Snake Hill Parkette name unveiled as residents gather on Lakeshore Road

Locals came out to Lakeshore Road on Friday as the Town officially named Snake Hill Parkette, a small waterfront green space, giving the neighbourhood a sign and a shared place name rooted in local history.

The process of renaming the land began in 2024 when the Bertie Historical Society applied under the Town’s park naming policy to restore the historic name. The proposal gained broad public support and was approved by council after community consultation last year.

“This is an extremely important day in our community,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop. “It recognizes our history and our heritage.”

Speakers included Wayne Hill, former executive director and founder of the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre who spoke about the historical value of the site to Indigenous peoples who lived in the area. Stone tools and artefacts have been found at Snake Hill dating back nearly 4,000 years.

“As you walk through Fort Erie, just remember the rich and diverse history that’s beneath our feet. That’s what makes our town so exciting,” said Jane Davies, manager of museum and cultural services for the Town.

Dr. Ron Williamson, senior archaeologist and founder of ASI Heritage spoke to the crowd about being part of Snake Hill’s first excavation in 1987, where many young soldiers’ bones and artefacts from the War of 1812 were uncovered.

Williamson gave out free copies of his co-written book ‘Death at Snake Hill’ which recounts the excavation and its findings.

“It was an amazing scene for a young archaeologist,” said Williamson.

Jim Hill, senior manager of heritage with the Niagara Parks Commission, reminded attendees the ground here saw some of the heaviest fighting of the War of 1812 during the American siege of Fort Erie.

“It makes this piece of ground the worst battle site in all of Canada,” said Hill.

Local snorkeller Frank Cercone said he has “buckets full” of artefacts from exploring the underwater shoreline near Snake Hill with his family.

“I’ve got 4,000 hours of snorkeling over 50 years here,” said Cercone. “I just live up the street, third generation. My mom was doing it, grandma was doing it, and I learned how to do it.”

New signage marks the site, and the Town said more digital resources are coming to help residents explore the area’s story.

Former mayor Doug Martin and Ward 1 Councillor George McDermott were among those in attendance.

Museum staff encouraged residents to visit the exhibit about Snake Hill at Old Fort Erie.

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