Regional Councillor Tom Insinna, May 14, 2026, Volume 7, Issue 18

At the Regional Council meeting on April 30th, 2026, Niagara Parks Chair Graham Coveney and CEO David Adames provided an update on Niagara Parks’ activities and projects. It was noted that visitors from over 169 countries generated over $ 183 million. US visitors accounted for 37% of attendance, while Canadian visitors accounted for 45%. Niagara Parks is one of the leading employers in the Region, with a staff of approximately 2,000 during peak summer hours and a payroll that exceeds $75 million. There are several areas of focus for NP, including environmental and cultural stewardship.

The environmental work NP focuses on includes restoration projects such as Gonder’s Flats, right here in Fort Erie, as well as improvements to the Niagara River Recreation Trail. On the cultural side, Niagara Parks looks after and promotes heritage sites such as Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord Homestead, and the Landscape of Nations Memorial at Queenston Heights. These are just a few of the projects Niagara Parks is involved with, along with many key projects now underway.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Butterfly Conservatory, with new exhibits and the introduction of digital illustrations for young and old. 2026 also marks the 75th anniversary of the Whirlpool Golf Course, a Thompson-designed course.

This year, Canada is a host for the FIFA 26 World Cup, and Niagara Parks will be opening up the front lawn of Queen Victoria Park to have watch parties for all the games starting June 11.

This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and the School of Horticulture, and it will see the start of construction of one of the largest Children’s Gardens in Ontario, with an anticipated opening in 2028.

In Fort Erie, several capital projects are scheduled for this year. The breakwall restoration project will continue, along with modifications to the pathways to enhance the restoration. The marina will receive a $1.8 million injection for upgrades, including electrical work. There are several road resurfacing projects that will be taking place along the parkway, including Mather’s Park Trail realignment, Service Rd 23 and 30, Cairns Crescent and several sections of the parkway in Fort Erie.

As many will note, the cellular reception along the parkway is lacking, so Niagara Parks is moving forward with a plan to upgrade the cellular coverage, with the first two locations coming online in 2027.

There are many more projects and concepts Niagara Parks is involved in, and I would encourage you to check out their website to see how you can enjoy what we have in our backyard.

Mark your calendars: the Knights of Columbus will be holding their Pasta Dinner take-out on May 23, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Pasta, along with meatballs, is $10.00, with the proceeds going to local charities.

Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods has been growing stronger to meet the needs of those less fortunate in our community. They now have a phone number that you can reach out to for help with issues such as: food insecurity, finances, dealing with government agencies, taxes and senior support, to name a few – 289-320-8860.

I want to once again thank all the service clubs and organizations in our Town that help make lives a little better; you are to be commended.

Please be kind to others and keep smiling!