Fort Erie releases term review as election approaches

Brent Jones
July 23, 2026 at 4:29 AM

The Town of Fort Erie issued a news release Wednesday highlighting what staff and council describe as several key accomplishments from the current term, which covers the 2022 to 2026 term ahead of this fall’s municipal election.

The report was guided by Fort Erie’s 2023 to 2026 Corporate Strategic Plan and highlights investments, infrastructure work, community initiatives and advocacy efforts over the past four years.

“This council has remained focused on delivering meaningful results for our community,” Mayor Wayne Redekop said in the release.

Redekop said the term included investments in infrastructure, healthcare advocacy, economic growth, parks and public spaces, as well as work on Fort Erie’s new official plan.

Chief Administrative Officer Chris McQueen said in the release the report reflects work by council and town staff during a term that included legislative changes, economic pressures and increasing service demands.

The town’s release does not highlight shortcomings or areas where staff or council believe more work is needed.

Town hall on Municipal Centre Drive. Credit: Town of Fort Erie

Among the items listed, the town says more than 56 meetings were held with provincial ministers and stakeholders to advocate for Fort Erie priorities.

The town says more than $9.36 million in grant funding was secured, including more than $6.7 million for major water infrastructure improvements.

The release also points to provincial approval of Fort Erie’s new official plan, infrastructure work on watermains and wastewater systems, increased contributions to long-term capital reserves and more than 200 net new businesses since 2020.

The town also lists healthcare advocacy, customer service modernization, new parks and recreation spaces, housing growth and public engagement among the areas covered in the report.

The release comes as Fort Erie heads toward a municipal election this fall.

The municipal and school board election is scheduled for Monday, October 26, with voting from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The election will choose one mayor, six ward councillors and four school board trustees.

Redekop has filed to run for another term as mayor, setting up a three-way race with Regional Councillor Tom Insinna and Juan Liu.

The mayor’s race carries added significance this year because Fort Erie’s directly elected regional councillor seat is being eliminated under provincial changes to Niagara Region’s council structure. Whoever wins the mayor’s race will become the town’s only representative on regional council.

Candidate nominations close at 2 p.m. on August 21.

Internet voting begins October 5 and continues until polls close on election day. Advance polls are scheduled for October 14 and 17 at the Fort Erie Leisureplex banquet hall.