Town recommits to free parking in downtown municipal lots
April 2, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Mr. Monopoly can breathe a sigh of relief; free parking is staying put in Fort Erie’s downtown cores.
Councillor Tom Lewis brought forward a motion at the March 31 council meeting that reinforced the idea that municipal lots remain free to use. Lewis said earlier discussions about parking led to “a bit of a runaway train that ran out of the station” with the public thinking big changes were coming, including paid parking and even meters on Erie Road.
“I know for a fact that wasn’t the intent of where staff and we were going. But I wanted to bring this motion forward so that that was made very clear,” Lewis said.
Lewis said feedback he’s received has made it clear that the Town has to find ways to make sure municipal lots aren’t being used as personal lots. His motion calls for staff to come back with a memo or report that provides more information.
“I think there may be some opportunity to look at ways for overnight parking,” he said.
Currently there is no overnight parking in municipal lots, which Lewis called a potential lost opportunity.
Lewis’ motion calls for municipal lots in the town’s three Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)–Bridgeburg, Crystal Beach and Ridgeway–to remain free. It also states that trailers, boats, RV’s, campers and buses are off limits in these parks.
He said there are likely some people who have limited or no parking options in Crystal Beach and possibly along Jarvis Street, and he would like the report to consider solutions for those people.
With some businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the ongoing economic uncertainty, Lewis’ motion said keeping the lots free will help bring much needed customers to the BIA zones.
Lewis also said he’d like to see uniform rules across the town.
Better signage could also help in places like Crystal Beach, he suggested, directing visitors to where business parking is and where beach parking is.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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