Fort Erie seeks input on renaming Bowen Road Park after Burd Sisler
July 25, 2026 at 3:50 AM
The Town of Fort Erie is asking residents whether Bowen Road Park should become B.T. Sisler Park, honouring the Second World War veteran who died April 2 at age 110 as Canada’s oldest living person.
A one-month community engagement period opened Thursday on the town’s Let’s Talk website until August 24. Staff will fold the feedback into a report that goes to council September 14, and council will make the final decision.
The request would rename the park after Burdett Thomas Sisler, known across town as Burd.
Born in Akron, Ohio on April 14, 1915, he served as a telecommunications mechanic during the Second World War, then settled in Fort Erie and worked about 30 years for the Canada Border Services Agency at the Peace Bridge.
A tribute to Burd Sisler on Benner Avenue shortly after his passing earlier this year. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioSisler spent decades volunteering in local recreation, with a long record supporting youth baseball.
In April 2025, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates presented him with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community service and his contributions as a veteran. His death last spring, weeks before his 111th birthday, brought mourners from across the region to Benner Funeral Services and prompted the town to lower flags at town hall to half-staff.
The proposal faces a deliberately high bar. The town’s park naming policy states that renaming an existing park “shall bear a higher threshold of significance, relevance and necessity” because established names carry tradition and community identity.
The applicant must show consultation with anyone involved in the original naming and secure written permission from the family or representatives connected to it.
The current name honours the Bowen family, early United Empire Loyalist settlers in Fort Erie.
Cornelius Bowen served with Butler’s Rangers during the American Revolution and was granted Lot 5, Concessions 1 and 2 along the Niagara River after the war. Family members served in the Lincoln Militia during the War of 1812, and the family farmed the area for generations.
Under the policy, council must weigh the historical significance of the existing name, the impact on those associated with it, the cost of replacing signage and updating records, and the level of community support.
Because a member of the public initiated the request, the town covers administrative and signage costs while the applicant bears any remaining expenses.
Residents can comment through the town’s Let’s Talk website where a posted survey asks which name they prefer.
Council will receive the staff report, including all public comments, a recommendation and financial implications, at its September 14 meeting.
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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!"
Provide a link to the survey ….or at least to Let’s Talk Fort Erie
Also sometimes maps or links would be of value
I have lived in Fort Erie now for 14 years and am usually unaware of many locations referenced in articles