Author: Laura Barton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Laura Barton is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter based at Niagara This Week. Her reporting is funded by the Canadian government and allows her to report on stories about the communities of Fort Erie and Port Colborne.

South Niagara’s studio tour includes four Fort Erie stops

August 6, 2026 at 11:37 AM

Art lovers are invited to visit local artists in their studios this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, 16 artists are opening their studios for the...

Ninety-one-year-old continues push for better health care in Fort Erie

July 29, 2026 at 9:52 PM

At 91 years of age, Joy Russell continues her quest for better health care services for Fort Erie. Her efforts began in the 1990s. She...

Illegal dumping a growing and ‘significant issue’ in Fort Erie

July 28, 2026 at 5:01 AM

A heaping pile of garbage. That’s what Fort Erie resident Mike Frawley noticed on a Sunset Drive property on his way home from work the...

Partnership offers a bridge for Crystal Ridge Dream Center clients

July 10, 2026 at 10:43 AM

Crystal Ridge Dream Center has launched a program in partnership with Bridges Community Health Centre. Serving about 600 people monthly in Fort Erie’s communities of...

Latest Fort Erie mayoral candidate Juan Liu aspires to big change

July 6, 2026 at 6:52 PM

Juan Liu has big aspirations to help the people of the world–and those plans begin with Fort Erie. The 37-year-old Crystal Beach resident is campaigning...

No active plan for a data centre in Fort Erie: property owner

July 1, 2026 at 2:07 PM

There are no active plans for a data centre in Fort Erie despite online buzz and a webpage that would suggest otherwise. As of Monday,...

Familiar names vying to be Fort Erie’s next mayor

June 22, 2026 at 11:11 AM

By looking at Fort Erie’s registered candidates page, it might appear that only one is running, but that individual will not be uncontested. As of...

Fort Erie Hockey Hall of Fame inductee pushing for accessibility at exhibit

June 20, 2026 at 10:05 PM

Fort Erie resident and Hockey Hall of Fame award winner, Alan “Sparkles” Dickson, is not interested in the spotlight. Whether on or off the ice,...

160th anniversary of Battle of Ridgeway to be commemorated

May 27, 2026 at 11:26 AM

This year marks 160 years since a little-known battle took place in Ridgeway that helped lead to Canada’s confederation. “It’s not only an important battle...

Fort Erie council gets early look at major zoning bylaw review

May 26, 2026 at 8:06 PM

Fort Erie town council has received early insights on the municipality’s zoning bylaw review during an educational workshop with a consulting firm. Its May 20...