August 21st, 2025 • Volume 6 • Issue 25

Regional Councillor Tom Insinna

Trailers -Temporary Shelters – Waste Management, and Water/Wastewater – War of 1812 Siege Reenactment -Advancing Crystal Beach – Produce Market – Picnic Tables on Jarvis – Construction Begins at the Lions Douglas Apartments

I have been fielding numerous questions from residents regarding the mobile trailers located on the Region’s property adjacent to the Beer Store in Fort Erie. The trailers, which will be used as temporary shelters, are currently being stored there until a location can be found in St Catharines.

At the Budget Review Committee of the Whole meeting last week, Waste Management, along with Water/Wastewater, were discussed. A Waste Management plan was developed to plan ahead for landfills. We know that there are 25 years left with our current landfill site, and this is very much in line with Provincial Government numbers regarding landfill sites for the entire province. When I inquired about alternatives to burying the garbage in the ground, there was no indication that the staff would explore other avenues. I left being assured that they would look at the different forms of waste disposal; however, it wasn’t in the plan right now.

You can probably guess, this didn’t sit well with me. I suggested that staff “think outside the box” and come up with meaningful alternatives, after all, 25 years is not a long time when it comes to funding and building whatever is necessary.

On the Water/Wastewater side of Public Works, the presentation once again described the state of assets in this department. As I have written about in the last two issues, the facilities that are supposed to supply safe drinking water and take away our sewage are in jeopardy. An asset review was conducted, and the Director and team will present a plan to navigate this potential critical state that is fast approaching.

During my time at the Region, we have been putting money into our Water/Wastewater program. Still, we could not afford the major overhaul that was required due to other competing program needs. Staff had no plan to address the deteriorating facilities. The issue of underfunding goes back many years, long before I came to the Region. Funding for future needs was not contemplated, and for many years, there was no increase to the program, not even inflationary costs.

There were potential asks for the 2026 budget, but they were just preliminary. The real numbers regarding Water/Wastewater and Waste Management will be brought forward at the next budget meeting in September.

I attended the War of 1812 Siege Reenactment at Old Fort Erie on August 9th for the dusk assault on the Fort. I thought I knew about what transpired during the war, but seeing it brought history to life. All the reenactors, along with the staff at Niagara Parks and the many volunteers, are to be commended for an outstanding weekend.

On August 28th, Advancing Crystal Beach will be holding another produce market from 10 am till the produce runs out. The market will be held at Crystal Ridge Community Church, located on Elmwood Avenue in Crystal Beach. Thank you to the sponsors of this market, namely United Way Niagara and Meridian Credit Union, and all those helping at the market.

I am happy to see that the picnic tables I had requested have been delivered at the bottom of Jarvis St, near the coal dock area. Thank you to the Niagara Parks crew. I am sure they will get a lot of use by residents.

Construction has begun at the Lions Douglas Apartments on High St in Fort Erie. It is very gratifying to see this finally taking place. Rankin Construction will be building the new apartment complex for seniors.

Please remember to be kind to others and keep smiling!