Town to seek new access to Netherby from Spring Creek Estates
December 17, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Fort Erie is hoping to convince the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) that a third access is needed for Black Creek and Douglastown.
Councillors approved a motion from Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes at the December 15 meeting that kicks off what is called an interchange highway access management plan (I-HAMP) with the MTO, a process required given the area’s proximity to the QEW.
Her motion came after a presentation from resident Greg Hunter where he stressed the need for a new access.
Hunter said previous road closures for construction highlighted the need for a new access, and added that Black Creek Road near the parkway is narrow, lacks sidewalks and is not a great option for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians due to its several bends.
“I like to say Black Creek doesn’t actually have two accesses, we really only have one and a half accesses. This is, in my mind, a half an access,” he said, showing a photo of Black Creek Road near the parkway, where a vehicle was attempting to pass two children on bikes.
Future unexpected closures as a result of weather or something else would make access for residents and emergency vehicles a challenge, added Noyes.
And with developments like Spring Creek Estates bringing more residents to the area, Hunter said another access is necessary.
According to his presentation, part of the Spring Creek Estates draft plan approval included the potential for a new access to Netherby Road, though it also allows the section for an access to be used for residential development if after three years it’s determined that a road access isn’t feasible.
Hunter feared the deadline was rapidly approaching, with only a month to go, however Director of Planning and Development Anamika Dilwaria said Hunter was mistaken with when the three-year time frame was triggered and there is actually still two years before the deadline.
Still, councillors supported the motion to start an I-HAMP process, and seek “approval to construct the proposed access onto Netherby Road from the Spring Creek Estates development.”
It initially referenced an emergency access, but Noyes acknowledged the ideal goal would be a full access, with an emergency access as the fallback option.
“I’m hoping the ministry sees it our way,” she said.
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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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