Touch-a-Truck lets Fort Erie meet the faces behind the vehicles
May 24, 2026 at 3:36 AM
Fort Erie’s Touch-a-Truck returned Thursday evening for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing families to the Leisureplex parking lot to meet the municipal workers behind the equipment residents see on their streets every day.
More than 14 vehicles filled the lot on Municipal Centre Drive, including fire trucks, police cruisers, a Niagara Transit bus, excavators, snow plows and water department equipment.
The town revived the event during National Public Works Week, a period recognized by municipalities across Canada to highlight infrastructure services.
Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioKristina Clint, manager of recreation and facilities for the Town of Fort Erie, told Fort Erie Radio the turnout exceeded expectations.
“We had people waiting in the parking lot at almost 4:15,” said Clint. “We’ve had incredible weather and an incredible turnout, really.”
The town later said in a social media post that attendance approached 450.
Children could climb into the driver seat of municipal vehicles, activate sirens and explore equipment rarely accessible to the public. Police and fire services also handed out materials and spoke directly with residents throughout the evening.
Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio“You see the snow get plowed but you don’t necessarily know who’s doing it,” said Clint. “Being able to meet the faces of the people that are doing the good work in the community, that’s the goal.”
Partners at the event included Niagara Region Police, the RCMP and the local fire department alongside infrastructure services crews from roads, parks, fleet and the water department.
Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioClint said the town plans to make Touch-a-Truck an annual event and expand its scope.
“Hopefully we’re going to grow it a little bit,” said Clint.
She added that future editions could bring in local businesses and additional community partners beyond town departments.
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About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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