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As the City of Port Colborne continues to navigate the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council voted at Monday night’s meeting to move forward with a new strategic plan for beach operations, which includes implementing free beach passes for Port Colborne residents this summer.
For the 2021 season, Nickel Beach will be open to both Port Colborne residents and non-residents, while Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach will accommodate Niagara residents only. This decision was approved by Council after reviewing a staff report that included proactive changes to beach operations.
“City Council is aware of the challenges we had last year,” said Mayor Bill Steele. “By taking a strategic approach to the 2021 season, I’m confident we will be able to provide an exceptional experience for all beachgoers. It was important for Council to find a balance and this plan allows us to do that.”
With consideration for safety and quality of experience for both residents and visitors, the following will be implemented starting Victoria Day weekend:
- Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach will be restricted to Niagara residents only
- Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- Visitors will be required to show proof of Niagara residency upon entering the parking lot
- Port Colborne residents will be granted access to the parking lot with their beach pass
- Individuals renting properties near Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach will also have beach access
- Nickel Beach will be open to both residents and non-residents
- A limit of 150 vehicles for non-Port Colborne residents will be permitted to access the beach daily
- Beach passes for visitors will need to be purchased in advance
- More information regarding beach passes will be available soon
- Beachfront parking at Nickel Beach will be open from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and statutory holidays, weather permitting
A chart describing new polices for beaches is available online. More information regarding how Port Colborne residents can claim their free beach passes will be available by the end of April.
“The plan is to try and reduce the volume of patrons we had in comparison to last year by limiting parking spots,” said Bryan Boles, Director of Corporate Services. “After reviewing several options, staff are confident the solutions approved by Council can help alleviate these challenges, while mitigating potential risk related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
While it was mentioned for staff to consider implementing summer passes for rental properties near Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach, no decision was finalized. Although staff did not propose rental property beach passes in their report to Council, as restrictions are associated with parking and not accessing the beach, staff will review this option and provide an update to Council at the second meeting in April. Based on current provincial COVID-19 protocols, City staff will also recommend additional safety procedures, if necessary, to protect residents and visitors.
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