Fort Erie raises Community Living flag to kick off awareness month

Brent Jones
May 10, 2026 at 3:50 AM

Community Living Month officially kicked off in Fort Erie with a flag-raising ceremony at town hall led by Mayor Wayne Redekop and supporters of Community Living Fort Erie.

The town recognized May as Community Living Month in a Facebook post on May 4, highlighting the organization’s decades-long role supporting residents with intellectual challenges and their families.

“Community Living reflects the growing understanding that all people deserve the opportunity to be fully included in the community,” the town said in its post.

Community Living Month was officially recognized at town hall with a flag raising last Monday. Credit: Town of Fort Erie | Facebook

Community Living Fort Erie has operated in the community for more than 60 years, providing advocacy, programs and support services aimed at helping people with intellectual disabilities participate fully in everyday community life.

According to the organization, its roots date back to 1957, when local parents came together seeking better opportunities for children with intellectual challenges at a time when few services existed locally.

What began with classes in a Legion hall and later a small building on Lavinia Street has since grown into an organization that now supports more than 230 families across Greater Fort Erie.

Community Living Fort Erie says its mission focuses on promoting inclusion, diversity, accessibility and equity while ensuring people with intellectual disabilities are treated as valued members of the community.

The organization also works to reduce barriers to accessibility, including transportation, financial, communication and attitudinal barriers.

Community Living is based on Industrial Drive and encourages residents to get involved through volunteering, fundraising and community partnerships.