Conversations about future of Coal Docks expected to take place this year

The Coal Docks property along the Niagara River is a popular swimming and fishing spot that one day could see a bit of an overhaul, something that has been talked about for a number of years.

But an exact timeline is something that can’t be provided by any of the three parties who have a hand in the site, and potentially with any development there.

The property is owned by the Public Bridge Authority (PBA) but maintained by the Niagara Parks Commission, part of a land exchange agreement that took place about 20 years ago.

But the Town of Fort Erie has had a revamp of the site on its radar for some time, such as setting aside $100,000 in 2017 for studies at the property, according to a story written at that time by Fort Erie Radio host James Culic while he was employed with Niagara This Week.

The most recent discussions at the town level have taken place at land committee meetings.

Meetings of those minutes, provided to Fort Erie Radio by town communications staff, indicate the most recent progress.

In May 2024, the land committee discussed a reintroduction of the matter from two years before with the aim of advancing the project further.

“Town staff are to reaffirm the intent of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority and the Niagara Parks Commission by planning discussions regarding their interest in the project’s continuation, a review of the original concept plan drawings, and an assessment of funding availability,” read the minutes.

The site is also included in the town’s parks and open space master plan.

Ward 1 Councillor George McDermott said a park with benches, picnic tables, and possibly a gazebo is likely what will be moved forward with.

“I’ve been working since the day I was elected to bring a passive type of park there,” McDermott told Fort Erie Radio last week, saying it’s very “limited” what can be built there due to previously discovered contaminants.

Many years ago, the site was a loading facility for coal, and once held a gas station.

David Adames, chief executive officer of Niagara Parks, said no timeline on when a project may be up for approval is known, but told Fort Erie Radio that something is expected to be on the table in the near future, a passive park.

“We are talking with the town about the future of that site,” said Adames, adding that it’s an ideal location for people who travel the Niagara Parkway to stop and enjoy the “beautiful view of the Niagara River,” as well as people who fish there, or who take a break from shopping on Jarvis Street.

“We’ll definitely be having discussions this year,” said Adames.

In 2017, the shorewall at the coal docks collapsed and in 2022 the PBA paid $1.2 million for its restoration.

Ron Rienas, general manager of the PBA, said he is supportive of what plans come forward for a park.

“That would be a great benefit to the town, to see something done there,” he told Fort Erie Radio.

When the land exchange took place in the 2000s, it was reported at the time that it was done as a way to compete with plans from the Ambassador Bridge (Windsor-Detroit) to build a bridge next to the International Railway Bridge.

“That’s what was talked about,” said Rienas, but he further explained that the “primary reason” for the deal was that the PBA had plans for a twin-bridge expansion. The exchange also resulted in the PBA taking ownership of lands on the south side of the Peace Bridge where the Niagara Parks maintenance currently facility sits near Mather Park.

Niagara Parks has “free use” of those lands, but they are owned by the PBA.

Niagara Parks still has the option to take full ownership of the Coal Docks within the next few years for one dollar, part of that land exchange agreement.

“We would be supportive of any town plans they put forward, or Niagara Parks,” said Rienas.

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