FORT ERIE, ON (December 4, 2019) This summer, the Town of Fort Erie opened the newly renovated Bay Beach with numerous operational changes, including a new beach admissions fee. As a result, town staff reported over 95,000 visitors to Bay Beach from May to September; resulting in $428,363 in admission and parking revenues.

“We are very proud of the recent operational changes made to Bay Beach. We put these changes in place to provide a higher level of service and to improve beach patron experience. Since implementing these changes last year, we have received positive feedback from our residents, local businesses and visitors,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop.

Some of the most significant enhancements to the operations included a beach admission fee, increased beach maintenance, on-site staff supervision and security, expanded hours of service and the creation of new by-laws. In order to gauge the success of the changes, town staff conducted a survey.

“Throughout the summer, town staff surveyed 824 beach patrons about their experience at Bay Beach. The survey showed positive feedback regarding the cleanliness of the beach; the new washroom facilities; and the enforcement of the beach rules. Ninety-five per cent of patrons surveyed provided a positive recommendation of Bay Beach,” said Kelly Walsh, director of infrastructure services.

During this week’s Council-in-Committee meeting, town council approved recommendations from staff to make additional operational changes to Bay Beach based on feedback received by town staff. The following recommendations were approved:

• Introduction of a non-resident seasonal admission pass for Bay Beach for the benefit of short-term rental owners and tenants ($100 fee)
• Introduction of a seasonal on-street parking pass for Crystal Beach to benefit neighbourhood residents and regular beach patrons ($50 fee)
• Removal of on-street paid parking on Cherryhill Blvd, Rosewood Avenue, Lakewood Avenue and Oakwood Avenue.

For more information about the upcoming changes to Bay Beach operations, please review report IS-44-2019 or contact Sean Hutton, manager of parks and facilities, at shutton@forterie.ca or 905-871-1600, ext. 2430.

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