Joan Christensen
Councillor · Ward 4 · seen 2022-11-15 to 2026-10-05 · served 2022–2026
241substantive motions movedof 153 meetings the minutes record them at
14procedural motions movedcounted separately, and never added to the above
169substantive motions secondedseconding is often a seat convention, not agreement
5meetings recorded absentof 153 they were on the record for
8–3recorded votes, for–againstrecorded votes are rare and a skewed sample
Vote count and office as published by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2022 municipal election results (Open Government Licence – Ontario). Everything else on this page is read from Fort Erie’s own minutes.
In their own words, via the Town
First elected in 2022 as Councillor for Ward 4 (Ridgeway-Thunder Bay) for the 2023-2026 term after 30 years working in senior policy and program management positions with Metro Toronto, York Region and the Ontario government. Having to make the decisions is really different from giving advice! I’m involved with the community as Chair of Fort Erie’s Community Health Services Committee, a board member at the Carefirst Seniors Association and Bridges Community Health Centre and member of the Beachcombers and Advancing Crystal Beach. Professional satisfaction has always been about government policies and practices around supports for vulnerable people and access to community services. This extends to helping non-profits like Pathstone and Quest Community Health Centre to set their future directions in light of those policies. What I do is based on a belief that all people are of equal value in this world despite differences of historic, economic, social and genetic circumstances. Those blessed with advantageous circumstances are obligated to ensure that inequitable laws and institutions must change to eliminate the inequities arising from those differences. Fort Erie is home because it’s also home to some of the most caring people I’ve ever known, people who reach out to neighbours in crisis or in friendship. It’s a place that has lots of room for me to make myself useful through community initiatives like the Greater Fort Erie Community Hub, the Crystal Beach sign and finding funding for local agencies Outside of work, I’m pretty much the same – driven to solve serious policy problems. Seeking to make our corner of the world better. Meeting with friends at the Pie Guys or Our Corner Cafe. Meeting with friends at the dog park. Extremely boring and I love it! Oh yeah! and my three standard poodles are still US citizens so we celebrate Memorial Day and July 4 th as well as all the Canadian holidays. And I have delusions of becoming a concert pianist the easy way – too little practice + the Fort Erie School of Music.
As published by Fort Erie.
How they voted, where it was recorded (11)
Council-in-Committee February 9, 2026
Against · 4–3 · CarriedThat: Council directs the Town Solicitor to enter into negotiations for the sale of Parts 5 and 7 on the draft reference plan associated with 3823 Terrace Lane to 1322977 Ontario Inc.
Council-in-Committee December 1, 2025
Against · 1–6 · LostThat: The procedure, attached as Appendix 1, be amended to to reflect that when staff determine at the time of reviewing consent application that a boulevard tree cannot be planted, no fee for a boulevard tree be…
Council-in-Committee December 1, 2025
For · 6–1 · CarriedThat: The procedure, attached as Appendix 1, be amended to include language which ensures that when a fee is collected for a boulevard tree within an urban area, and staff determine that the tree cannot be planted…
Council-in-Committee December 1, 2025
For · 4–3 · CarriedThat: The procedure, attached as Appendix 1, be amended to replace any reference to a two-year period with a five year period.
Council-in-Committee February 10, 2025
For · 5–1 · CarriedThat: Council approves the Town of Fort Erie Parks and Open Space Master Plan attached as Appendix 1, and further That: Council directs staff to consider the cost of implementation and maintenance of the Parks and Open…
Regular Council October 21, 2024
For · 6–0 · CarriedWhereas the Douglas Memorial Hospital was built primarily with funds left by the estate of William Douglas on his death in 1929; and Whereas the Douglas Memorial Hospital (“the Hospital”) opened for operation in 1931;
Regular Council June 24, 2024
For · 5–2 · CarriedThat: By-laws 69-2024 and 70-2024 are given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council May 27, 2024
For · 4–2 · CarriedThat: Council approves the amendment to the Town’s Consolidated 2021 Official Plan as detailed in Report PDS-31-2024 for the lands known as 436-440 Ridge Road North, and further That: Council approves the amendment…
Regular Council March 18, 2024
For · 6–1 · CarriedThat: Council receives Report PDS-10-2024 for information purposes, and further Regular Council Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2024 6 That: Council directs staff to prepare new Fence and Swimming Pool By-laws for Council…
Regular Council March 18, 2024
For · 6–1 · CarriedThat: By-laws 33-2024, as amended, is given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the Corporate Seal.
Council-in-Budget Committee November 15, 2023
Against · 1–6 · LostThat : The 2024 Preliminary Capital Budget Project FETC24 be amended to $250,000 over three years. Yes (1) Councillor Noyes No (6) Mayor Redekop, Councillor McDermott, Councillor Dubanow, Councillor Flagg, Councillor…
Meetings the minutes record them as absent from (5)
Regular Council-in-Budget CommitteeDecember 7, 2022
Regular Council in CommitteeDecember 5, 2022
Special CouncilDecember 5, 2022
Special CouncilDecember 1, 2022
Special CouncilNovember 21, 2022
Substantive motions moved (showing the 40 most recent of 241)
That: Council remove stacked townhouses as a permitted use on the subject lands; and further That: All other residential uses be permitted on block 113.
Regular Council, September 28, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: Council receives the consultant report entitled “Reimagining Douglas Memorial: Community Report,” attached as Appendix 1; That: Council endorses, in principle, the report’s strategic direction to advance a phased Community Health Hub model centered on stronger primary and community care, subject to further feasibility, partnership, site, governance and financial analysis; That: Cou
Regular Council, September 28, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: By-law 83-2026 To Confirm the Actions of Council at its Council-in-Committee meeting held on September 14, 2026 and its Regular Council meeting held September 28, 2026, is given first and second reading.
Regular Council, September 28, 2026 · Carried
That: Council receives the August 20, 2026, Land Committee meeting minutes attached as Appendix “1”; and further That: Council authorize the signing of a Quit Claim Deed for the property known as Instrument CB3072, as shown in yellow on Appendix “1.2” attached to the Meeting Minutes.
Council-in-Committee, September 14, 2026 · Carried
That: Council approves the recommended Planning Application Fees and Charges as outlined in Staff Report PBBS-37-2026, and further That: Council directs staff to implement the recommended Planning Application Fees and Charges starting January 1, 2027, as outlined in Option 1 of Staff Report PBBS-37-2026, and further That: Council directs staff to make necessary revisions to the Fees and Charges By
Regular Council, August 24, 2026 · Deferred
That: Council defer the Motion to the September 28, 2026 Council meeting.
Regular Council, August 24, 2026 · Carried
That: By-laws 60-2026 to 64-2026, inclusive, are given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, August 24, 2026 · Carried
That: By-laws 67-2026 is given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, August 24, 2026 · Carried
That: Report be referred to the August 10, 2026 Council-in-Committee meeting pending further discussions with the applicant regarding the number of affordable housing units and the applicant's commitment to providing affordable housing.
Regular Council, July 20, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: By-law 58-2026 is given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, July 20, 2026 · Carried
That: By-law 58-2026 is given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, July 20, 2026 · Carried
That: Council approves the amendment to the Town’s Zoning By-law 129-90 as amended, detailed in Report PBBS-34-2026 for the lands known as 2277 Ridgemount Road, and further That: Council directs staff to prepare the necessary by-law.
Council-in-Committee, July 6, 2026 · Carried
That: Council approves the consent agenda as recommended.
Council-in-Committee, July 6, 2026 · Carried
Council-in-Committee Meeting - July 6, 2026 3 That: Council approves the amendment to the Town’s Zoning By-law 129- 90 as amended, detailed in Report PBBS-34-2026 for the lands known as 2277 Ridgemount Road, and further That: Council directs staff to prepare the necessary by-law.
Council-in-Committee, July 6, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: Council receive Report PBBS-32-2026 regarding the Provincial approval of the Town of Fort Erie Official Plan for information.
Regular Council, June 22, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: By-laws 47-2026 and 48-2026 are given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, June 22, 2026 · Carried
That: Council receive Report PBBS-32-2026 regarding the Provincial approval of the Town of Fort Erie Official Plan for information.
Regular Council, June 22, 2026 · Carried
That: By-laws 47-2026 and 48-2026 are given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, June 22, 2026 · Carried
That: The response to enquiry be received.
Council-in-Committee, June 8, 2026 · Carried
McDermott Whereas the Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Ontario, is a museum dedicated to the history of ice hockey and features exhibits on players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia, and trophies, including the Stanley Cup; and Whereas the Esso Medals Exhibit within the Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding achievements among amateur athletes in hockey and para (sled
Regular Council, May 25, 2026 · Carried
Whereas the Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Ontario, is a museum dedicated to the history of ice hockey and features exhibits on players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia, and trophies, including the Stanley Cup; and Whereas the Esso Medals Exhibit within the Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding achievements among amateur athletes in hockey and para (sledge) hockey
Regular Council, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That: By-law 36-2026 is given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Special Council, May 20, 2026 · Carried
That: That Council approve the single-source award of PWRR30 – Park Waste Receptacle Replacement to Canada Perforating Inc. for the supply of custom Fort Erie branded waste receptacle units, at a proposed cost of $146,100.00, plus applicable HST.
Council-in-Committee, May 11, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: The by-law package containing: 25-2026 To Assume Ownership and Responsibility for the Secondary Services for The Oaks at Six Mile Creek Subdivision, Phases 1, 2, & 3; 26-2026 To Authorize the Entry into an Amending Agreement to the Niagara Region Courts Inter-Municipal Agreement - Amendment 3 - Vision Zero Road Safety Program; 28-2026 To Set the 2026 Tax Rates and to Levy Taxes for
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: By-laws 25-2026, 26-2026, and 28-2026 to 34-2026 inclusive are given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: By-law 27-2026 To Regulate the Destruction and Injuring of Trees and Repeal By-law 33-2024 is given first and second reading
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
That: By-law 27-2026 is given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal. Yes (5) Mayor Redekop, Councillor McDermott, Councillor Dubanow, Councillor Christensen, and Councillor Lewis No (1) Councillor Noyes Absent (1) Councillor Flagg
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
That: The by-law package containing: 25-2026 To Assume Ownership and Responsibility for the Secondary Services for The Oaks at Six Mile Creek Subdivision, Phases 1, 2, & 3; 26-2026 To Authorize the Entry into an Amending Agreement to the Niagara Region Courts Inter-Municipal Agreement - Amendment 3 - Vision Zero Road Safety Program; 28-2026 To Set the 2026 Tax Rates and to Levy Taxes for the Year
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
That: By-laws 25-2026, 26-2026, and 28-2026 to 34-2026 inclusive are given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal.
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting Minutes - April 27, 2026 9 That: By-law 27-2026 To Regulate the Destruction and Injuring of Trees and Repeal By-law 33-2024 is given first and second reading
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
That: By-law 27-2026 is given third and final reading to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk under the corporate seal. Yes (5): Mayor Redekop, Councillor Christensen, Councillor Dubanow, Councillor Lewis, and Councillor McDermott No (1): Councillor Noyes Absent (1): Councillor Flagg
Regular Council, April 27, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: The by-law package containing: 19-2026 To Authorize the Entry into Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Niagara South Standard Condominium Corporation No. 162 for the Purchase of Part 1 on 59R-18418 - Extension of Hagey Avenue; 20-2026 To Authorize the Execution of a Subdivision Agreement with 2627781 Ontario Inc. for the Spring Creek Estates Subdivision; 21-2026 To Regulate the Dep
Regular Council, March 23, 2026 · Carried
That: The by-law package containing: 19-2026 To Authorize the Entry into Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Niagara South Standard Condominium Corporation No. 162 for the Purchase of Part 1 on 59R-18418 - Extension of Hagey Avenue; 20-2026 To Authorize the Execution of a Subdivision Agreement with 2627781 Ontario Inc. for the Spring Creek Estates Subdivision; 21-2026 To Regulate the Depositing of
Regular Council, March 23, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: Council receives, for information purposes, Report PBBS-06-2026 regarding a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands located at 19 Derby Road.
Regular Council, February 23, 2026 · Carried
McDermott That: By-law 18-2026 To Confirm the Actions of Council at its Council-in-Budget Committee Meeting Held on January 28, 2026, Council-in-Committee Meeting Held on February 9, 2026 and its Regular Council Meeting Held on February 26, 2026, is given first and second reading.
Regular Council, February 23, 2026 · Carried
That: Council receives, for information purposes, Report PBBS-06-2026 regarding a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands located at 19 Derby Road.
Regular Council, February 23, 2026 · Carried
That: By-law 18-2026 To Confirm the Actions of Council at its Council-in-Budget Committee Meeting Held on January 28, 2026, Council-in-Committee Meeting Held on February 9, 2026 and its Regular Council Meeting Held on February 26, 2026, is given first and second reading.
Regular Council, February 23, 2026 · Carried
That: Council approves the consent agenda as recommended.
Council-in-Committee, February 9, 2026 · Carried
That: Council approves the consent agenda as recommended. Council-in-Committee Meeting Minutes - February 9, 2026 3
Council-in-Committee, February 9, 2026 · Carried
That: Council receive for information purposes, Report PBBS-03-2026 regarding the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments and Draft Plan of Subdivision Applications for lands located at Unassigned Parcel 0-10844 Morrison Avenue (Alliston Woods Subdivision, Phase 2), Fort Erie.
Regular Council, January 26, 2026 · Carried
In the record
148meetings recorded presentthe minutes record presence, not a rate
5conflicts of interest declareda member saying they should not vote on a matter
Ward 4seatCouncillor
689votes in 2022Local Councillor
Council-in-Committee September 14, 2026
regarding Item 9.2.5 PBBS-46-2026, as she resides within the notice area and abstained from discussing or voting on the matter
Regular Council October 20, 2025
regarding item By-law 89-2025 as the Councillor's property is one of those listed as receiving a rebate and reduction going forward
Council-in-Committee October 6, 2025
regarding item 8.3 Report CS-09-2025 as the Councillor's property is one of those listed as receiving a rebate and reduction going forward
Regular Council June 26, 2023
regarding Item 12.1 Report PDS-48-2023, as she resides within the notice area and abstained from discussing or voting on the matter
What this does not measure
- Motions moved is not a measure of effectiveness. Who moves a motion is often a seat convention or a committee role, and the member who does the work on a file is frequently not the one who reads it out.
- Nobody is ranked against anybody. These figures are counted against this member's own meetings and are never totalled or compared.
- Absence is not explained. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why. Illness, a declared conflict and a family emergency all appear the same way.
- What was said is not here. This record reads the minutes, which record decisions, not debate.
Something wrong here?
If anything on this page is wrong, say so and it will be corrected and the correction recorded. Everything here is read from Fort Erie’s own published documents — where those documents and this page disagree, the documents are right. How this record is made.