2007 Annual Business Development Report - Niagara Falls, Ontario ...

2007 Business Development ReportWhen the Niagara Fallsview Casino ResortNiagara Falls to ensure the current and long-Strong popularity of the entertainment venueopened in 2004, the Province of Ontarioterm economic vitality of the local tourismhas prompted Falls Management Company, thecommitted to keeping Casino Niagara in opera-sector, in particular now with the design plan-operators of both Niagara Casinos, to undertaketion, giving Niagara Falls a critical mass of twoning phase of the Niagara Convention & Civica feasibility study to explore the construction ofmajor casino gaming attractions.Changes within the local marketplaceincluding a strengthening Canadian dollar, andCentre proceeding.www.casinoniagara.comwww.fallsviewcasinoresort.coma new 5,000-7,000 seat entertainment venue aspart of the Fallsview Casino Resort complex.Both Niagara Falls casinos have placed a417 Noir, located insidethe Niagara FallsviewCasino Resort, receivedan Award of Excellencefrom the prestigiousThe Wine Spectatormagazine.increased competition from a new casino inNiagara Falls, New York, gave rise to concernsregarding the long-term plans for Casino Niagara.Local business owners expressed to the Provinceof Ontario that $2 billion dollars of private sectorinvestment in the community is fueled by havingboth casinos remain open in Niagara Falls.Championed by the private sector, acommittee was formed to include tourismoperators, and city officials. An economic impactstudy was prepared and presented to Provincialofficials indicating the economic powerof keeping open both casinos. Lobbying andpublic awareness campaigns for the two-casinoinitiative stressed the economic impact closingCasino Niagara would have on local businesses,families and the community in general. Bothcasinos, Casino Niagara and the Niagara FallsviewResort, are seen as being significant to theattraction of visitors and are considered integralcomponents to future tourism development inNiagara Falls and the Niagara as a whole.The committee will continue to lobby theProvince to keep both casinos operating inFallsview Galleria update -New Stores & AttractionsNew retail and entertainment attractions atthe Fallsview Casino Resort Galleria in 2007included:• Shoeless Joe’s sport-themed casual diningrestaurant;• LaVie en Rose elegant lingerie boutique;• Bikini Bay swimwear for women and men;• Royal Doulton fine gift ware boutique;• Fans sports emporium and gift store;.For a complete listing of Galleria shops, visitwww.fallsviewcasinoresort.com.Niagara Fallsview Casino Resortentertainment venue newsThe Avalon Ballroom, Niagara Fallsview CasinoResort’s popular entertainment venue, continuedto book premier entertainers during 2007.Changes to the venue’s ticket policy now limitshows to persons 19 years of age or older. Plansfor 2008 will see an enhanced roster of marqueeentertainers added to the show season includinglegends such as former Beatle Ringo Starr andTonight Show host Jay Leno.greater emphasis on improving their on-siteentertainment offerings in an effort to boostattendance at the resort properties.www.fallsviewcasino.com17 Noir recognized by The WineSpectator MagazineThe Wine Spectator listed the most wine-savvyrestaurants in Ontario during 2007. Included onthe list of 86 award-winning restaurants was17 Noir in the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort,for the Best of Award of Excellence and MonticelloGrille and Wine Bar (Niagara Falls) whichreceived an Award of Excellence.New Westin Hotel announcedCanadian Niagara Hotels announced their plansto build a new $130 million Westin Fallsview atthe east end of Robinson Street at the top of themoraine, near the Skylon Tower. The 26-storey,518-suite Westin Fallsview Hotel will employ 600people. Plans for the new hotel include a conferencespace, an upscale spa, a 200-seat restauranton the top floor with panoramic views of NiagaraFalls and an indoor aquatic center that includesa swimming pool and slide.