2007 Annual Business Development Report - Niagara Falls, Ontario ...
2007 Annual Business Development Report - Niagara Falls, Ontario ...
2007 Annual Business Development Report - Niagara Falls, Ontario ...
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<strong>2007</strong> <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Development</strong> <strong>Report</strong>10Transit remains a keypriority to the growth of<strong>Niagara</strong>’s economy. In<strong>2007</strong>, the City of <strong>Niagara</strong><strong>Falls</strong> initiated talkswith senior levels ofGovernment in an effortto bring increased railand bus service to ourarea.VIA Bike Train comes to <strong>Niagara</strong> <strong>Falls</strong>A new tourism initiative in <strong>2007</strong> saw bike racksonboard VIA Rail trains. The VIA Rail BikeTrains traveled from Toronto to <strong>Niagara</strong> <strong>Falls</strong>and were equipped with a baggage car thataccommodated up to 56 bicycles. Cost for theround-trip ticket was $59 and $35 for a one-waytrip. The train ran for four weekends duringthe summer of <strong>2007</strong>: July 21-23; August 11-12;August 18-20; and August 25-26. The pilot wasa great success and VIA Rail Bike service is setto run in the 2008 cycle season.www.biketrain.ca<strong>Niagara</strong> <strong>Falls</strong> Tourism <strong>Development</strong> Proposals (2008-2011)ProjectPeople Mover System ProjectProgress continues to be made on the developmentof a transportation system to help movevisitors and the local labour force to and from thetourism districts in the City of <strong>Niagara</strong> <strong>Falls</strong>. Theproject is guided by a non-executive SteeringCommittee representing the City of <strong>Niagara</strong> <strong>Falls</strong>,<strong>Niagara</strong> Parks Commission, <strong>Ontario</strong> Lottery &Gaming and <strong>Falls</strong> Management Company. Allof the Committee’s decisions require approvalby <strong>Niagara</strong> <strong>Falls</strong> City Council, the Commission of<strong>Niagara</strong> Parks and the Boards of <strong>Ontario</strong> Lotteryand Gaming and <strong>Falls</strong> Management Company,respectively.The first step in the process was the RFQissued on March 27, 2003. The second stepwas RFP(I) issued December 2003. Short-listedrespondents, Mitsubishi Corporation, <strong>Niagara</strong>Greenway Consortium, and SNC-Lavalin Engineersand Contractors will be invited to respondto RFP (I) anticipated to be issued in the summerof 2008. Submissions will be reviewed by theSelection Committee who will select a preferredproponent by early 2009.DescriptionHilton Hotel Expansion $100 million; 58-storey; 464-room; Construction start <strong>2007</strong>Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Former Renaissance Hotel; Expansion construction start 2008<strong>Niagara</strong> Parks Commission Table RockHouse Restoration Project$32 million; New $7 million ‘<strong>Niagara</strong> Fury’ themed attractionUnder construction. Opening in 2008<strong>Niagara</strong> Convention & Civic Centre $100 million; 232,000 sq. ft. complex; Opening 2011Westin Hotel (Robinson St.)Rainbow Tower HotelSheraton <strong>Falls</strong>view HotelSkylon Tower Hotel Towers (2)HOCO HotelMarriott Courtyard Hotel TowerExpansion26-storey; 518-suite; 200-seat restaurant59-storey; 556 roomsSecond Tower expansion26-storey; 250-room units; 24-storey; 298-room units28-storey, 294-room units with ancillary waterpark adjacentto, Clifton Hill, Great Canadian Midway30-storey; 475-room unitsGO ServicePreliminary discussions began with officialsfrom GO investigating the viability of a minimized“Stop & Go” service from Toronto to<strong>Niagara</strong> <strong>Falls</strong>.
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