WHATEVER HAPPENED TO AARON LICHTMAN?

"WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?"

City officials need to know "sooner rather than later" what to do about the Historic Niagara downtown revitalization project, says Coun. Vince Kerrio. "I want to get on top of it. I want to know where we are with Mr. Lichtman, at this point," said Kerrio. Aaron Lichtman, the New York businessman who began promoting the Historic Niagara project more than a year ago, has kept a low profile since the municipal election in November. He could not be reached this week to talk about Historic Niagara's progress and has not returned phone calls from The Review since December. A question and answer session Lichtman held at the public library in late November was the last time Kerrio said he had heard from him. Lichtman said he represents investors willing to put $170 million into downtown Niagara Falls to create a retail shopping district. The plan would require an estimated $36 million in public money to be spent sprucing up public spaces around Queen Street.It was a big issue during the campaign leading up to November's municipal elections. But the election signalled a shift in city council's support for Historic Niagara. Three councillors who had backed the idea were replaced with three who publicly stated they weren't keen on increasing the city's debt. "We shouldn't let it go on the back burner because of a council change," Kerrio said. One reason for Lichtman's low profile could be changes within Historic Niagara, Coun. Jim Diodati speculated. "I've heard through the grapevine, there might be some changes to the group. They're still aggressively following their plan of following our (Community Improvement Plan)," Diodati said. "They're just going to tweak things." Lichtman has said Historic Niagara has purchased about 60 downtown properties worth about $20 million. "They've got a huge, vested interest in Niagara Falls. Their objective is to make that work for them," Diodati said. Regardless of Historic Niagara's status, councillors want to see something happen downtown. If not Lichtman's project, then something else, Kerrio said. But Diodati, one of Historic Niagara's supporters who was re-elected, said there aren't a lot of other revitalization plans in the works. "You've got a bird in the hand. You don't throw that away," Diodati said. The sooner city officials get their hands on a report about the viability of the project, the sooner council can decide what to do, both Kerrio and Diodati said. They're eager to see the results of the independent business plan and market study city hall commissioned last year. The city hired a consultant to prepare a market study and business plan to evaluate how successful a retail district would be and to look at what benefits would result from spending public money to help make it happen. The city commissioned its own studies after Lichtman said he would not share results of his studies with city officials. Some councillors were upset Lichtman wouldn't provide his research to them, but Diodati said an independent study is better. Lichtman's research would look at things from his point of view, not from taxpayers', Diodati said. During last fall's election campaign, Mayor Ted Salci said the reports would be completed early in 2007. But last week, the city's chief administrative officer said progress on the study has been "slower than expected." "We expect that it will be finished and to council by the end of March," John MacDonald said.

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTH IS!

"AS CLOSE TO HOME AS THEY CAN MAKE IT!"

Country Hearth Inns and Suites is a franchise hotel company located across the greater United States, as well as locations in London and Niagara Falls. There website suggests you will find all the charm of a bed and breakfast and all the convenience of a hotel. I don't know if the "Lodge near the Falls" is changing over or not, but here is proof of this hotel brands new sign!

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE

"FILLING IN THE GAPS"

Just a little fun with an image I pulled off the internet, this is to see how the Skyline will look with this monster high rise fully constructed. Obviously the scale is a little off considering the angle and the location of the tower, but I wanted to show its grand size compared to the other towers!

Previous Post Link: Hilton Expansion Progress Report

ANOTHER SHOPPERS COMING TO NIAGARA

"COVERING EVERY CORNER OF THE CITY"

The new Raceway Centre is a 31,000 sf plaza at the southwest corner of Montrose and Preakness street. As posted by Drafty in a previous comment it has begun land excavation. It will be the new home of a 17,000 sf Shoppers Drug Mart opening Summer 2007.

Previous Post Link: Proposed Retail Centre

SHOELESS JOE'S ENTRANCE "UPDATE"

"STILL WAITING FOR GAME DAY"

As posted on Superbowl Sunday, work was being done outside of the new sports themed Shoeless Joe's Restaurant, who's slogan is "Every day is game day!" They have recently cordon off a large area of the Fallsview Casino building along Murray Street, which makes me wonder if they will have an outside patio?

Previous Post Link: Shoeless Joe's Entrance!

CHANGING WITH THE TIMES

"NPC FIGHTS VISITOR DROUGHT"

RAY SPITERI
Local News - Thursday, February 22, 2007

With U.S. visitors to Niagara at a 30-year low, the Niagara Parks Commission acknowledges it must do more to convince our neighbors to the south a trip to the region is both safe and affordable. That's why the commission is proposing a partnership with all tourism stakeholders to offer a Niagara visitation program that would offer the equivalent in accommodations, food and beverage and attraction discounts to any American traveler to offset the costs of any travel documents obtained this year up to the cost for a family of four. Jim Williams, chairman of the NPC, made the announcement at Table Rock House Wednesday. He spoke to roughly 200 Niagara Falls businesses associated with the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce. "With this incentive program, we are proposing to replace the out-of-pocket expense for travel documents with the equivalent of accommodations, merchandise, services and entertainment value, which will more than offset the expense of obtaining these travel documents," said Williams. He said the parks commission, along with its partners, will be holding a tourism stakeholder meeting in the near future to determine the level of support for the initiative, as well as to begin planning for its implementation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security created the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001 which will require anyone - including Americans - to have a valid passport to enter the U.S. at any land, air or sea border by June 2009. The first phase of the initiative, limited to U.S.-bound air travel, came into effect in January. Lobbyists as well as business and community leaders in cities and states that rely on the fast and free movement of people and goods across the border, have been pushing the U.S. government to look at alternatives to the passport requirements. Williams said the 2006 tourism season "proved to be a rather difficult and challenging one," for Ontario's tourism sector, including the Niagara Parks Commission. "The tourism season never seemed to take off and flourish last year as all of us hoped," he said. "A continuing decline in American visitation is largely to blame for this, as issues such as higher gas prices, a lower exchange rate and the continued misconception over the need for a passport, led many Americans to reconsider their visits to our community." Williams said while tourism recovery will take some time, there is "reason for optimism" as international visitations are beginning to rebound, with visitors from Mexico, Korea and China increasing significantly this year over previous seasons. "It is now incumbent on us to work together to attract and capture these new emerging markets for the benefit of us all." He said this past season, tourists to the parks from the United Kingdom accounted for just as much in retail sales as did visitors from Ohio and New York combined. "This is dramatic and shows you the influence and impact that these foreign travel markets are having and will continue to have on our sector." Carolyn Bones, president of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce, said the NPC's proposed program is a "wonderful idea." "I believe it will help generate much-needed U.S. traffic to our area and I hope local tourism stakeholders pick up on this initiative," said Bones. "U.S. visitation is at a 30-year low and as times change, industry must change along with it. We all face some challenges moving forward, but it's nice to see an agency like the Niagara Parks Commission come up with new ventures that can enhance our destination."

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

HILTON EXPANSION PROGRESS REPORT

"DIGGING OUT OF THE SNOW, TO GET TO THE DIRT"

It has been a bitter couple of weeks for workers at this job site. They have been working on and off throughout the latest winter blast, but it's kind of hard to work in the ground when you can't find it in the snow! This is the pain stacking process of prepping the ground and utilities to hold a building which will rise 52 stories into the air, it will be fun to watch it go up these next two years!

Previous Post Link: "Digging in at the Hilton"

FORMER CIRCUS WORLD LOCATION

"PAPERING UP THE WINDOWS"

In November I had mentioned that Circus World had closed up shop, and about three weeks ago I had noticed Drywall inside the store. Now they have the location split into two sections, and the one side has been completely papered up.

Previous Post Link: Where Did Circus World Go?

ELITE DRILLING ON SITE!

"DRILLING AT THE END OF ROBINSON STREET"

Part of the fun about doing a blog is speculating! Part of the reality is someone usually in the know, comes along and tells you it's routine maintenance! This I believe is the location that was meant for the Canadian Niagara Hotels - Hotel at Jolley Cut, located at 5382 Robinson Street. Elite Drilling co. was in the parking lot drilling yesterday, however this could mean nothing!

AUTOLINE TOYOTA "NOW OPEN"

"THOROLD STONE ROADS NEWEST EDITION"

Autoline Toyota has now moved from it's former location to its new digs, and it looks great. Replacing the former Toyota dealership on Drummond Road will be Niagara Chrysler Sales & Service opening March 1st.

Previous Post Link: Autoline Progress

THE REVOLVING RETAIL OUTLET

"AND I DON'T MEAN THE FLOOR!"

This former Winners location which left for the Niagara Square Shopping Center, is already into its second go for a retail outlet, appropriately named "Label Cuts" because they literally cut brand name labels right off their T-Shirts. Drafty had mentioned that the last retail attempt would probably not be there long... ditto for this one! Winners has a better overall selection with comparable prices, but you never know?

Previous Post Link: Winners Replacement "Opening Soon"

Happy Valentines Day
From The Honeymoon Capital Of The World!

PROMOTE, ENCOURAGE, CAMPAIGN, INSPIRE!

"PROMOTING NIAGARA FALLS WAS WORTHWHILE"

Two months after returning from a week-long junket to New York City, Niagara's tourism operators say the time and money invested in promoting Niagara Falls was worthwhile. "We're quite pleased," said Winter Festival of Lights general manager Dino Fazio, who spent four days in Manhattan late last year, with events co-ordinator Heidi Werner and mascot Chilly Dog, to promote the annual festival to Americans. "Despite the fact that there was no snow, our numbers are up for both November and December." Fazio said the festival had a 10 per cent spike in cars bearing New York licence plates at Dufferin Islands, where that data is recorded. How many of those vehicles were from the New York City area isn't clear. But, Fazio said there has been a spike in calls from the metropolitan area enquiring about visiting Niagara Falls. Overall, he said, visits to the 65-day festival were up by about 20 per cent in 2006, despite the fact winter didn't arrive in earnest until after the festival had wrapped. The story is the same at the Niagara Parks Commission. Executive director of revenue operations and business development Joel Noden said the NPC's investment in the two-day stay was money well spent. The parks commission had done what he calls "outreach marketing" to New York City last spring, hoping to get Manhattanites to bring their considerable spending power to Niagara. The trip to Niagara Day - part of Ontario Week during Bryant Park's Canada Month - was simply reinforcement of that, reminding New Yorkers of what's just a one-hour flight away. What he likes best is to point out to New Yorkers they can have a whirlwind trip for two to Niagara Falls - including flights, a Fallsview hotel room, four-star dinner and breakfast - for what they would pay for a night at a top New York City hotel, excluding dinner. It's just a matter of convincing them to do it. Taking a team of Niagara's top chefs to New York City to show off Niagara culinary culture, Noden believes, dispels the myth of Canadians as doughnut and back-bacon eating hosers. "We're trying to dispel the message of Niagara Falls as a honky-tonk town," he said. "It's one we're taking all over the world. "I think it was worthwhile to go to New York. We saw a bump in business from the New York City area, and we believe it's a perfect market for us." But there's no time to sit still. Noden spoke to The Review from a concourse at Pearson International Airport, on his way for a two-week junket to London, Edinburgh and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Parks Commission corporate executive chef Paul Pennock, who has also represented Niagara Falls in Asia, will join him. "That's a huge market for us," Noden said. "We know foreign visitors will spend six times what an American visitor spends and 10 times what a Canadian visitor spends. They bring their extended family and stay for two weeks or more, so they're very big spenders." So are the Mexicans, said Fazio. With the rise of an emerging middle class, Mexicans are making the trek to Niagara more frequently, he said. "The Mexican market is a top market for us," said Fazio. "It's even bigger than France." That's why Niagara Falls Tourism's general manager has spent the past week there, cultivating contacts. While it might seem glamorous to jet-set around the globe promoting Niagara to the world, Niagara Falls Tourism general manager Anna Pierce said it's a huge amount of work. "A lot of work goes into coming to these events. You have come to these events ready," she said. "You have to keep in mind that people are going to ask you to be accountable for the money you've spent - how much can it make members back in return - once you get home." Many times, trips are planned well in advance, like the one in Mexico. But the New York City excursion popped up suddenly, when the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership approached Niagara Falls Tourism and Ottawa Tourism about joining the agency during Ontario Week at Bryant Park. "When the Bryant Park offer came up in September," Pierce said, "we really wanted to get on board. (New Yorkers skating and shopping at Bryant Park) already like the winter in New York thing, so (we market to them) that they're going to love Canada."

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

CANADIAN TIRE HAS GREEN LIGHT!

"CANADIAN TIRE ON ROAD TO NEW, LARGER BUILDING"

Canadian Tire has city hall's green light to build a new store on the Niagara Square property. The company applied for a rezoning to increase the size of its new store to 50,000 square metres from the city's maximum area of 44,150 square metres. Jonathan Rubin, from the company's real estate division, told council they want to build on the northwest corner of the Niagara Square property. The change was appropriate because "the additional floor areas will help to strengthen the Niagara Square node," city planner Doug Darbyson said.

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

FALLSVIEW CASINO SPRING LINE-UP

"CONCERT LINEUP COVERS 35 SHOWS BY 17 ARTISTS"

The Spring 2007 performance schedule for the Avalon Ballroom is as
follows:

   Gordon Lightfoot
   Thursday, March 1
   Friday, March 2
   Saturday, March 3
  
   REO Speedwagon
   Friday, March 9
   Saturday, March 10
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  
   Frank Leahy's St. Patrick's Day Jubilee
   Wednesday, March 14
   Showtime: 3pm (Doors open at 2pm)
  
   Engelbert Humperdinck
   Friday, March 16
   Saturday, March 17
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  
   Air Supply
   Friday, March 23
   Saturday, March 24
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)

   Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band
   Friday, March 30
   Saturday, March 31
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  
   Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood
   Thursday, April 5
   Friday, April 6
   Thursday Showtime: 8:30pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  
   Diana Ross
   Wednesday, April 11
   Thursday, April 12
   Showtime: 8pm (Doors open at 7pm)
  
   Liza Minnelli
   Friday, April 13
   Saturday, April 14
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open 8pm)
  
   Sinbad
   Friday, April 20
   Saturday, April 21
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  
   Lonestar
   Thursday, April 26
   Showtime: 8:30pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
  
   Martin Short
   Friday, April 27
   Saturday, April 28
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  
   Songwriters' Night
   Friday, May 4
   Saturday, May 5
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  
   Dolly Parton
   Thursday, May 10
   Friday, May 11
   Saturday, May 12
   Thursday Showtime: 8:30pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
   Friday and Saturday Showtime: 9pm (Doors open 8pm)
  
   Andre-Philippe Gagnon
   Thursday, May 17
   Friday, May 18
   Saturday, May 19
   Sunday, May 20
   Thursday Showtime: 8:30pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
   Friday and Saturday Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
   Sunday Showtime: 7pm (Doors open at 6pm)
  
   Michael Bolton
   Thursday, May 24
   Showtime: 8:30pm (Doors open 7:30pm)
  
   Roger Hodgson
   Formerly of Supertramp
   In a Solo Performance
   Friday, May 25
   Saturday, May 26
   Showtime: 9pm (Doors open at 8pm)
  

Built on a cliff overlooking the world-famous Horseshoe Falls, Fallsview Casino Resort is the largest and most elegant gaming resort facility in Canada and the crown jewel in Niagara's stunning array of wonders. In addition to the intimate, 1,500-seat Avalon Ballroom, Fallsview features a casino with over 3,000 slot machines and 142 gaming tables, a 374-room luxury hotel, a full-service spa and fitness centre, dozens of dining and shopping options and over 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

IMPLEMENTING A REBATE PROGRAM?

"WOOING TOURISTS "

JENNIFER PELLEGRINI
Local News - Monday, February 12, 2007

Fourth in a five-part series

The greeter inside the world's biggest department store is light years away from those in Niagara stores. There are no carts to hand out. Discreet, gold-toned name badges are pinned to a tailored red blazer. Patrons are greeted with a formal: "Good evening, welcome to Macy's Herald Square." From behind an ornate desk, customers are offered directions to the various departments in the store, which stretches nine storeys above Manhattan and sprawls the length of 34th Street from the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Broadway to Seventh Avenue. "If you open a Macy's card, you can receive an instant discount," a shopper is told. "You can be instantly approved if you'd like to fill in this form." Many take advantage of the offer. Others just want to save a few dollars while they're in the store. For out-of-town shoppers, that means being pointed in the direction of Macy's visitor rebate centre, an office located down a winding corridor from the entrance, near the escalators leading to the store's basement restaurants. The room itself is sparse, almost cold - white walls are broken up only by a few framed Macy's promotional flyers. But the employee inside is friendly. After asking for identification, she casts a quick glance at a quartet of drivers' licences then issues discount cards worth 11 per cent off any purchase in the store. "Now, go off and have fun shopping," she calls out from behind the counter. "Spend lots of money, OK?" Lots of countries around the world offer rebates on their version of the GST, known in many countries as the VAT, or value-added tax. But the Macy's discount isn't offered only to visitors from out of country. Shoppers from Buffalo, Boise or Boston - or anywhere in the U.S. - can qualify for 11 per cent off. After a day spent promoting Niagara's wonders to New Yorkers during Ontario Week - part of Canada Month in Manhattan's Bryant Park in December - Niagara Falls Tourism general manager Anna Pierce is on the lookout for ideas she can bring back to Niagara Falls that will keep travellers spending once they get here. A widespread program offering discounts to domestic and international travellers is one of them. "I'd like to see something like this offered in many of the stores and attractions in Niagara Falls," Pierce says. That's not to say it should be a replacement for the GST rebate, which the Conservative government announced last September would be cancelled in April, just in time for the 2007 tourist season. Since then, tourism operators across Canada have been lobbying the government to reconsider, arguing it sends the wrong message to people who are undecided about travelling to Canada. "It just gives people one more reason to choose another place to spend their vacation dollars," she says. Members of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada will meet in Niagara Falls Tuesday to register their opposition to the government's plan. An online petition began circulating last week, urging the government to reverse its decision to cut the $78 million in administrative costs from the March 20 budget or find an alternative way to keep the program alive. Federal incentives aside, Pierce believes there has to be some out-of-the-box thinking to lure visitors to a municipality and - on a more precise level - into individual shops and attractions. Which is why she likes the idea of some form of rebate for visitors who request one. "We could do a card," she says. "It could have the name of all of the participating partners on it. That would be a good idea." Carolyn Bones likes the idea. The president of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce said it's something the Easy Crossing Council, which includes the chamber, Niagara Casinos, the Niagara Parks Commission, Ripley's Entertainment, the Maid of the Mist, Toronto Tourism, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership and the two local bridge operators, considered last year, but couldn't implement on its own. "You would need a good pool (of retailers willing to offer a discount to tourists) to draw on," she said. "And with the limited financing we have, we don't have a lot of partners. But I think it's an excellent idea to introduce a rebate program." Putting the two programs together, says Pierce, would mean more money for all of the city's tourism operators. Which in turn is good for the city. Because of the way the GST rebate is structured, only out-of-country tourists are able to claim back their federal tax. They're only allowed to claim it on receipts of $50 or more, meaning they often spend all their money in one store buying gifts and souvenirs. According to the government, only three per cent of tourists take advantage of the program, which is why legislators want to dismantle it. But cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver that do huge convention business compete with other centres for bookings. Often, they book conventions years in advance. Many have begun booking into next year and beyond. Until last fall's announcement, tour operators who book convention business shaved the GST off the overall cost of a reservation, including accommodation. With prices quoted and confirmed as many as three or four years ago, the government's decision leaves tour operators in a predicament: Go back and tell people who have booked trips they owe six per cent more than the agreed-on price, or ask the places where they plan to stay to shave six per cent off their rate to keep the booking. "Often, hotels only have a six per cent profit margin," says Pierce. "That means they break even or even lose money on tour groups. Sometimes they can't do it, and it's costing bookings." For a city like Niagara Falls, possibly on the cusp of a spring announcement for a brand-new convention centre, the decision is more troubling, Pierce says. According to Statistics Canada, travellers spent a combined C$62.7 billion on holiday in 2005 - C$45.2 billion by domestic vacationers, while international travellers spent C$17.5 billion while on holiday here. The tandem deal, she says, would be a boon to business. "There are great ways to circumvent that rebate, like Macy's does. But that (GST) exemption is absolutely critical to convention business. And with the city as close as we are to having a new convention centre, we can't afford to lose that," she says. "Think of how much money can be brought in here if people brought their families with them to conventions. While the person is doing business, their spouse or their family could be shopping, dining and enjoying Niagara Falls attractions - bringing more money into the community. Can you imagine what that will do for the city?"

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

A NEW HOME DESERVES A NEW SIGN.

"NIAGARA'S OFFICIAL VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER"

Last month I posted about work being done to the former Pyramid Place at the Skylon Tower grounds. I had also mentioned about Signature Signs installing the cement base and hydro for the Visitor Centers new sign. Well here it is!

Previous Post Link: Pyramid Place Renovations

GOOD FOR BUSINESS!

"EVERYONE WANTS TO BEND PREMIER'S EAR"

COREY LAROCQUE
Local News - Saturday, February 10, 2007

Building a convention centre would be good for business in Niagara Falls, says Premier Dalton McGuinty - though he wouldn't say whether or not his Liberal government would provide any cash to help. "I think it's a good idea. It's going to be an essential part of any strong, mature, urban centre," McGuinty told The Review during an interview Friday. The premier is visiting Niagara Falls this weekend, attending a Liberal party policy convention. He said he expects Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor and municipal officials from Niagara to bend his ear about a convention centre, downtown revitalization, a Niagara-on-the-Lake community centre and even the possibility of a new arena to host junior A hockey. Craitor had scheduled a meeting with business and civic leaders to tell McGuinty about various projects shaping up in Niagara. "There is no substitute for being physically present," McGuinty said. Mayor Ted Salci has said there is a private plan to put a convention centre in the Fallsview area that would require about $35 million from the provincial and federal governments. But they should see it as an investment, because they will recover their money from increased sales and income taxes generated by the centre, Salci has said. McGuinty said the province is interested in it because it would help the tourism industry and add to the attractiveness of the area. "We're going to take a good look at this proposal," McGuinty said. They're also awaiting information on plans to revitalize downtown. The province hasn't received a formal proposal yet, McGuinty said. City officials will likely look to the province for about $12 million - one-third of the money needed for parks, a parking garage and streetscaping to stimulate private investment around Queen Street. The Premier knew there had been recent talks about moving the Ontario Hockey League's Mississauga IceDogs to Niagara Falls. But he didn't hold out much hope for any provincial contribution to an OHL-sized arena. "That's a little bit out-there at this time," he said.

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

THIS WOULD BE PERFECT IN THE FALLS

"ICE ADVISE FROM NEW YORK!"

JENNIFER PELLEGRINI
Local News - Saturday, February 10, 2007

Falls tourism agency takes notes on popularity of outdoor skating rink, considers installation here Sitting inside Celsius restaurant, Anna Pierce looks out on the crowd at Bryant Park. It has been a busy morning at the 3.2-hectare midtown Manhattan greenspace behind the New York public library on 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue and it is about to get busier. Niagara Falls Tourism's general manager has had an exhausting weekend in the Big Apple and there's nearly a full week left to go. Her mission: Convince New Yorkers to take a pass on weekends in Montreal or the Laurentians this winter and visit Niagara Falls for a mini-break instead. Bryant Park, the site of a month-long Canadian love-in brought to New York by the Canadian Tourism Commission, is a beehive of activity. Niagara Falls Tourism has piggybacked on the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership's one-week marketing blitz. Ottawa's tourism agency has done the same. Mara Pezzutto, senior U.S. marketing manager with the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, handpicked the two tourism agencies to accompany her for the journey because, as she puts it, "they have ready-made winter opportunities for travellers." Pierce likes Bryant Park. The 3.2-hectare greenspace was rededicated as a sanctuary in the city by the Bryant Park Corp. financed, in part, by the Rockefeller brothers - in 1992. The Pond, the city's only free public skating rink, is open from late October through mid-January, during the annual Fete de Noel celebration. Sponsored by financial giant Citi, it opened in 2005 and is used by an average of 120,000 people a season, according to information on Bryant Park's website late last year. The people who use The Pond, she says, have already bought into winter activities. As the noon-hour approaches, men in suits and students in sweats watch the Zamboni glide over the frozen surface of The Pond as they lace up their skates. Alongside the rink, locals and tourists shop in the small kiosks leased by local artisans selling everything from hand-made purses and wool clothing to Christmas decorations, soaps, treats and jewelry. "This would be great to see in the (Niagara) Parks," Pierce says. "And it's something they could easily adopt. Look at how many people are here. They're eating. They're drinking. They're shopping. They're spending money. It's great. This would be a really great addition to Niagara Falls in the winter." She envisions a similar setup in Queen Victoria Park, something that would coincide with the annual Winter Festival of Lights and draw people not only to the Niagara Parks, but also to the city during a traditionally slow time in the year. "Think of how good it could be for the economy." Niagara Parks Commission chairman Jim Williams says it's something the NPC has considered and could implement as early as next year. He wasn't part of the NPC's delegation to New York City. But he has heard people comment Queen Victoria Park would be a good spot for a rink, but he believes the logistics of setting up a rink in the middle of the park are too difficult. A building would have to be erected for skate rentals and dressing rooms. Keeping the ground cold enough to have the rink open throughout the season regardless of the weather would destroy the landscape. Williams offers an alternative venue which he describes as a "winter wonderland" when there's a fresh coating of snow. Although it's still in the concept phase, Williams says a natural pond behind Canadian Niagara Power hydro plant the Parks is currently working to acquire would be the ideal location for an outdoor rink. Like Pierce, he envisions a place where people can store or rent skates, have a cup of hot chocolate and a bite to eat. "If we could make a winter wonderland behind the building, with a place for skate rentals and a concession stand for hotdogs and hamburgers and hot chocolate, that would be great," says Williams. "The building is in absolutely fantastic shape and there's plenty of parking, so from an investment standpoint, there wouldn't be much more than building the rink." He says the rink would be a "perfect fit" with the Winter Festival of Lights, enhancing the experience not only for tourists who travel to Niagara but for locals who want to skate outdoors in the winter. "We've had some preliminary ideas about having choirs and bands play October through January to enhance the Winter Festival of Lights," Williams said. "It will kind of bring people in for more than just the park. But you have to have the right concept. "It's a winter wonderland setting when there's a bit of snow. If we partner with the Winter Festival of Lights and the hoteliers, we could really parlay it into a great winter experience."

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

"NIAGARA MEET BIG APPLE"

"BIG APPLE MEET NIAGARA"

The towering 15-metre pine tree in front of the statue of William Cullen Bryant in New York City's Bryant Park was grown in Quebec. It was decorated by Canadian designer Bryan Gluckstein, and sparkles with lights and ornaments donated by the Hudson's Bay Company. At Celsius, the Canadian-themed cafe temporarily erected for the park's annual Fete de Noel, acrylic blocks of "ice" over silvery blue paint create the illusion of being inside an ice castle. Created by Niagara Falls-born designer Steven Sabados and his decorating partner, Chris Hyndman, the wintry decor was one of many touches of Niagara in the midtown Manhattan park, as the Honeymoon Capital of the World took a bite out of the Big Apple. December was Canada Month at Bryant Park, an urban greenspace in the heart of midtown Manhattan right behind the New York Public Library. The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership claimed the week of Dec. 17 to 21 as its own, and invited Niagara Falls Tourism and Ottawa Tourism to join in. "We thought if we want to be in Bryant Park, we have to have something they can't get in their own backyard," says Mara Pezzutto, senior marketing manager with the tourism promoter. "We had to go with the best in class, and we felt Niagara Falls and Ottawa were the best fit for winter tourism in Ontario." Extolling the virtues of a Canadian winter to New Yorkers might be a tough sell at the best of times. What would be a picture-perfect winter day in Niagara would bring Gotham to halt. But on a 15-degree-plus day a week before Christmas Eve, when close to 5,000 people made their way to the park to skate and shop, New Yorkers were in the mood to savour Niagara. While Christmas carols blared over a loudspeaker, Niagara Parks Commission executive corporate chef Paul Pennock flambayed cherries with his apprentice, Jordie Barfield. The duo - who prepared 600 mini apricot-ricotta crepes as well as the sweet Jordan cherry topping the night before - stood in a sea of people who stopped to ask for samples before their table was assembled. "A lot of people are saying they've been to Niagara before," said Pennock, during a break in the action between tastings. "A lot of people have been asking about Table Rock or Queenston Heights and say they're coming back again." That Niagara Falls has a culinary culture came as a surprise to some New Yorkers. "I didn't know they grew fruit like that up there. I thought it was too cold," said one man. Pennock and Barfield served up plate after plate - and chatted with hundreds of visitors eager to find out more about the recipe and the restaurants where they can order it. It was the same inside Celsius, where those curious about Canuck culture read promotional magazines about their neighbours to the north and inside the craft kiosks that wrap around the skating rink and cafe. "Did you taste that? It was amazing," one woman gushed to her friend as they shopped for handbags. The crepes may have been a hit with the adults, but it was Chilly, the Winter Festival of Lights' mascot, who was a huge draw with the kids. The star of the Misty Kids productions posed for photos with hundreds of people, and handed out scores of colouring books throughout the afternoon. By week's end, said Niagara Falls Tourism general manager Anna Pierce, some 3,000 colouring books would be given away to youngsters, and as many brochures about Niagara's winter offerings presented to their parents. Another 1,000 brochures promoting the Niagara Icewine Festival were distributed, with samples of Peninsula Ridge Vidal, a popular vintage. As night fell and the lights on the massive tree were lit, New Yorkers basked in the warm evening air. They skated and shopped in the twilight, sipping icewine and hot chocolate as they munched on Canadian favourites chicken fingers, grilled cheese sandwiches and fondue. "It's been a good day," said Niagara Parks Commission's events manager Sarah Wood as the crew prepared to head home. Pierce agreed. "We had a fantastic day here today. The weather really co-operated, and people found out a lot of things about the city they never knew before. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week."

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

DISCOVER NIAGARA'S MAJESTIC WINTER

"TALKING TO AMERICANS ABOUT COMING HERE!"

JENNIFER PELLEGRINI
Local News - Thursday, February 08, 2007

Niagara Falls Tourism was on a mission when it travelled to New York City the week before Christmas: To sell Niagara Falls as a year-round vacation place. The Review went along for the ride. Here's the first of five parts. Part 2 runs Friday. Four-year-old Sophia Griffo sits at the acrylic and ice-blue bar inside Celsius restaurant at Bryant Park on a Sunday afternoon in December, sipping a hot chocolate with her father. Her family lives in a townhouse in Manhattan's Upper West Side, where rents range between $1,600 for a studio apartment to $6,000 for a two-bedroom co-op. The neighbourhood is home to Jerry Seinfeld, Dustin Hoffman and Yoko Ono, some of whom, like the Griffos, own a home in Long Island's East Hamptons - a cottage country of sorts for celebrities and well-heeled Manhattan residents eager to beat the searing heat and grime of summer in Gotham. Bill Griffo has yet to bring his own two children to Niagara Falls, but he did travel there when he was a kid. He can't remember if the family crossed the border or if they stayed in their own country. "I saw the falls, so I guess we came to Canada," he says. "But really, I don't remember it at all." If Niagara Falls Tourism's manager Anna Pierce could describe her ideal new visitors to Niagara Falls, it would be Bill Griffo and his family: Affluent, professional, in possession of passports and willing to travel. Griffo exemplifies everything tourism operators in Niagara and many parts of Ontario are reaching out to as they struggle to deal with dwindling numbers from the traditional "rubber tire market." He's also familiar enough with Niagara Falls to be intrigued by the idea of coming back and has no preconceived notions of what the family will find when they get here. Pierce wants people to know Niagara Falls "isn't the place your parents visited on their honeymoon, or the place they brought you when you were a kid," she says. "Just like the Canadian Tourism Commission slogan for Canada (Keep Exploring), we want people to keep exploring Niagara." Eager to crack into a market some eight million people call home, Pierce was part of a contingent of tourism marketers who travelled to New York City late last year to take part in Canada Month at Bryant Park, sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission. "It's about getting people to see Canada in a way they might not normally," said Therese Barbato, a public relations co-ordinator with Weber Shandwick, the New York-based agency that represents the CTC. Her job is to greet visitors as they enter the Canadian-themed restaurant, Celsius, to tell them the outdoor adventures and cultural encounters the Great White North has to offer. "My position here is to get people interested in Canada in a new way," she says. "It's like the name Celsius for the restaurant. We want them to know Canada's a new degree of cool." Most of the people who stop to talk, Barbato says, have never been to Canada and want to know where they should go. "For the most part, it's just conversations like that. Two friends planned a trip to Canada after they stopped and talked to me. "That was really cool," Barbato says. This is the second year the CTC has taken over Bryant Park through the Christmas season, and the first year Niagara Falls has taken advantage of the offer to join the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership to market what Canada has to offer to American travellers in the winter. Pierce says the trip to New York is a cost-effective way of reaching New Yorkers one-on-one. The OTMP Paid the Canadian Tourism Commission $30,000 to spotlight the province for a week during Canada Month. Niagara Falls Tourism and Ottawa Tourism each paid one-third of the fee in exchange for being exclusive partners in the week-long venture. With hotel, flights, meals and the fee paid to the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, Pierce said the five-day trip cost $15,000 for herself and her entourage. She estimates that's less than a full-page ad in a major metropolitan daily newspaper or a 30-second spot on a local New York City television station during the evening news. "The people who come to Bryant Park (an average of 3,000 a day) have already bought into the idea of outdoor winter activities," Pierce says. "They're skating, they're walking around the park - they're not intimidated at the thought of getting out and around in the wintertime." Mara Pezzutto, a senior U.S. marketing manager with the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, agrees. Ontario was the only province to take the CTC up on its offer to take over Bryant Park for a week - and it's an investment well spent, she said. She estimates by hooking New Yorkers on a visit to Ontario, Niagara can double its so-called "rubber tire market" of day trippers to 15 million travellers a year. "Our day-trip market has really gone down," says Pezzutto. "If you look at tourism from a day-trip market, the average is $70 in spending per person, per day. "When you look farther afield, to places like New York City, the return on investment is far better than the rest of our urban centres like Albany, New Jersey and Pittsburgh. There's more potential here." Partnerships like the one between Niagara Falls and Ottawa Tourism, the OTMP and the Canadian Tourism Commission also ensure tourism agencies get bigger bang for their bucks. In fact, says Pierce, with sky-high ad rates and dwindling marketing budgets, without a partnership reaching out to New Yorkers wouldn't be possible at all. "We've never been in New York City before because we could never afford to be," said Pierce. "We also felt we had to be here in a more unique way, and picked this week because of Fetes de Noel. In terms of our target audience, this is perfect." Pezzutto said tourism operators and promotion agencies have to start thinking outside the box. "We're looking for the non-traditional type of tourism marketing exposure. The see-touch-feel experience," says Pezzutto. "We feel that's a direction we have to go more forward with, because the budget isn't the same (for print and TV advertising) as it used to be, and the consumers are more aware. "There is plenty for New Yorkers to learn, she said. With a sampling of cuisine using Niagara-grown fruits prepared by Niagara Parks Commission executive corporate chef Paul Pennock, photo-ops with Winter Festival of Lights mascot Chilly Dog and sips of Niagara icewine, New Yorkers used to fine dining learned Niagara Falls may be a small town but it has big-city amenities. "I didn't know Niagara had a food and wine culture," says New York City resident Pat Dantuono. "I thought it was just about the water." And that's the myth Pierce wants the city's tour operators to dispel as she promotes Niagara in places like New York City, Boston and Philadelphia - several hours outside the traditional day-tripper market. She believes while some people will be intrigued by the idea of seeing Niagara Falls, there has to be a bigger reason than the mighty cataract for them to come to the city. "We're trying to soften the spring market here in New York City," says Pierce, referring to Niagara Falls Tourism's plans to get a jump start on the summer season by bringing New Yorkers to Niagara in the spring. "The return on our investment is by far better here than in most of the other urban centres ... Our heaviest buy for the spring is here, so this is a little tiny introduction into what's coming."

Files from the Niagara Falls Review

RIVER ROAD CONDO REVIEW DELAYED

"NIAGARA THIS WEEK"

Robert Lapensee "News" Feb.7 2007

Consideration of a controversial condominium tower proposal for River Road by the Region has been delayed again because the lawyer representing a group which opposes the plan could not attend a scheduled meeting. Thomas Richardson, representing a group of neighbours to the potential development, asked in a letter to the Region's planning department consideration of the proposal scheduled for Jan. 31 be put off until Feb. 21. Richardson was unable to attend the planning meeting because he was engaged in an Ontario Municipal Board hearing Jan. 30 to Feb. 2. Niagara Falls council gave approval to the $70-million, 29-storey condo tower development proposed by Mississauga condo builders ORE Development Corp. last summer. The 250-unit development is slated for River Road between John and Philip Streets. The condo's podium will stand 21 metres (69 feet) while the tower will stand 98 metres (321 feet). Units will start at $169,900 with average units retailing for $250,000 and the development will add roughly $1-million to the city's tax base. The developers also volunteered a $500,000 payment to the city for exceeding the maximum height allowance. The tower will be the largest residential development in the city. Regional planning staff is recommending council turn down the proposal because it is too tall, too densely populated and does not fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood. "The proposal would be more appropriate in the downtown core area or on the subject lands if it were reduce in height and density to achieve a more compatible fit with the surrounding areas," said David Farley, director of planning services in a report to the planning and public works committee. The Niagara Parks Commission also calls the development too tall and the wrong plan for the area. City planning staff originally recommended council not proceed with the development, listing a number of issues, including traffic and shadowing concerns and also calling it too big, too dense and the wrong development for the area. Historic Niagara and the Niagara Falls BIA have written letters supporting the development but neighbours to the property don't approve of the development and submitted a petition to city council with signatures of 200 people who oppose the tower. The residents said they are hoping the Region will squash the project before it disrupts their community but are prepared to go to the OMB. The proposal was supposed to be considered by the region in October but was deferred at the request of the applicant until last week's meeting.

Files From Niagara This Week

ELLEN AVENUE BOUTIQUE HOTEL.

"DROPPING OFF THE DRYWALL"

This two-storey, 47-room hotel, is located next to the 700 seat Greg Frewin Theatre. It has been under renovation since early Summer of last year and will likely open for business sometime this summer.

Previous Post Link: Boutique Hotel

MONTHLY REVIEW FEBRUARY 2007

"THE DOG FIGHT!"

It has been a colorful month in the Media, with the Niagara Falls Review stepping up to the plate in regards to exposure for the proposal from Capital Sports, to re-locate the Mississauga IceDogs to Niagara Falls. This is a matter that is far to lengthy to get into with one posting, however it is also something that the residents are very passionate about from a pro & con point of view. "I hope the right choice is made in the long run!" As reported on Market Wire last week, Hyatt Place Hotels will be joining the ensemble of Niagara Hotel chains, this 150 room hotel is to be constructed by Canadian Niagara Hotels in the Stanley Avenue corridor, and scheduled to open in the Summer of 2008. I was in contact with CNH, but I was told that the undisclosed location has not been made public yet. The Hilton expansion site has a hole dug down several feet, and most of the workers on site are doing service upgrades and extensions, not much will change at the site for awhile. Work on both the Country Inn & Suites and Motel 6 are almost paralleled in terms of progress, they are both adding windows to their respective buildings, and working on the inside walls and drywall for the winter. This coming week will see the demolition of the former department store The Bay to make room for new stores over the next 2 years, they include a Michael's, Mandarin "contract signed," Mark's Work Warehouse and of course the new 65,000 sq ft. Canadian Tire. Also confirmed will be a new Sobey's to be built on McLeod Road across from the Mall and the McBain Centre. It has been the slowest Winter in terms of construction for Niagara Falls in years, but I think this Spring will see a nice jump in Construction with several projects set to start. I also see a trend that this city as a whole is set to grow and become more then just a summer destination, this may become a yearly home for many. "Niagara Falls best years may still lie ahead!"

Thank you for visiting.

Previous Post Link: Monthly Review January 2007

SHOELESS JOE'S ENTRANCE

"HAPPY SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!"

What better way to kick off this day then to mention Shoeless Joe's, a sports themed restaurant nearing completion at Fallsview Casino. This I believe will be the exterior entrance to the bar.

Previous Post Link: Shoeless Joe's "Coming Soon"

LITTLE CAESARS COSMETIC CHANGES.

"EXTERIOR UPGRADES AT LITTLE CAESARS PLAZA"

Block work in between the pillars are being added along the Victoria Avenue sidewalk. This will likely be finished with the same stucco affect as the rest of the building, and will give the building a more uniformed look. This may also serve as a new seating area for patrons.

NEW FUDGE STORE COMING!

"Artist Rendering"
Image courtesy of Niagara Falls Travel & Tourism Blog

"FUDGE REPLACES THE TOWER RIDE"

It was a busy day on local blogs for this former tower ride turned retail, this will be the home of a future fudge store.

Previous Post Link: New Themed Retail