Town of Fort Erie

08/15/2026

Stories from the Archives – The Canadian Order of Foresters

The Independent Order of Foresters originated in the U.S. in 1874, offering life insurance, member benefits, and emergency relief and support following natural disasters. The first Canadian chapter, known as a “court”, was established in 1875 in London, Ontario. The organization grew rapidly in its early years, with courts opening across the country.

In Nov. 1893, a charter was signed, authorizing a local court, Bertie No. 478, to be established in Ridgeway. Members included: A. Hanna, J.W. Kennedy, George Steinman, Michael Miller, F. Hanna, Fred Sager, Frank Dell, W.W. Wilson, Thomas Kennedy, Robert Band, E.W. Near, O.E. Michael, William T. Woodruff, Jacob P. Zavitz, Henry W. Clans, Robert Powell, Elgin T. Choote, Norman Graham, John R. Hopkins, J.H. Mook, and George Zavitz.

It is not known when the Ridgeway court closed, but the organization continues to operate today as Foresters Financial.

Shown here are members of Bertie No. 478 (date unknown).

08/13/2026

Then and Now – Commercial Roadhouse

This building at the corner of S***m and Netherby Roads in Snyder was originally the Commercial Hotel. It was opened in 1851 by Heinrich Orth (Ort). Heinrich and his family emigrated from the Alsace region of France in 1830 as did many other German-speaking settlers who established homes in this area. Originally, S***m Road did not swerve as one approached Snyder from Niagara Falls, which means that the Hotel once was on the North-east Corner of the intersection.

Today, the building operates as a restaurant called The Commercial Roadhouse.

08/12/2026

As of August 11, 2026, Niagara Region has deemed Bay Beach (Crystal Beach) unsafe for swimming due to E.coli levels found during water testing. Please be aware of water conditions before swimming at Bay Beach. Niagara Region provides beach water testing updates online at - https://bit.ly/3UvwoPR

08/12/2026

We welcome your feedback.

Public Open House:
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Town Hall Atrium
1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie, ON

The Town of Fort Erie is developing a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) and Urban Design Guidelines (UDGs) to help shape future growth and development within the Town.

We invite residents, property owners, businesses, developers and other interested parties to attend a Public Open House to learn more about the project, review the draft directions, and provide feedback.

The Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) is a development approval tool authorized under the Planning Act that combines zoning, site plan control, and minor variance approvals into a single streamlined process.

The Urban Design Guidelines (UDGs) will establish design expectations to help create attractive, functional, and sustainable development that reflects the Town’s vision for its communities.

Additional information about the CPPS and UDGs is available at: https://bit.ly/45vxLQR

The Town is seeking public input on the draft Community Improvement Plan.

08/12/2026

Wed, August 12th, 2026 - The Town of Fort Erie Roads Division has closed Point Abino Rd N, between Bertie St & Gilmore Rd for Culvert & Ditching Operations, for the day. There will be access for Emergency Services. https://bit.ly/4bKhU4A

08/11/2026

Media Release: Major Structural Fire at Former Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School

While attention will understandably focus on the building, its heritage significance and the ongoing investigation, the Town of Fort Erie recognizes the exceptional efforts of Fort Erie Fire Department firefighters following a major structural fire at the former Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School (RCBHS) on Ridge Road North.

Fort Erie firefighters from all four stations responded to the massive fire around 1 a.m. on Monday, August 10, and worked for approximately 16 hours to bring the fire under control, extinguish hot spots and protect the surrounding community.

Read the full release here - https://bit.ly/3TV5sJ8

08/09/2026

Railway Discovery Days

Looking for something new to entertain the kids this summer?

Check out Railway Discovery Day program at the Fort Erie Railway Museum.

They are offering an exciting mix of local history and STEM learning through hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and outdoor games. It’s a chance for kids to learn, explore, and connect with Fort Erie’s railway heritage in a fun, welcoming setting.

Child(ren) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Appropriate for children aged 6 - 12

Check out the Town of Fort Erie events page for more details on the August 20th offering.

Event page - https://bit.ly/459w5ww

08/06/2026

Apply today and join the Fort Erie team!
The Town is seeking an Arena Attendant (Part-time – Student). As an Arena Attendant, you will assist Recreation Employees and support the operation and maintenance of facilities, arenas and parks. For a complete job description, please visit the link below. The application deadline is 12:00pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Apply now at forterie.ca/jobs

08/05/2026

08/01/2026

Stories from the Museum’s Archives – Alpsfest

Alpsfest was a popular summer festival held annually in Crystal Beach during the 1970s. It began in 1974 as a 5-day event and increased to 7 days the following year.

This 50-year-old program is for Alpsfest 1976. The festival kicked off with the “Miss Alpsfest” Beauty Pageant on Friday, August 6. Other daytime and evening festivities throughout the 11-day event included a parade, various sport competitions, “Bald is Beautiful” contest, Bavarian Carnival and Street Dance, talent show, and fishing derby. One of the most popular events was the “Rub-A-Tub-Tub” Bathtub Race.

Did you attend Alpsfest? What was your favourite festivity?