The Fort Erie Podcast

Yes, there will be a fourth season of The Fort Erie Podcast…I promise. I just don’t know when exactly it will happen. In this short episode, I offer listeners an explanation as to why I am delaying the production and release of season four. Simply put, the provincial stay-at-home order (not to mention the pandemic at large) has made it virtually impossible to cover local news and events. Same goes for small business owners in our town. It’s tough for them to talk with me about what makes...

Be honest…does the thought of doing improv in front of a group of strangers terrify you? What if there was beer involved? In this season three finale episode of The Fort Erie Podcast, Anastasia Boake, co-owner of Down the Rabbit Hole Theatre Company in Ridgeway, discusses with me by phone the drama programs (for various age groups) that she and her business partner, Ashley Krawczyk, offer the community. WelcomeNominate a Guest…Movember UpdateLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie...

Due to COVID-19, there was no Bridgeburg Street Dance this fall, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good things happening in the north end. Joining me this week is Julie Brady to talk about Regional Limousine, her established business at the former Jarvis Street fire hall, as well as her involvement with the economic development of downtown. Then, returning to the show this season is James Culic (best known for his opinion pieces in Niagara this Week) to share his thoughts on the damaged...

What do paint nights, jam nights, and a beloved fishing boat have in common? All three can be found at the BoHo Studio in downtown Ridgeway. Since the tragic passing of his partner, Debra Mallen, Rob Faragalli has been steadfast about continuing her legacy — uniting Ridgeway through art, laughter, and an uncompromising sense of community. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie Q&ARob FaragalliMarket UpdateCommunity Events Get the show notes (and links) here:...

Who cuts my hair, you ask? Turns out, it isn’t my mom. My barber, Mike Daigle — better known as “Mike the Barber” — joins me by phone to talk about his brand new Fort Erie barbering studio (it opened just this year), as well as the large selection of high-end men’s grooming products he carries at the Bridgeburg Gentleman’s Shoppe. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie Q&AMike DaigleFort Erie HistoryCommunity Events Get the show notes (and links) here: https://buywithbrent.ca/s03e05

Keith McTague and his wife, Ashlynn Ross, are partners not only in life, but business, as the co-founders of Planks Canada on Derby Road. The brand found immediate success in Crystal Beach with both tourists and local residents alike. Keith shares the value of shopping local (especially during a pandemic) as well as his love for the area and community. Also, joining me by phone is Jake Allemang, owner of MSNR Plumbing, with some tips on preparing your home for winter. WelcomeMovemberLocal...

As a border town, Fort Erie is home to a lot of firsts. Perhaps no one knows this better than Martha Mason, executive director of the Fort Erie Multicultural Centre as well as the Peace Bridge Newcomer Centre. Martha sheds some light on the work she does with those new to Canada, as well as what’s hiding in her trunk (and the answer just might surprise you). Also, fun fact: Martha was chosen last season by you, the listeners, to be on the show this fall. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New...

So, is it supposed to be said as three-thirty-five or three-three-five? Find out on this episode with Jenn Wilkinson, owner of 335 on the Ridge and The Kitchen at 335, as she reflects both on growing up in Crystal Beach and the origins of her popular Ridgeway restaurant brands. Also, find out which famous celebrity she is most often mistaken for. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie Q&AJenn WilkinsonMarket UpdateCommunity Events Get the show notes (and links) here:...

So where does the nickname “Shaggy” come from, anyway? Joining me for the season three premiere episode of The Fort Erie Podcast is Sheldon Halliday, owner and proprietor of Shaggy’s Pizza & Eats in Stevensville. Sheldon shares his thoughts on the growth of Stevensville, his favorite items on the menu, and how COVID-19 has impacted his business. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie Q&ASheldon HallidayFort Erie HistoryCommunity Events Get the show notes (and links) here:...

The Fort Erie Podcast is returning for its third season of bite-sized weekly episodes, kicking off October 13, 2020. Listeners can expect a number of familiar segments, such as local news headlines, upcoming community events, Fort Erie history, and a spotlight on hot new real estate listings. And, of course, I will be joined by a new lineup of great local guests. Have a listen to this short preview of what’s to come. Get the show notes (and links) here: https://buywithbrent.ca/s03e00

For decades, The Barrel has been a staple of Fort Erie dining. In this season two finale episode of The Fort Erie Podcast, Dino Kentros, owner, reflects on the dedication of his staff, the most crowd-pleasing items on the menu, and the origins of this successful family business. Also, to end the season, I am giving away a $50 gift card. Tune in for details! WelcomeLocal HeadlinesFort Erie Q&ADino KentrosFort Erie HistorySeason Recap$50 Giveaway Get the show notes (and links) here:...

COVID-19 means big changes at the Fort Erie Race Track this year, including the delay of its 123rd racing season. Antonietta Culic, manager of marketing and media relations, joins me for an interview in two parts — an update on the race track, as well as reflecting on some highlights from 2019. Also joining me is James Culic, perhaps best known for his opinion pieces in Niagara this Week. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesFort Erie Q&AAntonietta CulicReal Estate TipJames Culic Get the show notes (and...

Voted by listeners as their favorite guest of season one, Phil Smith joins me for a second time on The Fort Erie Podcast. We discuss what’s new and exciting at his restaurant, South Coast Cookhouse, as well as the state of various developments throughout Crystal Beach. WelcomeHealth HeroesLocal HeadlinesFort Erie Q&APhil SmithReal Estate Tip Get the show notes (and links) here: https://buywithbrent.ca/s02e09

What makes Fort Erie such a great place to be? If you ask Bobby Singh, co-owner of Garrison Club, he’ll tell you that our town is a place that accepts you for who you are. Featuring a spacious and low-key environment to have a drink, dance, or even play pool, the Garrison Club is doubling down on its efforts in 2020 to be a leader in hosting community gatherings. WelcomeWin a Tee ShirtHealth HeroesLocal HeadlinesBobby SinghFort Erie History Get the show notes (and links) here:...

If you ever need a film buff for movie trivia night, you should probably try reaching out to Pat Inneo. A relative newcomer to Greater Fort Erie, Pat is the proud owner and operator of The Ridge Film House, which features two comfort-focused auditoriums, independent and second-run films, delicious concessions, and the perfect location – right in the heart of downtown Ridgeway. WelcomeWin a Tee ShirtHealth HeroesLocal HeadlinesFort Erie Q&APat InneoReal Estate TipCall Me Get the show notes...

George McDermott, town councillor, joins me for a candid discussion. He shares what, in his estimation, are the greatest challenges facing his ward and what the Town of Fort Erie is doing to address those challenges. A relative newcomer to local politics, George is filled with optimism for the future of our town. Also joining me by phone is local Fort Erie resident Drew Gauthier, host of A Podcast with Goat. WelcomeWin a Tee ShirtHealth HeroesGeorge McDermottReal Estate TipDrew Gauthier Get...

From a terrifying car accident to owning and operating her own business, Sarah Morin shares her journey to opening Fort Erie’s Fantastic Gymnastics. This former competitive gymnast turned entrepreneur now offers exciting programs and summer day camps for children of all ages and skill levels right in the heart of Bridgeburg. Also joining me is Noel Leboeuf with an update on the inaugural Fort Erie Pride event, coming to town this June. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie Q&ASarah...

When I asked listeners who they’d like to hear from this season on The Fort Erie Podcast, one listener nominated Connie Charron, president of the Fort Erie Conservation Club. More than just a park in Stevensville, the FECC offers hall rentals, woodworking, darts, hiking trails, and more. Also joining me is local digital marketing expert Andréa Jones, to talk about how Fort Erie business owners can leverage social media to engage with their customers throughout the COVID-19...

Do you remember what you were doing when you were three years old? If you were anything like Rob Rolston, you were probably learning to master your very first instrument. From strings to brass to percussion to vocals, Fort Erie School of Music offers an environment for musicians of all ages and skill levels to learn and have fun. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie Q&ARob RolstonReal Estate TipCommunity Events Get the show notes (and links) here: https://buywithbrent.ca/s02e03

When most people think of the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, daycare is the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that the FENFC offers a wide variety of programs for all stages of life, including opportunities for education, employment, and a healthy lifestyle? Jennifer Dockstader, executive director of the FENFC, joins me to talk about community programming and some her favorite annual events. WelcomeLocal HeadlinesHot New ListingFort Erie Q&AJennifer DockstaderFort Erie...