Port Colborne residents can have fun in the sun at Nickel and Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach for FREE this season with the #PORTicipate Pass. Now's your chance to get exclusive access to the beach on both weekdays and weekends, just by showing your pass. 

Getting a #PORTicipate Pass is easy as 1, 2, 3: 

1. Fill out the online form 
  • Online forms can be found here or accessed through the orange link below 
  • Residents over the age of 16 are eligible to receive a #PORTicipate Pass 
  • #PORTicipate Passes are non-transferable and can only be used by the person who registers for it. For example, if you have 5 people in your household over the age of 16, all 5 household members are eligible to receive a #PORTicipate Pass. The #PORTicipate Pass cannot be shared among family members.
 2. Pick up your pass at either City Hall, the Vale Health & Wellness Centre or Nickel Beach. #PORTicipate Passes can also be mailed. 
  • When picking up your pass you will need to provide proof of address such as a drivers license, passport, tax bill or any bill that shows your name and address 
  • Pick up times are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday to Friday 
 3. Show your #PORTicipate Pass at Nickel Beach or Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach and get in for FREE 
  • When accessing the beach, you will need to show both your #PORTicipate Pass and proof of address such as drivers license, passport, tax bill or any bill that shows your name and address 
  • If arriving with multiple people in a vehicle, only one #PORTicipate Pass needs to be shown to gain beach entry 
  • Individuals under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult 

 

Not a Port Colborne resident? 

If you're looking to experience Nickel Beach this summer, non-residents will be able to purchase day passes online. More information will become available soon. 

Are you renting a cottage or staying at an Airbnb?

If you're renting a cottage or staying at an Airbnb in Port Colborne and interested in visiting Nickel or Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach during the 2021 season, you will be able to access the beaches at the Niagara resident fee with proof of rental at the gate. Staff will check to make sure the rental document coincides with the date you are accessing the beach, including check-in/check-out dates. For a list of 2021 beach pass fees, click here. 

For more information

Beachfront parking access (Port Colborne residents):
Once a PORTicipate pass has been obtained, residents are required to show valid government issued photo ID, along with their PORTicipate pass for free access to beachfront parking on Nickel Beach. No advanced registration is required.

 
 Transferability
PORTicipate pass registration is solely for individual use and each pass registered is therefore non-transferable. The City of Port Colborne reserves the right to revoke passes and access to individuals found violating these terms.
 Inclement weather & beach closures
In the event of beach closures due to adverse weather conditions or any other factor, Nickel Beach will be closed to the public for beachfront parking access up to, and including a full day of operating hours. If a beach closure is implemented for a full operating day, patrons who have purchased a daily pass for beachfront parking access will receive an automatic credit to their online account, and will be able to secure a daily pass for an alternative date at no extra charge.
 Refusal of entry
 The City of Port Colborne reserves the right to revoke passes and/or refuse entry to any patron (resident or non-resident) that are found:
  • Upselling, transferring or selling daily beachfront parking passes or residential PORTicipate passes
  • Falsifying information in order to manipulate fees for access
  • Disruptive or abusive behavior towards staff, security, or any other member of the public
  • Dangerous driving
  • In possession of prohibited items
  • Engaging in any activity that may be found harmful to the natural environment
 Daily beach capacity (non-Port Colborne residents)
There will be a maximum of 150 daily beachfront parking passes available to non – Port Colborne residents. Advance purchase is highly recommended to ensure access upon arrival.
 Cancellation Policy: non-Port Colborne resident Beachfront parking pass
The City of Port Colborne will administer cancellations for daily beachfront parking passes that have been purchased in advance. Cancellation requests are to be sent to the City of Port Colborne no less than 48 hours in advance of the event date. Patrons who meet these requirements will be issued back credit on their online account, and an alternative pass can be purchased at their convenience at no extra charge.

A monetary refund will not be issued unless otherwise requested in writing.

Cancellation, date transfer, or refund requests for daily passes will not be processed if patrons do not meet the terms outlined in the cancellation policy.  
Daily Beachfront Parking Passes (non- Port Colborne residents)
Daily Beachfront Parking Passes (non- Port Colborne residents):

 

  • Advance purchase of daily passes required for entry to Nickel Beach. 
  • All parking outside of direct beachfront parking is prohibited, no walk-on access will be permitted
  • Daily parking passes can be purchased via the City of Port Colborne website or by contacting Customer Service at 905-835-2900 during daily hours. Daily pass sales on site are not guaranteed. Interested patrons are encouraged to purchase in advance to guarantee access.
 * 2021 Port Colborne Beach Disclaimer 
Please be advised the #PORTicipate Pass is only valid for the 2021 beach season. The City of Port Colborne reserves the right to change this new process, including changes to the pass for future use. 

Nickel Beach and Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach are scheduled to open Friday, May 21, 2021. However, this is subject to change based on COVID-19 provincial legislation. If opening dates change, #PORTicipate Pass holders will be notified.