Fort Erie expands sidewalk repairs to fix worst hazards
May 3, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Fort Erie will repair all 78 of its worst sidewalk hazards in 2026 through a larger program that still leaves more than 1,300 defects across town.
The town’s $415,000 sidewalk repair program will fix about 1,800 metres at more than 150 locations in Crystal Beach, Ridgeway, Stevensville, Crescent Park and Old Fort Erie.
The work adds 400 metres to last year’s total and targets the most severe hazards first, according to the Town of Fort Erie’s infrastructure services department, which told Fort Erie Radio the remaining defects will be dealt with over time under provincial maintenance rules and available funding.
The town identified 78 Level 5 hazards in 2025. Those sidewalks include substantial cracks, heaving and drops of more than two centimetres. The program relies on annual inspections of every sidewalk in the town.
Most of the 2026 work will replace full concrete panels. Some locations will need regrading along the edge of existing sidewalks or around them.
The town is also planning accessibility improvements in conjunction with the sidewalk repairs, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance at the Stevensville post office.
The program will cost an estimated $415,000. A $200,000 federal allocation will cover about half the bill, with the rest coming from municipal funds.
The infrastructure services department said sidewalk repairs account for a smaller portion of the town’s infrastructure spending than road, drainage and underground work.
The repair program does not cover new sidewalks on streets that lack them. The town said those needs usually get handled through larger road reconstruction projects.
The 2023 Thunder Bay Road upgrade added sidewalks when the town rebuilt the road to urban standards. That project also included watermains, sanitary and storm sewers, road widening, curbs and gutters.
A separate $4.7-million reconstruction of Thunder Bay Road between Burleigh Road South and Prospect Point Road South began April 13 and includes new sidewalks, curbs and drainage systems. That road section is closed to regular traffic until September 30.
Residents affected by sidewalk work may temporarily lose driveway access. The town said households will get at least 24 hours’ notice before access is cut.
The town or its contractor will make sure vehicles are out of driveways before work starts. Driveway disruptions typically last up to one week.
The town expects future sidewalk repairs to be funded through municipal reserves. The next construction cycles will continue to rank the worst hazards first, then move to lower-rated defects based on Ontario’s minimum maintenance standards and the money available.
Fort Erie duo developing detective series with plans to film locally
Peace Bridge to glow green for Runaway Prevention Month
Former Ridgeway high school facade will ‘have to come down’ after fire
About The 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!"
Stay Informed