‘An exception to the rule’: Town loans Ridgeway BIA $25K
July 8, 2026 at 10:22 AM
In a move Town staff admitted was unusual, though needed, Fort Erie will be providing the Ridgeway Business Improvement Area (RBIA) with a roughly $25,000 loan.
The staff recommendation came as part of a report outlining the municipality’s 2025 financials. The audit found a $21,500 deficit from the BIA, largely the result of fundraising and sponsorship dollars that didn’t materialize. Town treasurer Jonathan Janzen said the BIA has been drawing from reserves in recent years.
“The RBIA started 2024 with a reserve balance of $38,124, however, by year-end the reserve was overdrawn by the amount of $3,623, effectively reflecting an unapproved loan from the Town as noted in the 2024 Annual Report,” the report said.
“The unapproved loan increased to $25,170 by the end of 2025.”
Staff’s recommendation covers that overdraw and includes a three-year repayment plan.
“This is not something that is typically planned for, this is the result of more than a couple years of usage of reserves,” Janzen said. “We are working together with the BIA board to ensure we have a repayment plan in place.”
Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes pointed out the unusual nature of the loan, since BIAs aren’t supposed to go into debt. She cautioned other BIAs not to think this sets a precedent.
“This is an exception to the rule, but the rule still stands,” she said.
Janzen acknowledged it was “something that is unique, absolutely.” The report also noted the BIA has revised its 2026 budget to reflect the financials and committed to repaying the outstanding balance.
Other than the unusual loan agreement, the Town’s financials got a clean report card from auditors Doane Grant Thornton LLP.
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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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