September 4th, 2025 • Volume 6 • Issue 26
Regional Councillor Tom Insinna
Vision Zero Program – Niagara Takes Flight – West Nile – Snake Hill Parkette – ACB Market
The summer has passed quickly, and our young residents of Fort Erie will soon be heading back to school. As you are aware, the schools on Regional roads all have a community safety designation.
I have mentioned in numerous reports that the speed enforcement cameras will be active, and the Region has added to the inventory of locations. The new locations are mainly in the northern part of the Region.
A list of the new sites can be found on the Niagara Region website. The community safety zones have been clearly marked, and road markers have been added. Many in our community believe this is another government money grab; this is not the case. Any revenue generated is divided between the municipality and the Region, and it is reinvested in the Vision Zero Program. The program funds the new cameras, and the only tax levy used was to start the program several years ago.
This program, Vision Zero, is designed to protect our most vulnerable residents, our children. A review of the data from the last year shows that people are slowing down in designated community safety zones. Please be cognizant of the school buses that will be back on the road, especially if their lights are flashing.
I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the new Niagara Parks Commission attraction, Niagara Takes Flight. This state-of-the-art flying theatre takes you on a journey from Fort Erie along the Niagara River to the falls. It explores the history of our area, beginning with the Indigenous peoples, the battles that ensued, and the arrival of electrical energy.
The attraction offers an immersive look at the region’s geography while providing insight into its history. The ride allows you to see what the eagle sees from above, and included in that are the smells that you would encounter. As part of the fly-by, one of the most dramatic scenes was the re-enactment of the battle at Old Fort in Fort Erie. As you fly over, you can even smell the gunpowder. There was one part of the journey that brought you up close and personal with the falls itself and yes as you flew over you did get misted! The drone footage over the falls made you feel like you were flying right over it and then right beside it as you watched on the 180-degree domed screen.
It is a unique way to learn about the history of our area and its beauty. For those who have difficulty with motion sickness, like myself, it is okay. Your seats move a bit as you fly, but it is not bad at all. If you have the chance, it is worth the effort to visit the Table Rock Centre to participate.
Niagara Region Public Health has confirmed a case of West Nile virus in Niagara Falls. Please remember to take precautions when outdoors to avoid mosquito bites.
On Friday, September 12, 2025, the Town of Fort Erie will be celebrating the naming of Snake Hill Parkette. The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Lakeshore Road and Albert Street. Guest speakers will share the story of how Snake Hill came to be. The event is open to everyone.
ACB will be hosting its market on September 11, starting at 10 am on Elmwood Avenue in Crystal Beach. Be sure to stop by!
Please be kind to others, watch out for our young residents as they embark on a new school year and keep smiling!
