Christine Whelan FEO, October 13, 2022, VOL. 4 ISSUE 4
The Town of Fort Erie has engaged in a process to bring improvements to Bridgeburg, most notably on Jarvis Street. These improvements were requested by the Bridgeburg BIA and will result in a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood with a reconstructed road and aesthetic enhancements. Also included are wayfinding elements, signature features and additional parking opportunities.
The History
According to Let’s Talk Fort Erie on the Town of Fort Erie website, in 2015, at the request of the Bridgeburg BIA, staff prepared a street furniture plan for Jarvis Street to provide some guidance relative to planned beautification initiatives. Since that time, the Bridgeburg BIA has undertaken a variety of improvements including the installation of benches, floral planters, bike racks and garbage receptacles. In addition, the Fort Erie Active Transportation Committee partnered with the Bridgeburg BIA, Fort Erie High School and Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School to design, manufacture and install six themed bike racks along Jarvis Street.
In early 2017, representatives from the Bridgeburg BIA met with staff to discuss more extensive improvements to the business district, similar in nature to those undertaken in downtown Ridgeway. Desired improvements included changes to parking, signage and gateway features; new lighting, paved surfaces, landscaping and crossings; and the burial of utilities and irrigation services.
Staff recommended the development of a conceptual streetscape plan to identify the design and location of various features, recommend materials and estimate the cost and potential phasing of improvements. With such a plan in place, the Bridgeburg BIA and Town would be in a better position to plan and budget for future infrastructure improvements and apply for infrastructure funding. As staff resources were not available to prepare the conceptual streetscape plan, professional consulting services were to be retained.
The outcome promises to be amazing, however, the process has proven to be challenging.
Julie Brady of the Bridgeburg BIA has been trying to get the word out there that Jarvis Street is still open for business.
“The south side of the sidewalk is still open and the street is still passable. They’re just working on the north side first. They’re starting to pour the curbs now,” Brady informed.
Julie stated that, as much as everyone is looking forward to the new and improved downtown, in these days of construction, “The businesses are really struggling right now. We need to get the traffic down Jarvis Street.”
Where to Park
There are several spots to park, from Central to Niagara Boulevard. Julie clarified, “The municipal lot, which is right beside SubCulture, close to the Central / Jarvis corner, is still open. You can park on Dufferin Street and go through the alley to get to Jarvis Street. Behind what is now called Bridgeburg Furniture, there’s a parking lot off Courtwright Street.”
There is parking along Klauck Street, the little side street between Jarvis and Courtwright. There is also the lot down at the bottom of Jarvis Street, at the coal docks, on Niagara Boulevard.
She brought up another challenge. “It’s got to be hard for these businesses that serve food. Food spoils and it must be hard to predict how many people are going to come in and order food.”
Brady shares the Bridgeburg businesses’ Facebook posts on the Bridgeburg District, Fort Erie, Ontario Facebook Page to remind the town of the businesses. She shared a post from Bryan Doornekamp, proprietor of the Chip Truck, with the main message, simply, “We are open!”
Businesses like Mod Retro Shop have had to restrict their hours accordingly, as the temporary sign out front, seen in a Facebook post at the end of September, informed the store was “open only by chance or appointment”. Kiran Katta announced in a post that the grand opening for her new business, Bridgeburg Furniture, was October 12th.
Not only is it business as usual down on Jarvis, but there are new beginnings.
The Coming Events
Julie shared, “I just had a meeting with the Town and they have asked us to relocate the Truck or Treat Halloween Event from Jarvis Street to Courtwright Street.” Jarvis Street, according to Brady, is not going to be at a good spot in the construction during that time.
Bridgeburg Truck or Treat will on Saturday, October 22nd, from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.
“The Santa Claus Parade, which will be on November 19th at 5:00 pm, will be in Bridgeburg. We’re just working on the route,” Julie said.
“We’re probably looking at December before the base coat is done and everything will be buttoned up for the winter. So, we’re looking at several more weeks.”
Photo provided by Julie Brady
