More than $7.1 million invested to strengthen Fort Erie’s waterfront and protect public access
FEO, October 1, 2026, Volume 8, Issue 2
Fort Erie residents and visitors can once again enjoy the Niagara River Recreation Trail following major shoreline protection and trail improvements along the Fort Erie waterfront.
Niagara Parks has completed a significant portion of its multi-year project to rehabilitate the Fort Erie Breakwall, which has been damaged over the years by severe storms, high water levels and ice.
More than 1.2 kilometres of the approximately 2.15-kilometre breakwall has now been rehabilitated, with Niagara Parks investing more than $7.1 million to date in breakwall repairs and waterfront resiliency improvements.
The latest work focused on 568 metres of shoreline between 2023 and 2026, including areas near Mather Arch and the Peace Bridge. Improvements included new foundation work, replacement concrete sections and large armour stone placed in the water to help protect the shoreline from waves, erosion and future ice damage.
The project follows recommendations made after the 2019 ice wall event, which caused significant damage to sections of the historic breakwall.
Trail improvements
The Niagara River Recreation Trail has also received upgrades designed to reduce flooding and water damage.
About 670 metres of trail were improved, including the relocation of 250 metres to higher ground closer to the Niagara Parkway. Another 420 metres of low-lying trail were regraded and reconstructed.
Niagara Parks says the improvements are intended to provide greater long-term protection for the shoreline, nearby parkland and recreational trail.
The work was carried out in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which reviewed and approved the project, including measures designed to support fish habitat.
The trail has now reopened to the public, although a small section of shoreline work remains. Niagara Parks expects all remaining work to be completed by October 2026.
The Fort Erie Breakwall extends north from Old Fort Erie beyond the Peace Bridge and plays an important role in protecting the shoreline, parkland and recreational areas along the Niagara River.
