March 19, 2026

Tom Insinna, Regional Councillor

Everyone by now has heard about the turmoil transpiring at the Region, the talk of amalgamation, and the most recent resignation of the Regional Chair, Bob Gale. At the time of writing this article, it is unknown what will happen in the next few weeks, let alone months. As of now, the Chair of the Region will go back to an alphabetical rotation of Councillors for a month at a time until the Provincial Government decides on how they will move forward. Currently, Councillor Rob Foster from Lincoln is the Chair for March. I will ensure I keep everyone up to date as the dust settles.

In November of 2025, the Automated Speed Enforcement program was cancelled by the Province; however, it did not discontinue the Red Light Camera program. This program, which utilizes cameras at controlled intersections, has shown a decrease in serious collisions over the last year and a reduction in the number of tickets being issued by 29.4%. There are currently no plans to increase the number of red light cameras in the Region. The only one in Fort Erie remains at the intersection of Garrison Rd and Daytona/Petitt Rd.

I had the opportunity to attend the Cultural Night at G.F.E.S.S. The event brought members of the diverse cultures from our community together to share stories and a meal. The Fort Erie Multicultural Centre, along with the many students of G.F.E.S.S. were able to showcase how you can bring the many cultures together under one roof. Thanks go out to all those who prepared food from their different backgrounds to be shared by all. Thank you to all involved, and I look forward to next year.

The road construction project for Garrison Road between Rosehill Rd and Helena St has been slated to take place in July of this year. The project involves the removal and replacement of the asphalt and will require the removal of the Pride Crosswalk to do the work. The new crosswalk will be done in the spring of 2027, so that a full winter season will have passed, and plows will not be scraping the streets shortly after the crosswalk is redone.

I wanted to let residents know about a program that exists in Fort Erie called Mom Box. This outreach program offers assistance with everything related to babies, children, and parenting. This voluntary group supplies items such as diapers, wipes, shampoo, lotions, crib bedding, clothing, and much more to parents in need. The program operates out of the Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church on Bertie St and is open on the first Monday and Tuesday of every month from 5pm to 7pm. The Mom Box relies strictly on donations from the community, and should there be an abundance of items, it will share them with other organizations that provide similar services. This group welcomes and supports anyone in need. The Mom Box has assisted over 5000 families over the last 3 to 4 years, with some coming from as far as Fonthill seeking help. There is no registration, and everything is free of charge.

A special thank you goes out to Bill’s Toyota and the Fort Erie Knights of Columbus for their donations of $10,000.00 each to Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods. The money will be used to support their programs by investing in storage facilities to better serve those in need.

Once again, I have seen our community in action, coming together to help each other. I am so proud to be part of a community that cares for its neighbours and is ready to help should the need arise. Thank you, Fort Erie! Please remember to be kind to others and keep smiling!