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!"

Wildfire smoke closes Bay Beach, Supper Market cancelled

July 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM

The Town of Fort Erie closed Bay Beach, its splash pads and the Tennis Club on Thursday and cancelled recreation programs and the Crystal Beach...

Fort Erie Friendship Festival’s return postponed due to wildfire smoke

July 16, 2026 at 3:59 AM

Garrison Road business owners postponed the Friendship Festival on Wednesday evening after smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario drove Fort Erie’s air quality to high-risk...

Wildfire smoke triggers high-risk air quality warning for Fort Erie

July 15, 2026 at 8:58 PM

Environment Canada issued an orange air quality warning for Fort Erie and southern Niagara Wednesday morning as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario drives pollution...

Mobile market takes aim at rising food insecurity in Fort Erie

July 15, 2026 at 3:02 AM

Nearly 28 per cent of Niagara households experienced food insecurity in 2023 and 2024, according to Public Health Ontario, a 56 per cent jump from...

Redekop files for re-election, setting up three-way race for mayor

July 14, 2026 at 11:54 AM

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop is running for another term, and now he has competition. Redekop filed his nomination papers June 29, according to the...

Fort Erie under heat warning as humidex climbs to 45

July 14, 2026 at 3:02 AM

Fort Erie is under a heat warning until at least Wednesday evening, with humidex values expected to reach as high as 45 at the peak...

‘Ridgeway is back, baby’: Ridgefest revival gives BIA a fresh start

July 13, 2026 at 8:58 PM

When Rob Faragalli looked out from the stage in Ridgeway’s village square Saturday night, he summed up the weekend in four words. “Ridgeway is back,...

Endangered Fowler’s toad halts redevelopment at Waverly Beach

July 13, 2026 at 3:22 AM

An endangered toad now outranks the bulldozer at Waverly Beach Park, where town studies have confined any construction to the already-developed corners of the property...

Fort Erie Race Track purses get a raise after funding dispute ends

July 13, 2026 at 3:05 AM

Prize money will rise 15 per cent this season, with average purses per race card climbing from nearly $127,000 last year to more than $146,000,...

Great Benjamins Circus wraps three-night run at race track

July 12, 2026 at 3:30 AM

The Great Benjamins Circus packed up its big top Saturday after three days of aerialists, acrobats and high-wire motorcycle stunts in the Fort Erie Race...