By Doug Draper
The body responsible for protecting and preserving more than 150 acres of parklands along the Ontario side of the Niagara River is inviting members of the public to join it for an overview of its operations as it begins “strategic planning” for the river corridor’s future.
The Horseshoe Falls from Niagara Parks lands downstream. Photo by Doug Draper
The Niagara Parks Commission, established 125 years ago to look after lands surrounding the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and 36 miles of Niagara River shore, will be holding three open houses for the public later this October to address the issues and challenges this legendary water corridor faces as the commission undertakes its future planning.
The commission has been widely praised over most of its history for its stewardship of the Niagara River corridor and lands around the world-famous Falls. However, it has also faced its share of controversies, including a plan it was forced to abandon more than five years ago to construct an aerial car ride near the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. That plan was scrapped in the wake of widespread public opposition.
The NPC has also found itself embroiled in a continued debate over a host of private companies bidding to operate the ‘Maid of the Mist’ tour boats in the churning waters immediately below the falls.
Those interested in finding out more about the Niagara Parks Commission, its planning and how it is governed can visit http://www.niagaraparks.com/about/niagara-parks-commission.html .
A list of the dates, times and locations for the Open Houses is included in the NPC media brief below.
Niagara Parks Community Open House Meetings
WHAT: The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is inviting the public to attend Open House Meetings to share a general overview of its operations and its impact as an organization on the local communities and tourism industry. These meetings will address upcoming issues and challenges prior to the Commission undertaking strategic planning later this fall.
WHEN: All meetings will take place from 6:30 – 9 p.m.
WHERE: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex 9561 Niagara Parkway Niagara Falls, Ontario Thursday, October 21, 2010 Queenston Chapel 14419 Niagara Parkway Queenston, Ontario Wednesday, October 27, 2010 Bridgewater Golf Course 700 Gilmore Road Fort Erie, Ontario.
(Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary on matters of interest and concern to residents in our greater binational Niagara region.)
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