Motion asks staff to look for ways to preserve Fort Erie’s heritage
October 21, 2026 at 9:24 AM
When it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
As Fort Erie continues to grapple with how best to preserve its built heritage, Mayor Wayne Redekop has asked town staff to come up with ways to prevent the loss of heritage properties. Councillors approved his motion at the October 19 council meeting without any discussion.
Redekop called the motion self explanatory.
It calls on “council (to) direct staff to prepare a report outlining potential policies and actions that could be implemented by the Town to prevent the deterioration or loss of heritage properties,” he said, reading from the motion.
Provincial legislation allows municipalities to place heritage designation on properties deemed to be culturally and historically significant. Those designations are intended to preserve the key features of a property.
In recent years, councillors have tackled potential heritage designations on several properties. Some have questioned designating a property when its owner opposes such a move.
Redekop’s motion said “heritage properties contribute to the Town’s history, character and cultural identity,” and deterioration of those properties can lead to the permanent loss of such history.
The municipality currently offers two grant programs to support owners of heritage properties.
One offers a property tax rebate that offers up to a 40 per cent rebate on properties assessed at up to $500,000, while the second offers grants up to 50 per cent, to a limit of $10,000, for conservation and restoration work on a heritage property.
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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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