Port Colborne made “significant strides” during this summer’s Canal Days festival with enhanced security and a strong police presence, says the city’s recreation supervisor Luke Rowe.

A presentation by Rowe and other staff during Tuesday’s city council meeting provided an overview of the four-day event’s budget and other measures that were taken in the most recent edition.

In 2024 a fence was knocked over while Canadian rock group Billy Talent performed at the main concert stage at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park. Alcohol sales were also shut down due to a large crowd.

Rowe said two new security companies hired for 2025 and a strong collaboration with Niagara Regional Police was part of the success this time as there were no major incidents.

Rowe said next year’s police involvement will be “t

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