Brian Merrett, Niagara Parks Commission

We feel a great deal of excitement about the future of Niagara’s parks, the City of Niagara Falls, and about Niagara’s tourism industry in general. I’ve been blessed personally to have been given an opportunity by the Government of Ontario to lead the Niagara Parks Commission in a time of unprecedented growth. We have all worked hard to contribute to this growth. We look to the future of the city and the region with more confidence than ever before. Because of all of this we can say without doubt that the Niagara tourism industry has truly come of age.

It’s time to take a “sneak peek” into the thoughts and dreams of the Niagara Parks Commission as we plan and work to make our parks the very best they can be. Close your eyes and let your imagination take you along as we dare to look into the future.

But before we go too far, we want to give due attention to what has come before in the distinguished 115-year history of the Niagara Parks Commission. As we move forward into the new millennium we have the awesome responsibility of upholding a long tradition of good planning, development and stewardship.

We also have a new and evolving impact on the economy of our cities and region, province and nation. Today, the NPC acts as a catalyst for tourism and a stimulant for economic growth. We have what people want to see, not only in the natural wonder of the Falls, but in our lush green parklands, and our proximity to the arts, shopping, fine dining, attractions, and gracious guest services.

The decision to create a Parks Commission was visionary. When the NPC was created, unbridled commercialization threatened the beauty and majesty of Niagara Falls. Anyone who wanted to see the Falls was forced to pay a fee. Tourists were swindled and harassed. But the new organization set about to fulfill its mission to preserve and enhance the Falls and the Niagara River for the enjoyment of all visitors. The NPC was granted a mandate to acquire land along the Niagara River. Property was acquired and buildings were knocked down to make room for Queen Victoria Park, a splendid 154 acres, which opened on May 24, 1888. Subsequent administrations have continued to build on that original achievement.

The parks went through a period of unprecedented growth in the 1930s under the chairmanship of T.B. McQuestion. Despite the Depression, the commission undertook extensive acquisition, restoration, and development projects such as Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake; the William Lyon Mackenzie homestead in Queenston; Queenston Heights; Old Fort Erie; the Niagara Gorge stone wall; and the School of Horticulture. All was done with a keen eye on preserving and enhancing the historic and natural.

We face a similar challenge today in working to balance preservation of the wonder and beauty of the Falls and its surrounding parkland with the demands of the growing tourism market. It is a balance we can achieve. Likewise, we have a rare opportunity to build our dreams upon the legacy of the past. We can do that, too, and still maintain our stance as financially self-sufficient. We are all committed to move into the future while remaining true to our past.

Today, the Niagara Parks Commission is North America’s most completely maintained parks system. We have preserved 4,250 acres of parkland and gardens along the river, encompassing a rich collection of heritage sites from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Fifty-six kilometers of recreational trails traverse this shoreline. We are, in a sense, a city within the cities. We have our own police force, maintenance services, transit system, garbage collection fleet, snow removal and road salting trucks. These services, and a vast assortment of free attractions for visitors and residents, are made possible by our revenue producing operations.

The economic impact of the Niagara Parks — present and especially future — is extraordinary. The Bank of Montreal’s study “Outlook for Niagara” (January 2000) indicated the total number of visitors to Niagara may increase to 20 million by 2002. Visits to the region have increased by 23 percent over the past three years. This makes Niagara the second most visited location in Canada, behind Toronto and ahead of Vancouver and Montreal. At this rate, the total number of visitors may double by 2010. These numbers translate into jobs for Niagara — lots of them. The Bank of Montreal study projected that up to 25,000 new jobs could be created in the period 1999-2003, many of them driven by growth in tourism. The Province-wide strategy of using tourism as a catalyst for economic growth seems to be paying off.

The economic impact on the NPC itself has also been significant. For the third consecutive year we had record attendance and revenues. The overall impact of our visitors climbed 17 percent last year, up to $590 million. The NPC paid almost $1 million in grants in-lieu-of-taxes, up $233,000. Our own employment is at 1,700 people and growing. All of this growth means we have more revenue than ever before to reinvest in the parks, but the challenges we face are also greater than before. We are leaving nothing to chance. Extensive planning is being conducted. Preservation and “greening” remains a cornerstone of planning.

As we proceed to plan for rapid growth, we maintain a steadfast commitment to two principles. First, we are committed to balance development pressures with equal attention to preservation and stewardship of our park. Second, we will endeavor to give visitors a quality experience.

It is clear, as we proceed with planning, that we have the opportunity to develop more attractions and — at the same time — to develop and preserve more parkland. One doesn’t have to come at the expense of the other. Indeed, one helps us maximize the other. The more revenue we generate, the more money we can channel into conservation. The wherewithal to deal with the impacts of growth in tourism comes from growth in tourism itself.

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This planning must be done cooperatively. We are working to maintain partnerships with the City, the Region, developers, and others. We are taking into consideration all the available resources, involving all the relevant partners in a peer-review process, and charting a tourism planning strategy for a challenging future. Fulfilling the mandate includes initiatives such as:

1. A Moraine Master Plan for management, maintenance and rehabilitation of the area above Queen Victoria Park. It will deal with development pressures in the area, limit geological instability, control erosion, increase regeneration, and assure accessibility.

2. The Oak Savanna Project to revitalize and protect the last remaining stand of Chinquapin Oak Savanna — an endangered species that once made up the dominant landscape of the present day.

3. Reclamation of the Table Rock Parking lot and alternate provisions for bus parking and transportation.

4. Renovation of the Botanical Garden, including revamping of the gardens, and reconstruction of the fire pond to include a small waterfall and aeration.

5. Designation as a Globally Significant birding area of the entire Niagara River corridor from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario in 1996 to provide a safe haven for migrating birds. A pair of Peregrine Falcons nested on a narrow ledge near the Horseshoe Falls, bred, and returned. Nineteen species of gull also make their home in the area.

6. Recycling and Composting in the Park has long provided a model for parks operations across the nation.

7. The School of Horticulture, world renowned for propagating our knowledge about “greening.”  Its graduates work around the globe. The school works in partnership with Kew Gardens in London and in Awaji, Japan. Our horticulturists are building a garden for the Flora 2000 exhibit in Japan — a representation of the Canadian land scape from sea to sea featuring 30,000 tulips.

How will all of these efforts in planning, conservation, stewardship and “greening” add up? Let’s imagine a trip down the parkway just a bit into the future -- in 2005. There will be lots of visitors, so a cornerstone of our plan is to give them lots to see and do, unique experiences from nature to entertainment:

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We’ll start in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the McFarland House where heritage tourists will enjoy a dinner theater that will bring history to life and showcase the beautiful site. The Queenston Heights Restaurant, perched on the escarpment, had a major facelift in 2000. Visitors will marvel at the original slate floors and the breathtaking view of the meandering Niagara far below. The annual “Tastes of Niagara” event features gourmet cuisine and award winning Niagara wines.

The Floral Clock remains one of the most visited attractions. Now it is enclosed in a striking glass atrium, accompanied by displays highlighting the theme of time — a water clock, a sundial — and featuring floral displays, an elevated observation area, and retail outlets. The Botanical Gardens master plan is well underway. When it is finished, the $30 million, ten-step expansion will include a children’s garden, a labyrinth, a learning center, a teaching garden, and horse drawn carriage rides.

The Canadian Niagara Power buildings have been transformed into a fully functioning, interactive hydro museum that is truly inspiring. The Toronto Power Building is the new home to a nature/ entertainment complex with horticulture exhibits, an earth center, live theater, virtual reality attractions, shops, and fine dining. After 20 years of study, the Monorail People Mover System is set to open in 2006. It is an environmentally friendly, people-efficient facility that keeps traffic out of the park as it winds gracefully along the terrain. There is an amphitheater at Rapidsview with a capacity of 15,000 and a partial enclosure for year-round performing arts and big-name talent. An enormous outdoor skating rink complements the grounds.

In Chippawa there is a new, world-class, 45-hole golf complex and training center. By 2005, it is growing in quite nicely, continuing the tradition of the Whirlpool Golf Course just down the river. The golf academy features a 360-degree practice range and a full 18-hole putting green. The entire complex is equipped to host international golf events and provide the centerpiece for the Niagara “Destination Golf” marketing campaign. The Chippawa Battlefield site is adjacent, with interpretive centers, lifelike re-enactments, and historic site activities.

Further along, the marina has had a facelift, making it a hub for sport fishing in the upper Niagara River. With respect for nature, the sport fishing can provide still another tourist market, drawing aficionados with fishing derbies and sport fishing experiences. Historic Fort Erie continues to host events such as the Highland Games and historic re-enactments, making it a true Gateway to the Park from the south. 

The opportunity to construct tourist packages is extraordinary, linking world-class golf, wine tours, theater at the Shaw Festival, entertainment at Casino Niagara, sport fishing, and host of special events including concerts in the Park and at the amphitheater, historic festivals, boating, fishing derbies and much more.

All of these dreams are ambitious — but they are within our grasp. With prudent fiscal management, strong partnerships and community input they are all not just possible, but probable. With a continuing balance between development and stewardship, these dreams will be beautiful ones. It will be an exciting future. But we must remember, the true source of the excitement comes from the Falls itself. When we first heard the low rumble and saw the first hint of mist, and as we approached, soon a deafening thunder, a rainbow, and finally the sheer majesty of the most beautiful waterfall anywhere – that’s the shiver-down-the-spine excitement that must never be lost.

In Chippawa there is a new, world-class, 45-hole golf complex and training center. By 2005, it is growing in quite nicely, continuing the tradition of the Whirlpool Golf Course just down the river. The golf academy features a 360-degree practice range and a full 18-hole putting green. The entire complex is equipped to host international golf events and provide the centerpiece for the Niagara “Destination Golf” marketing campaign. The Chippawa Battlefield site is adjacent, with interpretive centers, lifelike re-enactments, and historic site activities.

Further along, the marina has had a facelift, making it a hub for sport fishing in the upper Niagara River. With respect for nature, the sport fishing can provide still another tourist market, drawing aficionados with fishing derbies and sport fishing experiences. Historic Fort Erie continues to host events such as the Highland Games and historic re-enactments, making it a true Gateway to the Park from the south. 

The opportunity to construct tourist packages is extraordinary, linking world-class golf, wine tours, theater at the Shaw Festival, entertainment at Casino Niagara, sport fishing, and host of special events including concerts in the Park and at the amphitheater, historic festivals, boating, fishing derbies and much more.

All of these dreams are ambitious — but they are within our grasp. With prudent fiscal management, strong partnerships and community input they are all not just possible, but probable. With a continuing balance between development and stewardship, these dreams will be beautiful ones. It will be an exciting future. But we must remember, the true source of the excitement comes from the Falls itself. When we first heard the low rumble and saw the first hint of mist, and as we approached, soon a deafening thunder, a rainbow, and finally the sheer majesty of the most beautiful waterfall anywhere – that’s the shiver-down-the-spine excitement that must never be lost.