the resignation of Regional Chair Bob Gale and his decision not to return to his role as Regional Councillor. Since Council approved a resolution at the February 23rd meeting that resulted in Mayor Redekop filing a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner against Gale, the Mayor was directed to formally withdraw the complaint and to take no further action by the Mayor or town staff due to these developments.
Environmental concerns were discussed, including a citizen’s concern about noxious weeds, the community cleanup timing due to potential tick exposure, and adopt-a-road concerns, with staff responding to coordinate communication, scheduling, and community safety.
On the topic of safety outdoors, Mayor Redekop raised concerns about improving railroad signage for drivers crossing railways and issues associated with rural roads lacking double surface treatment. Staff responded to the railway concerns with measures such as increased yield signs/shark teeth, additional signage, and possibly installing delineators. To improve rural roads, staff are analyzing data to upgrade existing road programs to address concerns.
The entire meeting is available on the Town’s YouTube page. Council will reconvene on April 13th, 2026, for their next Council-in-Committee meeting.
