Fort Erie Hills subdivision gets an uneasy extension from council
June 11, 2026 at 10:13 AM
A proposed development in the Bridgeburg area has been given another extension, though it appears patience is wearing thin for Fort Erie’s mayor.
Concerns over the project being dragged out along with plans to put forward a redline revision was enough to have Wayne Redekop express some reluctance about a staff recommendation to approve a two-year extension for the Fort Erie Hills subdivision.
“I’m going to support this extension considering it’s a new owner. I’m a little concerned about the extent of the redline revisions that might be coming forward,” he said at the June 8 council meeting.
“It’s important that we make sure that this either moves forward or there’s a new plan.”
Councillor Joan Christensen, chair of the planning and development committee, also had concerns about the extension, calling it a possible “stalling tactic.”
Extenuating circumstances led staff to recommend the extension and for councillors to approve it. Current ownership has only been in place since 2025, and Redekop said a previous owner died a couple years ago, which complicated matters.
Current owner Dunsire Homes has said more time is needed to complete Stage 3 and 4 archaeological assessments.
Director of Planning and Development Services Anamika Dilwaria also said there are plans by the applicants to bring forward a redline revision for the eastern portion of the lands. Redline revisions are changes to an approved plan that don’t substantially change the appearance or operation requirements of the development.
Redekop raised the possibility of a school site in the eastern part of the property, something he said he also raised earlier at an open house. However, Dilwaria noted it doesn’t appear to be something the developers are interested in.
“It’s my understanding they are not interested in proceeding with a…school at that location,” she said.
The proposed development contains several elements, including: 30 single detached home lots, 34 street townhouse blocks, 67 blocks for semi-detached homes, four blocks for medium density residential, and two for mixed-use. There are also blocks for parkland, a pedestrian path, a pumping station, environmental protection and road widening.
The development received initial draft plan approval in 2017. Council granted previous extensions in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
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About The 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.
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