WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEW YEAR!

IMAGE IS PRETTY SELF EXPLANATORY! In November I had posted about this Tim Hortons "Coming Soon," to the lower food court in the Fallsview Casino.

Previous Post Link: Fallsview Tim Hortons

PUTTING THE ROOF IN ITS PLACE!

NOAH'S ARK OR NEW MOTEL 6? The prefab roof trusses that I had mentioned in an earlier posting, have now started there ascent to be installed atop of the new Motel 6 on Stanley Avenue.

Previous Post Link: Motel 6 "Update"

THE GENIE PAGES INFORMATION DIRECTORY

"YOUR INFORMATION REQUEST IS MY COMMAND." That's the welcome passersby receive when they pass the large kiosks at several locations across town, including the Canada One Factory Outlet Mall and the Days Inn and Suites on Centre Street. Contained within the kiosks is essentially a virtual White Pages of Niagara information, thousands of listings featuring everything from accommodations and restaurants to shopping and attractions. Known as Genie Pages, the kiosks are part of the Genie Network, the brainchild of friends Rod Strange, Joe Kekic and Keith Narsansky. They are a high-tech version of the old tourist brochure racks found in tourist attractions, information centres and hotels. Users simply touch the 17-inch high-resolution screen to access a myriad of information on whatever they are looking to do or see in Niagara. If the listing has a website, the user can also browse that listing's site. Users can view videos of attractions so they can preview it before heading out. If the user comes across a location they would like to check out, they can simply touch the screen for a map and a ticket is printed that includes directions, estimated trip time from their location and total distance to be travelled. The kiosks can also print out brochures, if available, and restaurant menus. When not being used, the kiosk broadcasts a slide show of all things Niagara. "These machines are every medium rolled up into one. It's a billboard, video station, Yellow Pages, White Pages... you can't get this anywhere else and it's so user friendly, everyone can use it," said Kekic, the network's sales manager. The concept of the kiosks was actually borne out of frustration. An avid traveller, Strange often found himself at a loss when searching for specific information at various locales. After returning from a trip in May, the certified network administrator got in touch with Narsansky, a programmer. In less than 48 hours, Narsansky had created the blueprints for the Genie Network. The kiosk at the outlet mall was installed Dec. 23. By the end of that first day, it had been accessed 428 times. The most popular search? Houses of worship. The kiosk was put in place at the Day's Inn and Suites in October. It recorded 1,700 hits in its first week. "It's a great service for my guests. If guests have questions, the genie has the answers," said Sophia Marinescu, manager at Days Inn. The kiosk is always being used, she added, which also provides relief to the front desk staff during busy times. New data can be entered into the network at any time and instantly reflected on all the genie units, which run around $8,000 apiece. In the future, the kiosks will allow users to purchase tickets for events such as movies or the theatre. The business has also attracted the attention of software giant Microsoft. Representatives were recently in Niagara to view the kiosks. Starting in January, the kiosks will incorporate Microsoft's Virtual Earth platform. The Niagara Falls-based company has global aspirations, and the founders hope to see kiosks front and centre in high-traffic areas around the world in the near future.

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

"Offering an innovative and sought after method of advertising; created by consumers for consumers."

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE @ The Genie Pages

NIAGARA SQUARE DEVELOPMENTS "UPDATE"

"COMING SOON" LEATHER BEAUTY, this store will specialize in leather repair and will also be selling leather accessories. It will be situated in the #3 highlighted red section across from the new Bonnie Togs Children's Store.

THE BIGGER NEWS OR RUMOUR IS... According to the management of The Bay, which will be closing in a couple of weeks or less. This building is going to be leveled and more Big Box stores are heading to the N.S.S.C. It was rumoured at SkyScraperPage that a new Mandarin buffet style restaurant would be coming into the empty department store. This may still be the case, but it maybe in a different location. The sad news is that it will probably be more exterior entrance stores coming, and that The Bay is leaving after so many years in Niagara Falls. The good news is that the staff of the Bay have been taken care of in one capacity or another. The truth of the retail market today is, you either sit still and watch your business slowly lose momentum, or you make changes and try to revitalise your establishment. This is what is happening at Niagara Square!

Previous Post Link: A Banner Closing Sale

KEEPING CUSTOMERS IN THE LOOP

THE NIAGARA LOOP IS UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR TOURISM. It has restaurants, it has hotels and it has one world-class theatre. All that's missing is someone to rally the troops. Mike Lococo gladly volunteer. "What I'm trying to do is change the face of tourism in this area," says Lococo, over lunch at the CasaD'Oro restaurant, one of the main players in his plan. The Loop encompasses the geographic centre of town, from which everything is easily accessible. It's bordered by Stanley Avenue, Roberts Street (Highway 420), and Victoria Avenue. Inside its diamond shape is the Greg Frewin Theatre, unique shops and eateries along Victoria Avenue, and a handful of hotels. A website has been formed (www.niagaraloop.ca), and Lococo is actively seeking businesses to form a "family" in one of the more maligned sections of the city. Since 'the loop' is located next to Clifton Hill and the Fallsview area, the battle is that much tougher. "Niagara Falls is full of people who are not team players," he says. "I hate to say it, but they're fragmented. They're selfish. Their thinking is, there's only so many tourist dollars that come into town and I want most of them. "The way I think of it is, how do we get more people to come to town so we can split up more money?" Lococo operates a dental practice near Queen Street. He said he grew fond of the loop when he and business partner Linus Hand brought the Disney show "Aladdin, Jr." to the Greg Frewin Theatre on Ellen Avenue. He saw an area that could perfectly bridge the gap between tourists and locals. He once stood on Victoria Avenue offering people discounted tickets to "Aladdin, Jr." One man replied, "No thanks, we're local." "It's a small-town mentality," he says. "We've got to get beyond that concept." Lococo has gathered enough from 'loop' members to take out advertising in the Toronto papers, and by next summer he hopes the area has some momentum. Casa D'Oro owner Jimmy Roberto was on board with the plan immediately. "It seems every area in town has a name," he says. "The only one missing is us. "We have everything to offer the customers."

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

CINEPLEX ODEON PRESENTS WORLD CLASS OPERAS

IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IN NEW YORK, the opera will come to you. Starting Saturday, the largest opera company in the U.S. will beam matinee performances via satellite to select Cineplex Odeon movie theatres, including the Niagara Square Cinemas. Six performances will be shown live as they happen at the opera house, digitally projected onto movie screens in high definition. "New York is coming to Niagara Falls," said Cineplex Odeon spokesman Pat Marshall. "This is really a terrific opportunity to expose a terrific product to a new audience. Not everyone can afford to go to the Metropolitan Opera ... this is going to be the next best thing to being there." Niagara Falls is among 25 Canadian cities taking part in the broadcasts, which begins with Mozart's "The Magic Flute. The series continues with Bellini's "I Puritani" Jan. 6, Tan Dun's "The First Emperor" Jan. 13, Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" Feb. 24, Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" March 24 and Puccini's "Il Trittico" April 28. All screenings start at 1:30 p.m. Admission costs $17.95 for adults, $14.95 for children and seniors. A pass for all six dates costs $99.95. To see each show live in New York ranges from US$42 to US$375. The screenings are available to theatres across Canada, the U.S. and UK. The broadcasts are only possible for theatres equipped with high definition digital projectors, which can cost $75,000 to $100,000 each. Eventually, said Marshall, all movies will be screened digitally as Hollywood phases out expensive 35mm film."We can get (the movie) as a hard drive, we can get it as a DVD, and we can download via satellite." Cineplex Odeon began offering live concerts and other special events in its theatres this year, including NHL games and Xbox tournaments. It has offered World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-views for a few years. "Because we're creating a new form of entertainment at our destinations, it's a matter of making people aware," said Marshall. "The advance ticket sales for the Met Opera series has been tremendous. We're delighted." The Metropolitan Opera is the largest classical music company in the U.S., staging close to 250 shows per year. It was founded in 1880. Met general manager Peter Gelb said broadcasts will offer a "front row" perspective. "Of course, operas were not created to be filmed; they are not staged for television," he said. "There are certain limitations in reproducing a live opera on television. We can't have cameras moving around in the theatre because that would disturb the audience. "That said, there will be at least 10 cameras around the house and backstage in an effort to produce the most vibrant viewing experience."

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

GREATER NIAGARA GENERAL HOSPITAL

THE JEFF MORGAN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT is scheduled to open January 12th, 2007. During the holiday shopping season volunteers were busy wrapping gifts at the Niagara Square Shopping Centre to raise funds for this new $21 million project.

Previous Post Link: Hospital Upgrades

WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

CAPPING THE COUNTRY INN & SUITES

THE MAIN STRUCTURE IS COMPLETE. Now the framework supporting the decorative gable above the roof, has begun to take shape. I am impressed with the speed of this redevelopment, considering that they first demolished the former hotel on August 24th, cleaned up the site, and then began the new hotel.

Previous Post Link: Country Inn.. A Visual Walk Through

ACHIEVING ONTARIO'S LONG TERM ENERGY OBJECTIVES

NORTHLAND POWER TO BUILD $470 MILLION DOLLAR POWER PLANT

This was published in October, but is worth posting for the purpose of cross referencing.

THOROLD, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 16, 2006 -- Northland Power Inc. is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Thorold Co-Gen LP, has signed a long-term contract with the Ontario Power Authority to supply electricity to Ontario consumers from a new combined heat and power plant to be built at the Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada recycled newsprint mill in Thorold, Ontario. Under the contract, the plant will supply an annual average capacity of 236 megawatts of electric power to the OPA. The contract was awarded following Northland's successful bid under the Request for Proposals issued by the OPA in April 2006. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2007, following the completion of all permitting and financing, and full commercial operations and supply of electricity is expected to commence June 2009. The plant will be a gas-fired co-generation facility producing both electricity and steam. A 170 megawatt industrial gas turbine and associated 95 megawatt steam turbine will generate enough electricity to provide power to the equivalent of 100,000 homes in Ontario. The plant will result in an investment of over $400 million in the Thorold region. "The Northland/Abitibi project is important to achieving Ontario's long-term energy objectives", said Paul Bradley, Vice President of Electricity Resources at the Ontario Power Authority, the provincial agency charged with ensuring the province has adequate investment to achieve its electricity goals. "The project supplies much needed electricity, it demonstrates the high-efficiency use of resources and it highlights the role that the private sector can play in our energy future." In addition, the plant will provide electricity and up to 350,000 lbs per hour of steam to the Abitibi-Consolidated mill, for use in its newsprint manufacturing process. The high efficiency of the new plant, which will replace Abitibi-Consolidated's ageing steam boilers, will reduce the mill's production costs to allow it to improve its competitiveness in the market, and help reduce airborne emissions. "We are extremely pleased that our partnership with Abitibi, and the support of the city of Thorold and Niagara region, will allow us to complete this very exciting project" said John Brace, CEO and President of Northland Power. "The new facility will efficiently and cleanly produce electricity for Ontario and steam for an important industry in the Niagara region. We are also pleased with the leadership shown by the OPA and the Ontario government in working with private power producers to address Ontario's continuing energy needs." The project will be financed by Northland Power Inc., The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Bank of Montreal, and Northland Power Income Fund. Northland Power Inc. is a developer, owner, and operator of thermal, wind, and hydro power plants across Canada, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Northland Power Income Fund Management Inc., is the manager of Northland Power Income Fund, a leading income trust listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NPI.UN and NPI.DB) that invests in power projects in Canada, the United States and Europe. Northland Power Income Fund Management Inc. manages the 126 MW Iroquois Falls and 110 MW Kingston cogeneration plants in Ontario, and the 54 MW Mont Miller wind farm in Quebec owned by Northland Power Income Fund. Northland Power Inc. manages two gas and biomass power plants in Kirkland Lake (138 MW) and Cochrane (42 MW), and has a large portfolio of development projects. Abitibi-Consolidated's Thorold Division is an integrated manufacturing facility of high quality newsprint from pulp made from 100% recycled fiber. Its over 400,000 tonnes of annual newsprint production is sold across North America. The division employs approximately 400 full time employees.

Files found @ Market Wire

Niagara Tunnel project Link:   Ontario Power Generation

WHAT'S AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW?

POWER PROJECTS WILL FUEL NIAGARA GROWTH

MONIQUE BEECH / Osprey News Network
Local News - Friday, December 22, 2006

Niagara's economic outlook is headed for a major upswing in 2007 fuelled by two large power projects, predicts the Conference Board of Canada. For St. Catharines-Niagara, economic growth is expected to hit 3.1 per cent, the fastest rate since 2000, states the 2007 Metropolitan Outlook, an annual economic performance and trend report. In 2006, projected growth was a mere 0.4 per cent.This year, St. Catharines-Niagara is forecast to have the fourth fastest-growing economy out of 27 major Canadian metropolises, falling just behind western boom towns, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, the recently released report found. "It's a little bit of a different story for the western provinces, where the economy has been growing for years and will continue to be strong," the report's author, Alan Arcand, said from his Ottawa office."St. Catharines is more of a rebound." Niagara's economic engine will be revved by two new power projects. The $470-million natural-gas-fired power plant planned for Abitibi Consolidated's recycled newsprint mill in Thorold will be complete in 2009. The project will create more than 300 jobs during construction, starting early next year. The second project is the 10.4-kilometre tunnel to bring water from Niagara Falls to Queenston's hydroelectric generating complex, which will be completed by 2009.About 230 jobs will be created during construction. The projects are also forecast to create spin off jobs in the transportation, storage and communications sectors. "When you have two major construction projects, it really boosts the numbers," Arcand said. "It's not surprising you'll see growth next year, given you have two big projects." The forecast good news is welcome after several years of big blows to Niagara's manufacturing sector, said Patrick Gedge, chief executive officer with the Niagara Economic Development Corp. Gedge said he hopes the boom in the region's power-producing sector lures other lucrative companies to Niagara."I hope it gets the business community in Canada thinking about how St. Catharines-Niagara area is in fact a business community," Gedge said. "One where companies can make good and profitable investments, and see us not just as a tourism destination." Gedge said the region still needs to spend energy strengthening its weaker economic sectors, such as manufacturing. Trudy Parsons said the projected growth is great as long as Niagara's workforce is qualified to fill available jobs. "We need to identify exactly what the skills sets are that these employers are going to be looking for so we can actually match the people to the jobs," Parsons said.

Top four centres (out of 27) projected to have the fastest-growing economies in 2007:

1. Calgary - 3.9 per cent

2. Edmonton - 3.6 per cent

3. Vancouver 3.1 per cent

4. St.Catharines / Niagara - 3.1 per cent

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

LEADING THE WAY

While none of the CMAs located east of Manitoba is expected to make it to the top three of the metropolitan growth rankings again in 2007, significantly stronger overall results are forecast. In fact, average real GDP growth in the Eastern CMAs is anticipated to reach 2.4 per cent in 2007, up from an estimated 1.7 per cent in 2006. Leading the way will be St.Catharines/Niagara, where two major electricity generation projects are expected to boost construction output and create new jobs. This will allow economic growth in the CMA to accelerate from 0.4 per cent in 2006 to 3.1 per cent in 2007.Toronto's economy will also accelerate next year, from growth of 2.3 percent in 2006 to 2.9 per cent in 2007. Much of this rebound can be attributed to the expected recovery in the manufacturing sector, which dragged down overall growth in 2006. Beginning in 2008, Toronto's average annual growth of 4.1 per cent is forecast to lead all 20 Canadian CMAs covered in this edition of the Metropolitan Outlook.

Complete Article Link: Conference Board of Canada

NEW THEMED RETAIL UNDER WAY

A NEW BEGINNING... The first structural supports have been installed at the former Falls Tower Ride. Last month Harry Oakes said the land the tower currently stands on will be turned into a new themed retail concept. "We are always looking at ways to improve what we offer to the visitors of Niagara Falls." Earlier this year Oakes also introduced the new Skywheel ferris wheel, a 50-metre high climate-controlled ride offering visitors a birds-eye view of the falls, and a 5,000-square-foot Tim Hortons restaurant on Clifton Hill.

NEW CAREER FOR FORMER BASKETBALL PLAYER

THE FLOWER HOUSE ON LUNDY'S LANE, is a new flower business opened by a former College and European basketball Player. Ryan Serravalle who was born in St. Catharines played guard for Holy Cross in the NCAA and also played in Italy and France. Good Luck Ryan!

Ryan Serravalle Sports Bio: Frozen Hoops

HARD ROCK GROUP ON SCHEDULE

NEW STRETCH OF HIGHWAY 406 OPEN TO MOTORISTS TODAY

MATT GRAVELINE / Osprey News Network
Local News - Thursday, December 21, 2006

Motorists southbound on Highway 406 since Saturday have noticed a change. And all drivers will see another one today.Right after the Beaverdams Road overpass, Highway 406's southbound lane cuts away from the old road and onto a new stretch of highway. It reconnects to the main highway before the Highway 20 intersection. By today, all northbound traffic will be diverted to the new road, says Lon Mullin, vice-president of heavy civil construction of the Hard Rock Group. It will allow for trimming of an old railway overpass that is well known for its accidents. "It is a blind hill," says Will MacKenzie, spokesman for the Ministry of Transportation. "Construction will allow for us to lower the bridge, so it's not so dangerous." The bridge was originally built higher to accommodate railway tracks and trains. However, since the bridge was built the rail route has been converted into a trail for cyclists and hikers. So with the expansion plan, the Hard Rock Group and the ministry saw the opportunity to lower the bridge. The slight detour serves several purposes. It is tangible evidence that the Hard Rock Group is on schedule, says MacKenzie. The movement to the new southbound route is an important step to the expansion process. The construction project will test new orange "construction pavement markers" as the lane divider to remind drivers they are in a construction zone.

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

ROCKSPRING GARDENS CONDO DEVELOPMENT

PINEWOOD BUILDERS OF NIAGARA who have been in business since 1975, are in the first stages of a retirement living Condominium development on Kalar road. Prices start at $289,900. Can't wait to see what the asking price will be when I am ready to retire!

Development Location Link: Rockspring Gardens

GREAT WOLF "EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS"

Ripley Entertainment Hits Record Attendance
New Attractions in 2007

Tuesday December 19,
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ripley Entertainment Inc. exceeded attendance expectations for 2006 with a record-high 13 million visitors to its family of worldwide attractions, according to company President Bob Masterson. "Our business philosophy of providing family fun without requiring a large commitment of time or money has proven successful, with company revenues doubling every three years," said Masterson. "We have continued to answer the demand for new attractions and 2007 will be no exception with the global additions we now have in the pipeline."Currently with 60 attractions in 10 countries worldwide, Ripley Entertainment has expansion plans in place for 2007 that will bring the number of attractions to 64 in 11 countries. The entertainment company will be opening a Ripley's Believe It or Not! odditoriums on 42nd Street in New York City and Bangalore, India within the next year. Bangalore will also be home to a Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum and a Guinness World Records Museum, both licensed from Ripley Entertainment.
It was a year of new endeavors for Ripley Entertainment in 2006 with the opening of Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ont. Canada, the company's first venture into the hospitality industry. The Ripley-owned and operated 406-suite Northwood's-themed indoor waterpark resort has "exceeded expectations," according to Masterson. The resort features one of the largest indoor waterparks in North America at 103,000 square feet. The lodge also features an Aveda© Spa Salon, many restaurants, an upscale gift emporium and the Wacky Wilderness Mini Golf.

Complete Article Link: Biz.yahoo.com

PREPPING THE HILTON??

PLUMBING PROBLEMS, OR PLUMBING UPGRADES? This is the multi-million dollar question surrounding this "hole" in front of the Hilton Fallsview Hotel. I would rather guess that this is just preliminary prep work. The first sign of the 52 story hotel expansion going up, would be the Denny's restaurant closing up and coming down.

Previous Post Link: Hilton Modified To 52 Floors

FORMER MOTEL BEING GUTTED

COMING DOWN OR BEING RENOVATED? On the Niagara Falls city website a proposed 10 story hotel was to be built at this location of the former Impala Motel, it is on the corner of Stanley Avenue and Ferry Street. I'm not sure if this is the course of action being taken, but work is definitely being done at this site. I noticed 20 or so mounds of topsoil on the grounds about a month ago, but I figured it was excess dirt from the construction site of the new Motel 6.

Proposed Location Link: Google Earth

DEERFIELD ESTATES SUBDIVISION

LAND EXCAVATION WELL UNDER WAY on this proposed subdivision off of Kalar road in between Lundy's Lane and McLeod road. This subdivision includes 236 Single Family Lots, 80 Semi-Detached Units, 3 Blocks of Townhomes a School and a park.

Proposed Location Link: Google Earth

THE LIGHTS ARE ON!

FUN HOUSE IS NEARING COMPLETION! Although driving past this kiddie attraction you would be hard pressed to notice any changes done. Looking back through its transition, I would say it is much more updated and colorful. I like the red circular lights they have added along the side and the front. Nice Job!

Previous Post Link: Fun House "Update"

RETURNING FOR A SECOND SEASON

PERFORMANCES BEGIN JUNE 15th, 2007. Cirque Niagara will be returning to its original climate controlled Big Top @ Rapidsview Park, with their smash hit "AVAIA." Gift Certificates are being advertised in the Niagara Falls Review with a Holiday Season promotion. For tickets you can go online @ www.cirqueniagara.com or call 1-877-247-7831. Looks as though they are going to be staying put in their original location. I'm so proud to see this kind of show in Niagara again, my wife and I brought our two girls later in the season, and it was a huge hit for our oldest.`

TRANSPORTATION KEY FOR NIAGARA

NIAGARA IS ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS, stated Regional Chairman Peter Partington in the Niagara Falls Review today— we just need to build some more roads. In his inaugural address Thursday, Partington exhorted regional councillors to “build on the vision of a safer, healthier, more prosperous Niagara for all of our residents.” That vision requires building up Niagara’s transportation capacity, he said. Partington outlined several priorities for the next four years, including:

• The Niagara-GTA Corridor. Partington congratulated councillors for convincing the province to recognize the proposed mid-peninsula trade corridor “as the number one new highway priority in Ontario.”But now, he said the challenge is to accelerate the project’s slow environmental assessment and get the highway built in eight years.

• Finishing Highway 406. Niagara claimed a victory this year with the expansion of the four-lane route past Highway 20. That’s not enough, said Partington. “We must convince our provincial partners to expand Highway 406. . . all the way through Welland and, ultimately, down Highway 140 to Port Colborne,” he said.

• A southern connection should also be built between a completed Highway 406 and the QEW. The Region should be willing to “put its money where its mouth is” to make it happen, said Partington.

• The Region needs to convince the province to put GO Transit buses on existing highways to Niagara by 2008 to ease QEW congestion.

• The Region needs to expand its new specialized transit system for the disabled to eventually serve all Niagara residents, said the chairman.

Partington also touched on regional goals such as relieving an unfair property tax burden, diversify the economy, supporting more brownfield redevelopment and building more affordable housing. The second-term regional chairman admitted the to-do list “may seem daunting.” But he said the council’s “one voice” agenda has caught the attention of provincial and federal politicians. “I believe that a spirit of collaboration, determination and commitment will make this new council one of the most effective councils Niagara has ever seen."

NOVA HOUSE SNEAK PEAK

NOVA HOUSE OPENS DOORS BY END OF YEAR.

From the outside, the city's new women's shelter looks like any other house in an up and coming neighbourhood. But the details on the inside the newly built, $3.7 million, 13,000-square-foot Nova House tell the true story. Three massive front-loading washers and their matching dryers stand in the laundry room, ready to wash mountains of clothes and ensure any of the bacteria and bugs that come with communal living are easily washed away. Nine bedrooms have two matching twin beds apiece, all with adjoining doors for larger families, some with cribs for mothers with babes-in-arms. Cots will also be available, so the house has room for 20 - double the current capacity. Doors with key-pad locks and a surveillance system to ensure the safety of the women and children living inside. In keeping with Nova House tradition, the property will have a carefully guarded location, but about 100 invited guests got a sneak peek at the facility Friday, about two weeks before women in need are scheduled to move in. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" beamed JoAnne Krick, Women's Place of South Niagara's development manager for Nova House's capital campaign. The celebration was the culmination of more than two years of fundraising and some 15 months of building, so women in crisis in Niagara Falls and Fort Erie will have a safe, modern, fully accessible place to go to while they rebuild shattered lives. Local residents raised $1.2 million during the capital campaign, while the federal government contributed $2.2 million through the Canada Mortgage Housing Corp.'s Shelter Enhancement Program. The province kicked in $250,000 through the Ministry of Community and Social Services toward the cost, the Cares Foundation through Niagara's two casinos contributed $100,000 and the Ontario Trillium Foundation added $50,000 to pay for telephones and computers for the new facility. As an added surprise, local plastic surgeon Dr. Nasim Huq and his wife, Dr. Sarah Danial, offered a cheque for $50,000 to Nova House through a fund named for both of their mothers, which will be used to promote cultural awareness, outreach and education. "God gave us the opportunity, so we want to contribute back," said Danial. During a series of speeches, local politicians praised the work dozens of staff members and volunteers have logged in order to have Nova House ready to go before the New Year. Campaign chairwoman Dr. June Mergl commended the donations from all across the spectrum. "This was a team effort," she said. "People that gave $50 and $500,000; people from churches and corporations and banks ... everywhere we went, it was such an easy sell."

Mortgage News Link: Shelter Construction Signals Hope

Nova House Link: Women's Place of South Niagara

NEW QEW ONLINE MAP

NEW ONLINE MAP TO AID NIAGARA DRIVERS. The Ontario government has expanded its online map to include the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) in its traffic information. Drivers in the Niagara Region will benefit from new services, which include coverage over highways 58 and 405, as well as the entire QEW from Highway 427 in Toronto through to Millen Road in Hamilton. The interactive online map is updated every five minutes with current traffic information. It uses colour coding, text and live images to show the flow of traffic on different main sections of the QEW. The traffic management system also includes a network of closed circuit cameras and electronic variable message signs along highways in the Niagara Region and Greater Toronto Area. The system was created by the Ministry of Transportation in an attempt to reduce traffic congestion and increase safety on urban freeways.

Online Camera Link: Ministry Of Transportation

BEST WESTERN RENOVATIONS CONTINUE...

NORTH SIDE WORK BEGINS as seen above at the Best Western located in the Fallsview district. Work began back in November on interior renovations to the BW Fallsview. I'm not sure how extensive the exterior work will be, but they are at least replacing all of the balcony doors.

Previous Post Link: Best western Renovations

NIAGARA FALLS MAY GET CONVENTION CENTRE

"THIS IMAGE IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY"

CONVENTION CENTRE DREAM "CLOSER THAN EVER"

RAY SPITERI
Local News - Monday, December 11, 2006

The decades-old dream of a convention centre in Niagara Falls is “closer than ever” to becoming a reality, says Mayor Ted Salci. “We are cautiously optimistic that we will have good news to report shortly” said Salci, adding he is hopeful to hear news "in the next 60 days or so." “We have made our intentions clear to the federal and provincial governments that a convention centre is a desire of ours.” A local committee has been quietly working to get one built. Several meetings have been held with government officials, including one between Salci, committee chairman Dragan Matovic and Prime Minister Stephen Harper this past summer. A site for the Niagara Convention and Civic Centre was identified on Stanley Avenue across from the former Loretto Academy, through a site-selection request for proposals in 2005. Matovic provided documents relating to the project exclusively to The Review, but declined to elaborate on the proposal due to the sensitivity of negotiations. The documents don't identify the other committee members. The proposed development would consist of an 18,000-square-metre facility that could house conventions of up to 10,000 people. The complex would also feature state-of-the-art conference facilities, several banquet rooms, 4,000 parking spaces and a 100,000-square-foot exhibition hall that could be used for trade shows. The cost of the project is estimated at $100 million. The source of the funding would be split with about one-third coming from the federal government, one-third from the province and one-third from private sector stakeholders.The city would not be required to contribute any capital dollars toward the development of the convention centre facility. Committee members hope funding from both levels of government will be approved early next year.The development schedule envisions the convention centre opening by the fall of 2009. MPP Kim Craitor said he and provincial Tourism Minister Jim Bradley met with the convention centre committee "a couple of months ago." He was impressed by the "professionalism and desire" shown by the group. "It's refreshing that they came forward with a business plan, outlining what they feel could be a tremendous benefit to the city, the province and the country," said Craitor. "It was a well-put-together plan and had some very solid merits to it." The development of a multi-use convention centre facility has been discussed for more than 20 years. Several studies have indicated one would be economically viable. Research concluded such a facility would bring more visitors to Niagara Falls, increase tourists' spending and lengthen their stay in the city. Such a centre would help the city diversify its visitor mix, attracting corporate and institutional clients that currently are not utilizing Niagara Falls.
In the late 1990s, then-mayor Wayne Thomson formed a committee of prominent tourism operators and elected officials to revisit the issue. PKF, a consulting firm specializing in the hospitality and convention industry, produced a report which, among other economic benefits, stated the convention centre would stimulate $100 million in new private sector projects in Niagara Falls. That number would likely be much higher now. Annually, the facility would generate $93 million in delegate expenditures - 75 per cent of which would be outside the accommodation sector within the region. This project would also provide an estimated 1,000 person-years of employment. The two Niagara Falls casinos would receive up to $65 million in incremental gaming revenues during the convention centre's first five years of operation, while the province would receive $45 million more in taxes during that time, according to the study. The federal government would receive more than $75 million through taxes. The construction of the convention centre would generate $26 million in regional capital expenditures. By the third year, the convention centre would generate more than 514,000 visitors per year, with most of those delegates arriving during the off-season. The Fallsview BIA has committed itself to $15 million in capital and operational funding of the project. The Victoria Centre BIA committed itself to $1.5 million for the same purpose. Niagara Convention & Civic Centre Inc., was incorporated to be a non-profit/private sector-managed entity entrusted to develop and operate the convention centre. NCCC has received a conditional commitment from Falls Management Co., the operator of Niagara casinos, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming for $15 million to be used toward the funding of the convention centre. "A convention centre is extremely important to a local economy," said Salci. "It provides year-round employment which is something, we, as a municipality, have been seeking for a long time."

Proposed Location Link: Google Earth

COUNTRY INN & SUITES... A VISUAL WALK THROUGH IN PROGRESS

Previous Post Link: Country Inn..."Update"

NIAGARA SQUARE DEVELOPMENTS

L.A WEIGHT LOSS CENTER & BEAUTY SUPPLY OUTLET are getting the finishing touches done to the exterior of their respective storefronts. Just recently they have taken down the protective plastic barrier, to unveil the new styro/stucco design.

Ex-cerpt from todays Niagara Falls Review....

COREY LAROCQUE
Local News - Monday, December 11, 2006 @ 02:00

The snowfall also jump-started shopping at Niagara Square, marketing director Tammy Robertson said. Business Sunday afternoon was a little slower than it had been earlier in the week. Lots of people, but few were carrying more than one or two bags. Even the shopping mall Santa seemed to be taking it easy. One lap, no waiting. But Saturday was so busy it was difficult to get a parking space - a challenge Niagara Square hasn't faced for a long time, "The new stores have just brought lots of life," she said, noting there have been 14 new stores open at the mall recently - including box stores like Winners and Future Shop. "People are coming back," Robertson said.

Saturday, December 9, 2006

CENTRAL PUMPING STATION

CENTRAL PUMP STATION
AND HIGH RATE TREATMENT FACILITY is an estimated $26,279,660 joint project between the City of Niagara Falls and the Regional Municipality of Niagara. The pumping station is located at 4300 Buttrey street.

Friday, December 8, 2006

A BANNER CLOSING SALE

THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL! Not that anyone needed actual confirmation about the The Bay closing. I thought I would post a picture of this extra large sign, that was attached to 3 sides of the building today.

Previous Post Link: The Bay Is Leaving Niagara

Thursday, December 7, 2006

A SLEW OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION

MONTROSE ROAD'S $1.8 MILLION DOLLAR INTERSECTION EXPANSION HAS NOW BEEN PAVED AND IS CLOSE TO COMPLETION.

MAJOR ROAD AND SEWER WORK BEING DONE ALONG PARK STREET WITHIN THE DOWNTOWN CORE.

MINOR ROAD WORK BEING DONE ALONG CENTRE STREET, IN BETWEEN THE KRAFT WAREHOUSE AND THE MEMORIAL ARENA.

MINOR SEWER WORK BEING DONE ALL ALONG LUNDY'S LANE, FROM MONTROSE UP PAST THE AMERICANA INDOOR WATERPARK RESORT

MINOR WORK ALSO BEING DONE ALONG HIRAM STREET, BETWEEN FALLS AVENUE AND ONTARIO AVENUE.

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

AUTOLINE PROGRESS "UPDATE"

KEEPING OUT THE COLD, is the best reason to install these new glass panels along the front of this new Toyota dealership. It's to bad all the dealerships are so scattered throughout the city, because this would have made a good stretch for an Auto Mall!

Previous Post Link: New Toyota Sign

MOTEL 6 PROGRESS "UPDATE"

RAISING THE ROOF will soon be on the agenda for workers at the new Motel 6. As you can see by these pictures, prefab metal trusses are on site and ready to be installed once the final floor is constructed.

Previous Post Link: New Motel 6 "Update"

CASINO NIAGARA 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING!