The Town’s Friendship Trail starts in Erie Beach and extends approximately 14 km west to the western limit of the Town. The Trail is a concrete walkway running through Waverly Beach.
On October 31, 2019 a significant wind storm created a Lake Erie storm surge large enough to destroy approximately 250 metres of the concrete trail. The Town intends to reconstruct the damaged section in the current alignment or move the trail to a new alignment away from the beach in order to improve resiliency.
Project Status
Design and permitting work continue to progress, however, the project has encountered several significant delays related to additional environmental and archaeological requirements. As studies evolved, new information required expanded archaeological assessments, updated natural heritage reviews, additional Species at Risk considerations, and further coordination with regulatory agencies. These requirements have extended the overall project schedule.
The Town continues to work closely with provincial and federal agencies to complete the necessary approvals and prepare the project for construction.
A tender package is expected to be ready by late 2025. Construction can only begin during permitted environmental windows, with the earliest feasible construction period anticipated between November 2026 and March 2027.
Latest Update (2025–2027 Milestones)
2025
- June 2025: Province requires additional archaeological assessment (Stage 1 & 2 updates).
- November 2025: Updated natural heritage screening and tree inventory completed to support Species at Risk permitting.
- Nov 21, 2025: Structural design submission for west lookout repairs.
- Nov 28, 2025: Structural design submission for east shoreline armourstone wall integration.
- Dec 19, 2025: Tender-ready package anticipated to be completed.
2026
- Spring 2026: Stage 2 archaeological fieldwork to be completed, including Indigenous engagement.
- Apr 1 – Oct 1 (annually): No vegetation or tree removals permitted.
- Apr 1 – Oct 30 (annually): General construction restrictions due to species habitat protection.
- Nov 1 – Mar 30 (annually): Permitted window for major construction work.
Earliest Construction Window
- November 2026 – March 2027
Subject to archaeological results, approval timing, and environmental permissions.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and engagement. We remain committed to keeping the community informed as this project moves forward, and we appreciate your continued support as we work to deliver improvements that benefit the Town of Fort Erie
