If you only skim one part of a municipal agenda package, make it the planning, subdivision, and by-law sections—because that’s where you can see future neighbourhood change before it hits the market.
Here are the real-estate takeaways from the Town of Fort Erie’s January 26, 2026 Council agenda package.
A public meeting notice covers an application at 19 Derby Road for a three-storey apartment building and several site-specific zoning tweaks, including reduced parking and increased lot coverage.
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
Why it matters: multi-residential proposals can influence nearby values (positively or negatively) depending on design, parking, traffic flow, and how well transitions are handled next to low-rise homes.
Another notice addresses 4991 Abino Hills Road with a request that includes sleeping accommodations and clarifying how a “bunkhouse” is treated under the planning framework.
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
Why it matters: rural and estate-area properties often run into “use” questions—guest quarters, short-term stays, accessory structures, and what is (or isn’t) considered a dwelling.
A public meeting notice also covers 3092 Dominion Road, tied to a draft plan and zoning changes for a residential proposal described as 75 new dwelling units (street townhouses and blocks).
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
Why it matters: this is the kind of application that can shape supply in a pocket of town—helping relieve pressure on resale inventory, while also raising questions about traffic, servicing, and road standards.
Planning staff recommend approval for a zoning amendment at 1405 Englewood Avenue.
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
What’s interesting is the evolution:
From a “how development actually happens” standpoint, this is a classic example of a proponent adjusting density and built form to better match neighbourhood expectations—while still creating new housing.
A few practical notes mentioned in the report:
The agenda package includes a recommendation report for 3331 Dominion Road, and staff recommend denial.
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
The application proposes shifting zoning from Hazard (H) + Residential 1 (R1) to a site-specific RM1 to allow block/back-to-back townhouses, and it also involves a hazard boundary realignment tied to an NPCA cut-and-fill permit, because part of the site is in a floodplain.
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
Staff’s reasoning (in plain English) focuses on fit and function:
Even at the public meeting level, staff explicitly agreed with residents that the proposal was out of character and lacked a gentle transition in built form/height.
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
Why this matters for buyers and sellers: when a project is recommended for denial, it doesn’t necessarily mean “it’s over forever”—but it does signal the Town’s current tolerance for height, massing, parking, and compatibility in that specific area.
A large “for information” report outlines Alliston Woods Subdivision Phase 2, including the proposal’s scale:
A couple of practical “development realities” jump out:
Why it matters: this is the kind of file that tells you what a future neighbourhood will feel like—street design, sidewalks, traffic calming—long before the “Coming Soon” signs show up.
Two by-laws deal with the Town assuming subdivision services for Bayridge Crossing Phase 3 (Plan 59M-363) in stages:
Why it matters: “assumption” is a behind-the-scenes step that usually signals a subdivision is moving from developer-maintained toward full municipal responsibility—often aligning with completion milestones and a more “finished” neighbourhood.
Two by-laws remove part lot control to enable conveyancing/creation of new residential units:
Why it matters: these small planning tools are part of how “missing middle” supply gets created—new units without massive greenfield expansion.
A motion in the agenda directs staff to prepare options to formally require urbanization of roads—including sidewalks, storm sewers, curbs, lighting, drainage, etc.—as part of new development applications where feasible.
Agenda Package - RCM_Jan26_2026
Why it matters: if the Town strengthens these expectations, it can affect:
This agenda package shows Fort Erie continuing to balance three big themes:
If you want, tell me which neighbourhood(s) you care about (Ridgeway, Crystal Beach, Garrison/Spears, etc.), and I’ll rewrite this into a more targeted blog version for that audience (buyers vs. sellers vs. investors).
