Motion asks staff to review hours for parks and open spaces
July 23, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Different parks have different purposes, and their hours should reflect that, argues one Fort Erie councillor.
A motion put forward by Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes at the July 21 council meeting called for a staff report exploring the current rules for the open hours of Fort Erie’s parks and open spaces, the rationale for such rules or any differences in the application of those rules, and recommendations regarding parks and open space hours.
“One size doesn’t fit all,” she said.
The issue arose from the hours of water windows in town, the small passageways that offer public access to Fort Erie’s waterfronts.
The councillor’s motion said that since the Black Creek water windows are considered a park, their hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, Noyes suggested these hours could cause issues since some of the windows are quite limited, and are close to neighbouring residential properties.
With the water windows being hardly more than a small pathway with a bench, she said there’s little use in having them open after dark. There are also potential safety concerns with some having nearby guy-wires.
“None of these are lit, there’s no lighting there, and I’m concerned about the liability issues,” she said.
However, her motion extends the review to all parks and open spaces, including the Friendship Trail and ball parks like those found at Ott Road Park.
“I do think it’s worth the staff looking at…seeing if there are any safety issues or concerns with regards to nuisance,” she said.
A report to council earlier this year updated town politicians on work staff had done on the water windows, which included plans to plant trees and benches, and also work with neighbouring property owners to remove encroachments.
There were also some issues with signage noted, which the town was working to fix. It was at that discussion that Noyes brought forward a notice she would be bringing this motion forward.
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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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