Point Abino Road storm damage to be repaired using provincial funding
January 9, 2026 at 4:29 AM
Sections of Point Abino Road South remain under reconstruction after a December 29 storm caused shoreline erosion and roadway impacts, with repairs covered under $7,215,000 in provincial disaster funding.
$3,284,700 of those funds is scheduled for the reconstruction of the damaged road, approximately 250 metres south of Erie Road to Abino Hills Road, and remains active while assessments continue.
According to an email response from Town of Fort Erie infrastructure services, damage was concentrated along shoreline-adjacent areas, with erosion of shoulder material, water overtopping the roadway and localized impacts to roadside infrastructure rather than widespread pavement failure.
Recently paved and reconstructed portions of the road remain largely intact, though further inspection and remediation are required to address undermining near the road edge and erosion encroaching into the northbound lane.
“At this time, the damage does not compromise the overall structural integrity of the Point Abino Road South reconstruction project,” said the town in a statement emailed to Fort Erie Radio.
The reconstruction and shoreline protection project is funded through the province’s Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program, which approved $7,215,000 in late 2021, including $3,284,700 allocated specifically for rebuilding the roadway and shoreline protection. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioThe financial impact of the latest storm damage is still under evaluation, with repairs to be completed using available provincial funding and “on a like-for-like basis,” according to the town.
A public information centre presentation on April 26, 2023, shows that the reconstruction project for Point Abino Road South does not include any vertical shoreline wall. A shoreline protection expert recommended against concrete block walls in favour of a riprap and armour stone design, based on site-specific Lake Erie wave and erosion conditions.
The road remains open to local traffic in a single lane to maintain access for residents and emergency services while construction continues and enters its one-year maintenance period.
Engineering staff and contractors are assessing site conditions to determine next steps, with the storm event to be reviewed as part of the ongoing project evaluation.
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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!"
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