FORT ERIE FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! 1 a Tale of TWO CITIES Hen the Peace Bridge Opened in 1927, Fort Erie and Buffalo Became Inextricably Tied Together
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THE LIFESTYLE ADVANTAGE Watersports, golf or hit the trails BUSINESSES THAT THRIVE IN FORT ERIE FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! 1 a tale of TWO CITIES hen the Peace Bridge opened in 1927, Fort Erie and Buffalo became inextricably tied together. Over W90 years later, despite the ever-present pull of the Toronto megalopolis, Fort Erie still maintains close economic, cultural and social ties to Western New York. It’s no exaggeration to say that at its heart, Fort Erie is Canada’s most bi-national town. Residents on both sides routinely cross the bridge to shop, eat, work, play and visit. Living in Fort Erie opens up a vast new world of experiences and conveniences, unique among communities of comparable size. Fort Erie in a nutshell: Niagara charm. Canadian character. Bi-national outlook. 2 FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! WELCOME TO FORT ERIE I’m American, but Fort Erie is in my blood. I lived and worked in Buffalo and its suburbs pretty much my whole life, but some of my fondest memories were made in Fort Erie. My grandparents built a home on the shore near Waverly Beach in the 1940s, and I spent many summers here as a kid, on the beach, in the water and around town. With 15 cousins, there was never any shortage of comradery! I eventually met a wonderful Fort Erie gal, and married her. Wendy and I bought a place three doors down, where we raised our two children during many summers. Crossing the Peace Bridge to visit our Fort Erie retreat was always a breath of fresh air. Back then, the Waverly area consisted mainly of American seasonal residents, but in more recent years we’ve welcomed a lot more Canadian neighbours. Wonderful people, our new friends. This small change in demographics in our little part of the world, I think, shows that the secret is getting out! Fort Erie, as a community, has so much to offer, and is growing steadily. All of the everyday conveniences are right here, just minutes away, pretty much wherever you live in town. I’ve watched Fort Erie grow over the years. It has managed to maintain much of its charm as a border town, but has evolved into a vibrant small city, with many interesting amenities and things to do. Yes, the secret is out, and I’m genuinely happy to help share it. Thank you to my friends at the Economic Development and Tourism Corporation for this opportunity to share my passion about Fort Erie. I invite you to read through this fabulous magazine they put together, and learn more about the community lifestyle and many interesting local businesses. Even though Fort Erie has been a part of my whole life, I’ve sure learned a lot. So why do I love Fort Erie? Well… because! After these 58 pages, I think you will too! John Duerr Williamsville, NY © Copyright 2018 by the Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in 3 this publication, the Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions. This is a publicationFORT ERIE… BECAUSE! of the Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation which has the sole and exclusive right to determine its contents. Many thanks to all of those who supplied the photographs used throughout this publication including the Buffalo Sabres/Bill Wippert (page 35). 18 14 22 20 124 FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! 08 24 50 TABLE OF CONTENTS 06 16 36 FORT ERIE FORT ERIE FORT ERIE COMMUNITIES LIFESTYLE BUSINESSES GARRISON ROAD / HIGHWAY 3 06 THE LOVE OF LEARNING 16 FORT ERIE’S HOME BUILDERS 36 BRIDGEBURG STATION 08 WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE 18 DUREZ CANADA 40 RIDGEWAY 10 FUN FOR FOODIES 20 BARBICAN 42 CRYSTAL BEACH 12 A TRADITION OF RACING 22 ABATEMENT TECHNOLOGIES 42 STEVENSVILLE 14 NATURE & WILDLIFE 24 RICH’S CANADA 46 HIKE, BIKE, RUN OR ROLL 26 CMI HEAVY INDUSTRIES 48 FORE THE LOVE OF THE GAME 28 AIRBUS HELICOPTERS CANADA 50 WRAPPED IN HISTORY 30 FLEET CANADA INC. 52 BUFFALO, AN ALL AMERICAN CITY 34 GREENSTONE STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS 53 THERMAPAN SIPs 53 TRUK-KING LOGISTICS 56 ZAVCOR TRUCKING 56 NIAGARA FOREIGN TRADE ZONE 58 26 16 FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! 5 GARRISON ROAD HIGHWAY 3 DOWNTOWN BUFFALO PEACE BRIDGE Patterson CONVENIENCE & COMFORT FOR modern living he successor of the colonial Talbot government is Trail, Ontario’s Highway 3 essentially building a brand new starts at the Peace Bridge at Buffalo/ 1.2-million sq.ft. hospital in TFort Erie and ends at the Ambassador Bridge the south end of Niagara Falls. at Windsor/Detroit. Along the way, Highway This facility, to be the largest by far in 3 changes name and jurisdiction in various Niagara, will be located only five minutes segments, such as the span through Fort from the Fort Erie townline, and accessible Erie. Named for the original military road within 15 minutes no matter where you in the area, Garrison Road is the commercial are in town. hub of town today, with major retail, grocery, dining and service amenities. With the extension of full-time GO Train service to Niagara Falls, The Garrison Road district is all about the push south is only expected convenience. Whether you need to fill the to continue in Niagara. Most fridge, fill a prescription, or fill the gas tank, new homebuyers in the area it’s all here and easy to get to. Many of are coming from the GTA, as Canada’s best known retail and restaurant families seek better value in brands have locations in Fort Erie, and most real estate, a more relaxed can be found along a 4-km stretch. way of life, and to be closer to nature – but without The growth of so many services along sacrificing the everyday Garrison Road in the past decade reflects a conveniences they are rising population, not just in Fort Erie, but used to. Fort Erie is in the southern end of the peninsula. South primed for further Niagara is one of the fastest growing areas growth. of the region – a reason why the provincial 66 FORTFORT ERIE…ERIE… BECAUSE!BECAUSE! “Let there be peace” The symbolic terminus of Highway 3 is Mather Arch, set within the impeccably manicured Mather Park. Built in 1939, the majestic GARRISON ROAD monument was later commemorated in honour of industrialist Alonzo C. Mather in recognition COCA-COLA FIELD of his efforts to promote friendship between Canada and the United States. KEY BANK CENTRE Bill’s LEISUREPLEX TOWN HALL FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! 77 COMMUNITY FOCUS: BRIDGEBURG Station ell before the Peace Bridge, there was Bridgeburg Station, which emerged where the International WRailway Bridge spans the Niagara River. Fort Erie’s downtown was the centre of commercial activity for many decades, and even today it remains a vibrant centre for commerce and professional services, with over 100 businesses. As the downtown has evolved, so have its businesses. Look no further than F8 Salon F8 Salon and Atrium Spa, neighbouring businesses that take “full service” to the extreme: they offer a fully licensed waiting area, Atrium Spa where patrons can enjoy wine, craft beer 8 FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! The Savoury Bean is popular for its coffee, breads and specialty desserts, but in the summer you might even come across Loganberry slush – a tribute to the original Loganberry drink once famous among Crystal Beach Amusement Park visitors. Jung’s Niagara Taekwondo or cocktails to enhance their pampering and other events. Quasi’s Café and Lounge experience! is the heart of the 15,000 sq.ft. complex. The Savoury Bean is a local favourite for Another innovative “reno” is courtesy premium coffee, latte, cappuccino, espresso of Regional Limousine, who took over and more. The popular coffee shop serves a former fire hall to manage its fleet of light lunches and an impressive variety limousines, while making part of the of delectable treats, from sweet breads to facility available for community rentals. pastries to cakes. Other new businesses to Bridgeburg A notable trend in recent years has seen Station are helping to promote active and young entrepreneurs repurpose old heritage healthy lifestyles, and are bringing a new buildings for innovative uses. The Bell vibe to Jarvis Street. These include Jung’s Tower Community Arts & Entertainment Niagara Taekwondo and On The Mat, The Old Bank Bistro Complex, located in a century-old former offering yoga, pilates and fitness classes. church, features concerts, karaoke, comedy FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! 9 COMMUNITY FOCUS: RIDGEWAY The Kitchen at 335 Lasting Impressions Live music at The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts 10 FORT ERIE… BECAUSE! Downtown Ridgeway hosts a Farmers Market every Saturday morning and compelling seasonal events throughout the year. idgeway is a close-knit, tranquil The Sanctuary also features performing community just to the west of Fort arts shows, art classes and eclectic events Erie’s original town boundary. Its such as an Art Battle® live painting Rhistoric downtown along Ridge Road is a competition, where artists compete to magnet for locals and tourists alike, with create their best work possible in a mere quaint boutiques like J. E. Harper & Co. 20-minutes. Spectators are not only free Travel Supply, Three Ferrises and Lasting to move around the venue and observe Impressions Gifts. The main street also the artists’ progress, they also take part in features galleries, shops, spas, eateries and voting for the winning works of art. other services. The nearby Ridge Film House offers a It’s a historic setting with a modern feel. unique movie-going experience, complete The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts is a with an in-house bar, luxury seating and community-based hub for artists, located carefully curated films.