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City of Port Colborne Adding Parking Spaces to Nickel Beach

Photo Credit: City of Port Colborne

City approves plan to build and expand parking lots after the Ministry of the Environment bans on-beach parking

The City of Port Colborne is making changes to parking at Nickel Beach, in order to help an endangered species of toad. 

Last night, council approved a plan to construct and expand parking lots for the upcoming summer season, with 260 new parking spaces being added. 

This comes after the Ministry of the Environment declared that on-beach parking will be banned, due to the presence of Fowler's Toad. 

The toad is considered an endangered species in Ontario. 

Local residents who plan to use street parking near their homes are encouraged to use the PORTicipate pass on their windshield. 

Cars parked on streets near Nickel Beach without the pass will be ticketed, pending an updated parking bylaw. 

"I know many residents and visitors look forward to driving and parking on the sand at Nickel Beach," said Port Colborne Mayor, Bill Steele. "This year will be different, but I am pleased we were able to find an alternative solution to allow residents and visitors to continue enjoying our beautiful waterfront for windsurfing, swimming, sunbathing and more this season. We’re also happy to have SplashTown Niagara back for another summer of action-packed water park fun."

City Council has also approved the following changes to beach user fees: 

Monday to Thursday

Reserved parking - $40 per car
First-come first-served parking
Free for Port Colborne residents with a PORTicipate pass
$20 per car without a PORTicipate pass

 

Friday to Sunday and Holidays

Reserved parking - $50 per car
First-come first-served parking
Free for Port Colborne residents with a PORTicipate pass
$30 per car without a PORTicipate pass

 

Season Passes

Seven days a week with dedicated parking - $350
Monday - Thursday without dedicated parking space - $100

 

More information about the Season Pass option will be available in the coming weeks.

There will be no gate entrance fee, so pedestrians and cyclists will have free access. 

The City also says there will be no changes to parking arrangements at Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach parking. 

Advanced reservations for the beach will be available, using the same process as last year, for Monday to Thursday for $20 per car and Friday to Sunday for $30 per car.

The park is also still free for Port Colborne residents who have a PORTicipate pass. 

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