Bay Beach paver stones delayed to 2026 despite ‘good intentions’

Work on the long planned commemorative paver stone installation at Bay Beach will not resume until spring 2026, delaying completion as cold weather prevents crews from setting the engraved stones.

The project aims to create a durable hardscape around the iconic Crystal Beach sign using community funded pavers honouring local families and businesses.

Construction crews have already excavated the turf in front of the sign and poured decorative concrete, leaving a plywood covered cavity where the stones will sit.

Robin Bannerman, Crystal Beach BIA member and owner of the Crystal Ball Cafe, told Fort Erie Radio she has “100 per cent confidence” the project will come to fruition for spring of 2026.

The BIA had hoped to complete the installation earlier this year, but Bannerman said colder weather shut the window for finishing work because the stones cannot be set while frost risks shifting the base.

She added that volunteer capacity across the BIA contributed to the slower rollout. Many members juggle full schedules, which made it difficult to run planned monthly promotions for paver orders through local shops.

“We had good intentions of completing in a timely fashion but unfortunately [we] did not,” said Bannerman.

Past issues with the Lions Club paver stone project at Bay Beach nearly a decade ago influenced the decision to select a sturdier product and not rush installation.

“You do not want to see them erode, you do not want to see them crack, you do not want to see the message coming off, so we were really particular about the manufacturer,” said Bannerman.

The paver initiative began in 2024 as a partnership between the BIA and the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach Kin Club. It is designed to replace the former mulch bed with personalized stones and improve accessibility for visitors posing for photos at the sign.

The concrete frame now in place includes a turquoise trim intended to complement the beach setting. Once temperatures warm, crews will inlay the stones purchased by residents.

Bannerman said the BIA is also planning off-season efforts to draw people to Erie Road.

“Our challenge is to keep people strolling along these streets in the shoulder and off season,” said Bannerman.

The return of the Hangover Hustle on New Year’s Day and a second run of a Monopoly-style promotion are in the works to keep the community involved with local businesses, both of which were very successful previous years according to Bannerman.

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