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.

Hazel Street development approval ties tree removal to building permits

December 18, 2025 at 3:31 AM

Trees currently standing on a Hazel Street property slated for development should remain up until construction is ready to start, Fort Erie councillors have decided....

Town to seek new access to Netherby from Spring Creek Estates

December 17, 2025 at 3:21 AM

Fort Erie is hoping to convince the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) that a third access is needed for Black Creek and Douglastown. Councillors approved a...

Hospital funding commitment needs ‘iron clad’ conditions, councillor says

December 16, 2025 at 4:26 AM

A letter formally seeking a $10.5-million local share funding contribution for the new South Niagara hospital has been met with hesitancy by Fort Erie councillors....

Fort Erie councillors approve 4.98 per cent water budget increase

December 5, 2025 at 3:56 AM

As they approved the water and wastewater budget for 2026, Fort Erie councillors took aim at their regional counterparts on Wednesday for forcing a challenging...

Boulevard tree or not, fees still apply under new procedure

December 4, 2025 at 3:29 AM

A boulevard tree without a boulevard is still worth having, in the eyes of the town. Responding to a council request from earlier this fall,...

Fort Erie proposing increase to building permit fees in January

December 3, 2025 at 3:44 AM

The administrative cost to build in Fort Erie could be going up next year. Staff are proposing across-the-board increases of four per cent to its...

Town maintains zero-tolerance policy on water window encroachment

December 2, 2025 at 4:35 AM

Town councillors have held firm on the municipality’s commitment to keep its water window access open to the public, though they acknowledged the need to...

Garrison Road property owner eyes bringing Harvey’s to town

November 21, 2025 at 3:52 AM

One of the enduring hallmarks of the Harvey’s franchise is how the locations offer full customization for their burgers. That’s in part why the drive-throughs...

Fort Erie approves $23.8M capital budget for 2026

November 21, 2025 at 3:43 AM

The municipality has mostly figured out which projects will be funded with the planned $23.8 million in capital spending next year. Fort Erie councillors supported...

Fort Erie fears loss of local control if province’s Bill 60 is implemented

November 20, 2025 at 3:42 AM

Town staff and councillors have laid out their concerns with a planned standardization of municipal official plans in Ontario. Chief among the concerns are that...