Sign update coming for Black Creek water windows
May 29, 2025 at 4:46 AM
A project meant to open up access to Fort Erie’s waterfront has itself opened up to a wider signage project.
A photo taken on Black Creek by Hamilton-based Kayak Ontario. Credit: Kayak Ontario | FacebookIssues with the Black Creek water windows were identified earlier this spring when staff presented a memo outlining a project it was continuing that, according to the initial memo, predated current staff. It saw staff confirm property lines and take various steps to ensure the windows provide the public access to the waterfront as they were intended.
Those steps included telling property owners that encroachments needed to be removed with plans to plant trees and install benches along the pathways.
But at the time, Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes noted issues with current signage at the Black Creek water windows, namely time and dog permissions that don’t match updated town bylaws.
In the updated memo, staff said there were some water window signs installed and others that were standard park signs. The town’s sign installation contractor has offered to replace the standard park signs with the correct water window signs, which will also include information about dogs being allowed on leash and not reference hours of operation.
“Through the existing park enhancement budget, staff will also work with the contractor to address the balance of the signs that speak to dogs not being permitted,” the memo said.
Staff are also considering taking a broader look at its park and open space signs, looking at branding, accessibility, consistency and information sharing.
“I do want to express my gratitude that they are looking at it and that it’s unveiled a bigger issue that goes beyond the Black Creek windows and there’s going to be a unified approach,” said Noyes at Monday night’s council meeting.
“It unveiled a bigger issue that goes beyond the Black Creek windows,” she added.
Noyes also put forward a notice of motion to request staff review the Black Creek water windows time of use restrictions.
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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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