2006 Business Development Report - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

2006 Business Development Report22007 is the year, morethan ever before, thatthis small bordercommunity will requireto work in collaborationwith all levels ofgovernment and theprivate sector to protectour current and futuregenerations qualitylifestyle and stableeconomic viability.Niagara Falls’ economy continues to sustain a steady positionand is keeping within global tourism and manufacturing market businesstrends. Tourism destination market choices for consumer and group touristsare becoming increasingly more competitive. As a result, local tourismoperators are facing the business challenge associated with staying on topof current destination marketing trends. Examples of new tourism productdevelopment include the opening of the Great Wolf Lodge Resort inthe spring of 2006. This 406-suite family destination attraction includesa 103,000 sq. ft. waterpark. Local tourism operators are quickly adaptingto the trend of resort-style attractions becoming favourite year-roundfamily destinations. Several Niagara operators have added new attractionsincluding The Fallsview Waterpark’s $70-million indoor water park andthe Great Canadian Entertainment theme park’s year-round climatecontrolled renaissance ferris wheel.Fallsview Casino Resort adapted to market demands with majortenant additions to the Fallsview Casino Galleria. Canyon CreekRestaurant, Dragonfly Nightclub plus another 11 retail/food servicetenant additions have been established in the past twelve months. Choiceseats became available for new cultural entertainment attractions thisyear in Niagara Falls. Cirque Niagara’s AVAIA merges creative artistry,acrobatics and dance. Silver Mist Productions opened their adaptationof the hit Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Show in the Greg Frewin Theatre. TheFallsview Casino Resort’s Avalon Theatre hosted first-class musicalperformances, including Paul Anka, Olivia Newton-John, and Inxs. TheFalls was also the backdrop for two shows of the ABC and CTV “LIVE”with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa in May 2006. Several new tourismdevelopments are expected to begin construction in 2007. These includeRipley’s Aquarium, Rainbow Hotel (Country Inn Suites), and theHilton Hotel. The City, along with stakeholder partners, moved forward onseveral initiatives such as the Niagara Convention & Civic Centre Proposal;People Mover System RFP call for pre-approved short-list of private sectorpartnerships; and continued efforts to lobby the Province to retain bothCasino locations within the City.Minacs Worldwide Inc. opened their new contact centre in NiagaraFalls in the last quarter of the year helping to employ 300 people. TRGInsurance moved into their renovated head office on Thorold Stone Roadearly in 2006.Major relocations and new entries into the retail sector in the Cityinclude RIO Can’s long awaited retrofit at Niagara Square, whichincluded the demolition of the former Zellers store. Opening in the fallof 2006 was Future Shop, Linens-n-Things, Petcetera and Winners.The spin-off retail changes rippled throughout the mall resulting in severaltenant changes. Canada’s troubled Hudson’s Bay Company announcedthe closing of The Bay store early in 2007 and Canadian Tire appliedfor site plan approval for a new store at the Square. Loblaw’s CanadianSuperstore site plan was approved and plans are underway to beginconstruction of the big-box store in the spring of 2007.Reflective of the automotive sales trend, the powerful Toyota, AutolineToyota, dealership began construction on their new facility on ThoroldStone Road and are expected to move into their new location early in2007.The hardest hit industry sector has been manufacturing. Growthcontinues to slow and exports to the U.S. decline primarily due to theenergy and resource sectors, automotive, and a generally weak manufacturingsector. The global economy has restructured to integrate globalsupply chains, positioning sister companies, and competitors across theworld in competition for contracts. Sustainability for the manufacturingsector is critical in an ever-increasing competition for higher efficiency,

Executive Summarylower costs and superior quality products/services for each componentof the final production or service. Vincor International was purchasedby Constellation Brands, Inc. in 2006 and resulted in their NiagaraCellars first phase expansion. The prime purpose of the winery expansionis to provide for further increases in quality wine production.Star Warning Systems, a Canadian owned/operated business,relocated to their new state-of-the art electronics division in the City’sMontrose Business Park late in 2006. Niagara Artcraft Woodworkingcontinues the construction of the third/last phase of their cabinetmanufacturing operations division with completion expected in the springof 2007.Many manufacturing ownership and management changes took placein 2006. For further details refer to the full report.Ontario Power Generation’s Sir Adam Beck Niagara 3 rd TunnelProject construction was well underway in 2006. The $1 Billion projectwill generate 1.6 billion kilowatt hours of clean, reliable power for Ontario.The four-year building period will create 230 full-time construction jobs,most in skilled trades, and will reach 350 jobs at the project’s peak. GreaterNiagara General Hospital (GNGH) in Niagara Falls saw the completionof construction on the new Jeff Morgan Emergency Department. Theemergency department will open in January 2007. The second phase of the$21 million hospital construction will begin in 2007 and will include thenew ambulatory care centre slated to open the summer of 2007.The City of Niagara Falls continued their work on the DowntownRenovation plans which included the Strategic Implementation Planfor the district. The Niagara Falls City-Wide Brownfield CommunityImprovement Plan was submitted and approved by the Province and thePilot Project Land Use Study continues into 2007. The City’s new twin-padarena complex is being planned within the Pilot Project Study Area, withan anticipated construction start in 2007 and opening in 2008.The Historic Drummondville Community Improvement Planwas adopted by Council late in 2006 and will proceed to the Province forapproval which is anticipated by the second quarter of 2007. Redevelopmentof this historic district will include the Falls Farmers’ Market and the War of1812-1814 Lundy’s Lane Battlefield product development and the Museumexpansion.Collectively, Niagara Falls experienced a stable economic year, althoughglobal and private sector decisions influenced closures and new businessentries into our city. Investors are increasingly looking globally for dynamicmarkets, notably in Europe, Latin America and Asia. This continues to putconstant pressure on sustaining or growing their investments in Canada.2007 is the year, more than ever before, that this small border communitywill require to work in collaboration with all levels of government andthe private sector to protect our current and future generations qualitylifestyle and stable economic viability.Niagara Falls Annual Business Development Report is produced by theCity of Niagara Falls Business Development Division.Business Development DivisionCity of Niagara Falls, Ontario, CanadaTel. 905-356-7521 Ext. 5000Fax. 905-357-9293email: bdd@niagarafalls.caweb: www.niagarafalls.caCity Council, staff, andour many communitypartners are workingto help ensure that ourbusiness communitycan capitalize onemerging businesstrends to help createnew jobs and economicprosperity for currentand future residents ofNiagara Falls.3

2006 Business Development ReportCanada’s newest family destination resort, Great Wolf Lodgeopened in spring 2006. The $130-million, 406-suite destinationlocation is home to a 103,000 sq. ft. indoor water park.4

Tourism Sector HighlightsGreat Wolf Lodgerestaurant and bar; The Antler Shanty Grub, aentrepreneurial enterprise, Canadian NiagaraGreat Wolf Lodge is Canada’s newest familygourmet buffet; Pizza Hut Express; Bear ClawEntertainment.destination resort, situated along the NiagaraCafé confectionery; the Trading Post gift empo-www.fallsviewwaterpark.comRiver Gorge in Niagara Falls. The $130-millionrium; Elements - an Aveda Concept Salon andThe opening of the Fallsview Waterparkdestination resort opened to the public in theSpa; and more than 10,000 sq. ft. of meetingbuilds upon the 2005 unveiling of the Americanaspring of 2006. The 406-suite property is the firstspace, including a tiered, fully equipped A/VHotel’s 25,000 sq. ft. Waves, waterpark andGreat Wolf Lodge location in Canada. It is ownedconference room. Outside, the Wacky Wilder-entertainment attraction, and adds to theby Ripley’s Niagara Water Park Resort, L.P., aness Mini-Golf offers 18-holes of interactivegrowing inventory of year-round family waterdivision of the Jim Pattison Group Company,miniature golf and guests can also relax in thetheme fun for visitors to Niagara Falls.through a license from Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.A 103,000 sq. ft. water park inside Great WolfLodge features 13 water slides, including thekiddy-friendly Raccoon Run, and Niagara RapidsRun, a family water roller coaster. Other resortamenities include Northern Lights Arcade, withmore than 100 of the most popular video andredemption games and a well-stocked ticketredemption centre; Iron Horse Fitness Room;and Cub Club. This is a children’s frequentguest club where the “Ambassador of Fun”leads activities and arts and crafts.Ten different suite configurations accommodatefamilies of every size from a KidCabin Suitewith a queen bed, sofa sleeper, log cabin-themeprivate sleeping area for the kids with bunkbeds and day bed – to a Loft Fireplace Suitewith three queen beds, including one queen ina loft room, semi-private living area with sofasleeper, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace.Guests and the general public can accessCamp Critter Bar & Grille, a theme familyGreat Outdoor Spa, an adults-only hot tub foryear-round enjoyment overlooking the majesticNiagara River Gorge.The Great Wolf Lodge is the City’s largestconstruction project since the Niagara FallsviewCasino and Resort. Niagara Falls MayorTed Salci praised the “year-round appeal” of thelodge and sees it as a catalyst to help rejuvenatethe Glenview area of the City. “We’re goingto see a lot of new development in this area ofthe City,” he said. “I hope to see the Great WolfLodge be a catalyst for development in the northspreading across the centre part of the City.”www.greatwolf.comFallsview WaterparkThe $70-million Fallsview Waterpark openedin the springtime, featuring 90,000 sq. ft. withfifteen thrilling, hi-speed water slides, whichare six stories high. An interactive Atlantisthemeaqua play area, indoor wave pool and sixswimming pools including multiple water sportactivity areas. Development by Niagara’s ownGreat Canadian Entertainment & HotelThe first phase of HOCO Ltd.’s retrofit developmentwas approved and constructed in 2006.Great Canadian Entertainment & Hotel, the12.5 hectares /31 acres Clifton Hill resort situateddirectly adjacent west of Queen VictoriaPark utilized natural landscaping features tofit into the natural setting of the world-renownpark by the Falls. Harry Oakes, Jr., presidentof HOCO Ltd., is third generation of the familyaccommodation and entertainment NiagaraFalls company states, “We’re looking at thelong-term family-ownership of the site and it isimportant not only to our company, but to theCity’s tourism industry to create a new generationof amusement park rides to continue thelong tradition of the Clifton Hill area to providequality family entertainment year round toNiagara residents and visitors.”The first phase of the $100-million familyhotel/entertainment centre includes 20 rides andfeatures a new generation of renaissance ferrisYear-round waterparksare sprouting upacross Niagara Fallsas tourism operatorscater to the desiresof family travellers insearch of year-roundattractions. Great WolfLodge, the FallsviewIndoor Waterpark, andthe Americana Resort’sWaves Waterpark(opened in 2005) areproving to be popularwatering holes forresidents and visitors.5

2006 Business Development Reportwheel. The Niagara Skywheel integrates antiquedesign with world-renown new technology toprovide year-round wonder of the mighty Fallsto visitors riding in the glass-enclosed climatecontrolled cars (175-feet/54 metre peak height).The Park also includes two water parks, oneindoor for year-round fun and one out-door. Theemployment base will increase by 40% whichthe creation of 500 new jobs as a direct resultof the new development bring their corporateemployment figure to 1,250 jobs upon completionof the project.www.hocolimited.comComfort InnThe Comfort Inn, an eight-storey hotel located at6541 Dunn Street (formerly known as the HorseshoeInn), underwent an overall hotel retrofit andadded 44 rooms to the property.Fallsview Casino Resort & GalleriaThe Galleria at the Niagara Fallsview CasinoResort added several new tenants during 2006.• Canyon Creek Chop HouseCanyon Creek Restaurant, part of the leadingCanadian restaurant company, ServiceInspired Restaurants (SIR Corp.), openedtheir seventh Canyon Creek Chop Houselocation in the Niagara Fallsview CasinoResort. SIR Corp. is led by Niagara nativePeter Fowler who stated during the October2006 grand opening, “It’s exciting for me to6be back home in Niagara to showcase someof the beauty of Niagara and the experienceof the warm hospitality of its people.”The top-end casual restaurant wasdesigned with an eye for maintaining someof the classic wood, rock and leather interiorelements that Canyon Creek is known forwhile highlighting the spectacular view ofNiagara Falls. The dining room - 234 seats,and private board room -12 seats, is a multilevelspace offering both stand alone tablesettings and spacious leather upholsteredbooths overlooking the Falls through animpressive floor to ceiling window wall.Canyon Creek’s classic menu, developedby Executive Chef Graham Hayes, usesoutstanding quality ingredients to enhancethe appeal of classic dishes with subtletwists. Signature menu items include RoastPrime Rib, Niagara’s Double Pork Chops andCedar Plank Salmon, along with top-qualitysteak cuts, chicken, ribs and seafood. Thewine selection has something for internationalvisitors and local residents to samplefrom Niagara’s VQA wines to internationalclassics. Niagara’s Canyon Creek Chop Housestaff of 73 will be serving lunch, dinner, andsnacks between 12 noon and 2 a.m. dailyin the Niagara Fallsview Casino ResortGalleria.www.canyoncreekchophouse.com1 - Niagara Skywheel opens.2, 3 - Mayor Salci welcomesNiagara native PeterFowler, president of SIRCorp., during the fallopening of their newrestaurant, CanyonCreek Chop House in theFallsview Casino Galleria4 - Bird Kingdom at the NiagaraFalls Aviary completesrenovations that help bringvisitors into closer contactwith tropical birds.

Tourism Sector Highlights• Dragonfly NightclubThe Dragonfly, a 12,000 sq. ft., 800-seatnight club opened at the Fallsview CasinoResort Galleria during the summer of 2006.The state-of-the-art sound and lightingsystems play music from world renownedDJ’s between 9 p.m. and 2:45 a.m., Tuesday-Saturday and on Sundays on long-weekends.www.dragonflynightclub.com• The Falls & Firkin PubThe Falls & Firkin Pub opened in the FallsviewCasino Resort Galleria in 2006. TheNiagara location is the latest in a series ofinternational locations for the popular pubstylerestaurant. A casual atmosphere issupported by pub-menu fare and specialsserving guests daily for lunch, dinner, latenight-snack and weekend brunches. Anextensive list of domestic and imported beersare on tap/bottle for international visitorstastes.www.falls.firkinpubs.com• Avalon BallroomAvalon Ballroom at Niagara Fallsview CasinoResort received the Specialty Venue Award atthe Canadian Music Week’s Industry AwardsGala in Toronto in March 2006. The theatreis a state-of-the-art 1500-seat venue locatedin the Galleria. CMW, in its 24 th year, is thesingle longest running conference focussingon the business of music, bringing togethersound recording, new technology, and broadcasting.New food, retail, and service openingsin the Fallsview Casino Resort Galleriainclude:• Cotton Ginny, ladies casual fashions;• Bijoux Terner, luxury and uniquefashions;• Danier Leather, leather and suedeclothing/accessories;• Mephisto Shoes, city shoes to sandalsfor people on the go;• Watch IT, premier brand watches,sunglasses and accessories;• Bentley, purses, wallets, luggage andaccessories;• Vivah, silver jewellery boutique;• Tango Boutique, ladies high fashion;• Del Sol, world’s largest retailer ofmerchandise that changes colour in thesun;• Juice Rush, smoothies and quick wraps;• Teaopia, 100 varieties of premium looseleaf tea.www.fallsviewcasinoresort.comA Young GardenA Young Garden restaurant opened in July 2006.The fine dining restaurant is located at 6079Stanley Avenue and features traditional Japaneseand Korean food along with American dishes.A Smile Gift ShopA Smile Gift Shop has also opened at 6079Stanley Avenue and is the Canadian officeheadquarters for Dongbu Tours.Louis Tussaud’s Wax MuseumLouis Tussaud’s Wax Museum “reopened” thissummer in their new Niagara Falls locationat 5907 Victoria Avenue (top of Clifton Hill).Well known artists from around the worldhave created over 100 new wax figures of thefamous and infamous. Celebrities from sports toreligious figures; movie stars to politicians; andheroes to villains are on display. The figures arehoused in a brand new $6-million two-storeyEnglish tudor style 16,200 sq. ft. building. LouisTussaud’s Waxworks is a division of Jim PattisonEntertainment Ltd.www.ripleysniagara.com/tussauds.htmlNiagara Falls AviaryBird Kingdom at the Niagara Falls Aviarycompleted a series of renovations to the awardwinning,year-round, family attraction. Locatedat 5651 River Road near the Rainbow Bridge,Bird Kingdom has been transformed into afree flying aviary. Visitors now have even moreopportunities to get up-close and personal with500 tropical birds, including feeding opportunitiesin the Main Aviary.www.birdkingdom.caTop: Louis Tussaud’sWax Museum reopenedin a new location on topof Clifton Hill.Bottom: The NiagaraFallsview Resort’sGalleria became thenew home to severalnew retail outlets andrestaurants in 2006.7

2006 Business Development ReportSilver Mist Productions -first to create original shows combining acrobatsIn addition to the two one-hour episodes,Greg Frewin Theatrewith horses in a circus performance. Mairbekseveral U.S. and Canadian broadcastersLive theatre took centre stage in Niagara Falls inKantemirov is an internationally acclaimedfilmed their shows on the “LIVE” set. These2006 thanks in part to Silver Mist Productions’producer who has won numerous internationalincluded the popular entertainment series$1.6-million adaptation of the hit Disney’sawards. Oleg Kantemirov has performed ineTalk Daily, Entertainment Tonight Canada,Aladdin Jr. Produced by Linus Hand andmany Cirque du Soleil productions, and hasnews coverage from ABC affiliates in New Yorkdirected by Raquel Duffy, this first-class familyover 25 years experience in both performingstate, and print coverage in major Canadian andshow played for 16 weeks in the Greg Frewinand directing. Performances ran daily with twoAmerican daily newspapers.Theatre and was brought back by popularshows from May 20 th through to Oct 8 th . TheThe value of media exposure Niagara Fallsdemand in December 2006 as part of the Wintershow will be returning in the spring of 2007received in the U.S. marketplace from the “LIVE”Festival of Lights Season.to its Rapidsview, Niagara Parks Commissionbroadcasts is estimated to be in excess ofThe Greg Frewin Theatre opened in 2005site.$3-4 million. The event would not have possibleas the home venue of world-renowned Grandwww.cirqueniagara.comwithout the support of the City’s partners, The8In 2006, Niagara Fallswelcomed syndicatedtelevision shows, Disneytheatrical productions,and internationallyacclaimed Cirque theatreperformances.Magician, Greg Frewin, whose magic show runsyear-round at the Ellen Avenue location.www.silvermist.cawww.gregfrewintheatre.comCirque NiagaraSpring 2006 marked the launch of CirqueNiagara’s new $10-million theatrical attractionin Niagara Falls. Working in partnership withthe Niagara Parks Commission, the world-classCirque Niagara show “Avaia” showcased a mixof creative artistry, acrobatics and dance. Avaiais a celebration of life and of man’s love for horsesdemonstrating the harmony between mankindand nature. Creator Mairbek Kantemirov andArtistic Director Oleg Kantemirov are worldrenown in the circus, theatrical and Russian filmindustry and are both from the great KantemirovCircus Family Dynasty, whose family was theLIVE with Regis & KellyMillions of television viewers across NorthAmerica tuned into CTV and ABC televisionstations on May 22 and 23 to watch RegisPhilbin and Kelly Ripa in Niagara Falls. Regisand Kelly dedicated the Victoria Day holidayweekend in Niagara Falls to the two episodesof “LIVE” on May 22 nd , which aired live, andtaping of their May 23 rd show.The visit marked a return trip to NiagaraFalls for the popular television show. In 1996,LIVE hosts Regis Philbin and Kathy-Lee Giffordbroadcast from the same location in OakesGarden Theatre with the Falls as the backdrop.The interest generated by May’s two-dayvisit of the ABC and CTV “LIVE” show toNiagara Falls helped to generate extensivespin-off publicity for the City of Niagara Falls.Niagara Parks Commission, Niagara FallsviewCasino Resort, Ontario Ministry of Tourism,Canadian Tourism Commission, CanadianNiagara Hotels, HOCO Entertainment andResorts, and other local tourism stakeholders.www.bventertainment.go.comFriendly Foes Above the FallsRussell Group Aviation’s Friendly Foes Abovethe Falls, 2 nd Annual Air Show took place onJune 10 & 11, 2006. Niagara South Airport - aformer WWII air strip, was transformed into ashowcase centre for pilots, veterans, air cadets,Canadian & U.S. military, and thousands of visitors.Ed Russell, founder and major sponsor ofthe air show, showcased his own collectionof vintage aircraft along with those of severalother collectors. As certified U.K. pilots soared

Tourism Sector Highlightsthrough the crisp skies, planes such at thefamous Hurricane, Messerchmitt, Harvard,Lancaster Bomber, Memphis Belle B-17, and avariety of WWI & WWII aircraft delighted visitorsand photographers of all ages.www.russellgroupaviation.comNiagara Convention & Civic Centre(NCCC)This unique project is a collaborative effortbetween local tourism industry and the fourlevels of government.The proposed $107 million private/publicdevelopment would consist of a 232,000 sq. ft.complex located on a 26-acre site in the FallsviewTourism District (100,000 sq. ft. exhibitspace; 30,700 sq. ft. meeting space; 101,000 sq.ft. support/other space). An estimate of 500,000annual visitors attending the centre, primarilyin the off-season, will generate $93 million innew annual expenditures. $100-million privateincremental capital projects would be a directspin-off from the project development.1 - Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa visit Niagara Falls in May.2 - Cirque Niagara presents Avaia in Rapidsview Park.3 - Silver Mist Productions brings Disney’s Aladin Jr. to theGreg Frewin Theatre.4 - The Avalon Ballroom at the Fallsview Casino Resortwas home to several marquee performers in 2006.5 - Vintage aircraft on display during the 2 nd Annual,Friendly Foes Above the Falls Air Show.9

2006 Business Development ReportFuture developmentsin 2007-08 will beundertaken by localand internationalorganizations looking tocapitalize on favourablemarkets and thestrength of the NiagaraFalls brand.People Mover System Project(10 km loop)Progress continues to be made on the developmentof a transportation system to help movevisitors and the local labour force to and fromthe tourism districts in the City of NiagaraFalls.The project is guided by a non-executiveSteering Committee representing the Cityof Niagara Falls, Niagara Parks Commission,Ontario Lottery & Gaming, and Falls ManagementCompany. All of the Committee’s decisionsrequire approval by Niagara Falls CityCouncil, the Commission of Niagara Parks andthe Boards of Ontario Lottery and Gaming andFalls Management Company, respectively.The first step in the process was the RFQissued on March 27, 2003. The second step wasRFP(I) issued December, 2003. Short-listedrespondents, Mitsubishi Corporation, NiagaraGreenway Consortium, and SNC-Lavalin Engineers& Contractors will be invited to respond toRFP(II) anticipated to be issued in summer 2007.Submissions will be reviewed by the SelectionCommittee who will select a preferred proponentby 2007 - early 2008.Proposed Business Openings, Development ProposalsApproved & Expected to Begin Construction in 2007-08:Project Value DescriptionRipley’s Aquarium $80-Million 115,000 sq. ft.Rainbow Hotel $130-Million 59-storey, 550 roomsCountry Inn & Suites $100-Million Resort 28-storey, 294 roomsUnder construction. Opening in spring 2007Hilton Hotel expansionincluding retail/officeat street levelHeartland NiagaraR.V. CampgroundShoeless Joe’sRestaurant(located in FallsviewCasino Resort Galleria)International Clothing(located in FallsviewCasino Resort Galleria)Grand Niagara GolfCourse$100-MillionGreg Norman design58-storey, 464 rooms296-acres, 150 sitesSports-theme casual dining restaurant.Features world-class wings, sandwich sensations,baby back ribs, certified Angus steaks and sirloinburgers18 hole courseUnder construction in 2006. Plan to open in 200810

Tourism Sector HighlightsPerformance Figures - 2006 (January 1 - December 31, 2006)Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort (Consolidated)Gaming Revenue($million)Jan 1 - March 31 /06 April 1 - Jun 30 / 06 July 1 - Sep 30/06 Oct 1 - Dec 31/06FourthQuarter ofFiscal 2005-6YTDFirst Quarterof Fiscal2006-7YTDSecondQuarter ofFiscal 2006-7YTD$168.9 $168.9 $168.1 $337.0 $165.4 $502.4Patrons (Daily) 29,202 29,202 30,733 59,935 34,428 94,363ThirdQuarter ofFiscal 2006-7YTDSlot Machines 4,887 4,887 4,897 9,784 4,889 14,673Table Games 218 218 219 437 218 655Employees 5,366 5,366 5,478 10,844 5,147 15,991Performance Figures - 2005 (January 1 - December 31, 2005)Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort (Consolidated)Gaming Revenue($million)Jan 1 - March 31 /05 April 1 - Jun 30 / 05 July 1 - Sep 30/05 Oct 1 - Dec 31/05FourthQuarter ofFiscal 2004-5YTDFirst Quarterof Fiscal2005-6YTDSecondQuarter ofFiscal 2005-6YTDThirdQuarter ofFiscal 2005-6$140.6 $140.6 $152.7 $293.3 $180.2 $473.5 $169.4 $642.9Patrons (Daily) 32,558 32,558 29,168 61,726 32,354 94,080 30,612 124,692Slot Machines 5,494 5,494 5,007 10,501 4,903 15,404 4,889 20,293YTDCity officials and localstakeholders willcontinue to lobby theProvince of Ontarioto retain both CasinoNiagara and FallsviewCasino Resort inNiagara Falls.Table Games 233 233 213 446 215 661 217 878Employees 5,546 5,546 5,756 11,302 5,507 16,809 5,506 22,31511

2006 Business Development ReportNiagara Falls Mayor Ted Salci (centre), joins Minacs and CiminelliDevelopment Company representatives in announcing a new250-seat Minacs call centre on Montrose Road.12

Commercial Sector HighlightsMinacs WorldwideTRG InsuranceHatch EnergyIn the fall of 2006, Minacs Worldwide Inc.TRG Insurance purchased, renovated and movedOn August 1, 2006, Hatch Acres announcedopened their new 250-seat contact centre atinto their new head office, the former Polishthe rebranding of their worldwide operations9515 Montrose Road in the former Day-TimersLegion site (25,000 sq. ft./ 1-acre site) locatedto Hatch Energy. Acres International wasbuilding, now owned by Ciminelli Real Estateat the corner of Thorold Stone Road & Stanleypurchased by the Hatch Group in 2004 and theCorporation of Canada. The 36,000 sq. ft.Avenue (5681 Thorold Stone Rd.). Founders,business adopted the Hatch Acres branding.inbound contact centre will provide technicalAlfred and Rick Rampado opened their firstHatch Energy will continue to provide serviceshelp desk services to existing Minacs computerNiagara Falls Insurance office in May 1988. Asto its Canadian and international clients in waterelectronics clients. The Niagara Falls centre willthe demand for personal insurance grew, so didand wind power, oil and gas, thermal power,facilitate tier one and repair status inbound callsthis entrepreneurial brother team grow theirnuclear power, transmission and distribution;on behalf of Minacs clients.www.minacs.comCiminelli Real Estate Corporationof CanadaCiminelli Real Estate Corporation of Canada,a division of Ciminelli Development Companyopened their office in downtown Niagara Falls,Ontario in 2006.Ciminelli is a full-service developmentcompany which has been operating as an entrepreneurialenterprise for the past 50 years. Thecompany’s investments, primarily located inNew York State and in Florida, include 9millionsq. ft. of office, medical, industrial/warehouse,and retail space. For the past few years CiminelliDevelopment Company has been consideringexpanding their investment portfolio intoCanada. Ulrike Gross was appointed the directorof Canadian development in 2006.www.CiminelliCanada.combusiness as they responded by adding to theservice product lines to include Personal, Group,and Corporate Insurance, Financial and RetirementPlanning and Employee Benefits. TRGemploys an estimated 100 people.www.trgins.comGPS PursuitGSP Pursuit, a downtown Niagara Fallscompany, provides state-of-the art integratedmobile asset tracking and data managementsystems using Global Positioning Systems andcellular technology.City of Niagara Falls Business Developmentstaff’s referral to the Ontario Ministry ofEconomic Development and Trade, ExportDivision, contributed to huge successes for thecompany following their participation in a trademission to Chile.www.gpspursuit.comand will immediately expand its services toclients from Hatch hub offices around the world.Tony Hylton, Hatch Energy’s president willrepresent former Acres activities and regionalstrengths, but its Industrial and Regional Projectsbusiness unit, SGE Acres, will operateunder the Hatch brand.Hatch Ltd. is an employee-owned Canadianconsulting engineering firm that specializes inmining and metals, energy, and infrastructure,and counts among its clients some of the world’slargest global corporations. Hatch has 7,200employees in 80 offices on six continents.Niagara Falls Hatch Energy employs professionalengineers and certified staff in theirdowntown office location. Hatch Energy hasbeen appointed by Ontario Hydro Generation asthe “Peer Review” consultant of the Sir AdamBeck Generation Station, Niagara 3 rd TunnelProject.www.hatchenergy.comTRG Insurance movedtheir head office toa new location onThorold Stone Road.Renovations to theformer Legion site werecompleted in 2006.13

2006 Business Development Report14New additions to thecommercial sector inNiagara Falls in 2006included such brandsas Future Shop, Toyota,Oneida and Sobeys.StrabagStrabag, the private contractor for the OntarioHydro Generation, Niagara 3 rd Tunnel Project,moved into the former Niagara DistributionServices on Stanley Avenue; the owners retiredand closed NDS earlier in the year. (See furtherinformation on pg. 21 )Horton CIBHorton CIB relocated their Queen Street office toanother community within the Niagara region.Niagara SquareNiagara Square, managed and operated by RIOCan Real Estate Investment Fund, retrofittedthe 1970’s City mall in 2006. The old Zellersstore (91,000 sq. ft.) was demolished and in itsplace, in the Fall of 2006, opened The FutureShop, Linens-n-Things, Petcetera, and Winners.Hudson’s Bay Company announced the closingof The Bay store in January 2007.• Winners new, larger location (32,000 sq. ft.)offers consumers the latest brand name anddesigner women’s, men’s and children’s,jewelry, and home fashions at up to 60% less.(40-50 jobs created )www.winners.ca• Future Shop (20,000 sq. ft.) showcasesthe latest in consumer electronics products.(89 jobs created)www.futureshop.ca• Linen-n-Things (25,000 sq. ft.) is one of theleading, national large-format retailers ofhome textiles, housewares, and decorativehome accessories. (40 jobs created)www.lnt.com• Petcetera (10,000 sq. ft.) is the leadingpet superstore in Canada and prides itselfon being a pet owner’s one-stop shoppingexperience with over 10,000 pet productsand services. (15 jobs created)www.petcetera.caOther news at Niagara Square in 2006 includedthe Ardeen store expansion and the openingof the following new brand stores: Iron Chef,Roger’s, Cellular One, Telus, Walking-on-a-Cloud, Boardwalk Shoes, Café Coffee and aunique science museum store, Scienceline.www.niagarasquare.comCanada One Factory OutletsIn 2006, Canada One Factory Outlets onLundy’s Lane announced new ownership for theCambridge store and a retrofit to the OxfordMills store. Expansions were undertakenat the Tommy Hilfiger and Kodiak stores.Garage Store is the new entry into the outletcentre this year.www.canadaoneoutlets.comSobeysThe former Commisso’s on Portage Roadremained open during the several months ofrenovations which took place for the new Sobeysgrocery store (35,000 sq. ft.). Opened in August2006, the new store serves customers 24-hoursa-day,7-days-a-week, and includes a bakery,deli, self-serve florist, full meat department,three-tiered seafood aquarium, and producedepartment. An additional 50-60 employeeswere hired to fill the new department positionsand to increase customer service store-wide.www.sobeys.comThorold Stone Mall PlazaActivity at the Thorold Stone Mall included theaddition of a Giant Tiger store in 2005 and theclosure of the Winners store in August and itsrelocation into a larger store at Niagara Square.Renovations at the mall are ongoing and VDCCanada will open their Label Cut$ store inthe former Winners location in early 2007. TheSear’s Catalogue and Appliance Centre closed.Rogers Cellular, Curves (women’s fitnesscentre), and Won Son Tae Kwon Do Schoolall opened in 2006.Town & Country PlazaThe Town & Country Plaza on Portage Roadexperienced the closing of the long-timeBrowse-a-Bit Hallmark store. The Good LifeFitness Centre opened during the summer inthe renovated portion of the former A&P storeand the former Shopper’s Drug Mart location.Shoppers Drug Mart expanded several yearsago in the front portion of the former A&P store.The Beer Store was renovated into the newcustomer friendlier format. A new café openedin the former Donut Diner space in the Fall.

Commercial Sector HighlightsStamford Green PlazaThe Stamford Green Plaza experienced severalstore closings including the Scrapping-Bee andPurple Pumpkin. Renovations are underway toupdate the plaza’s façade.OneidaOneida Home Store opened in 2005 on Lundy’sLane. The Oneida Factory Outlet store re-openedin the Stanley Avenue Business Park in 2006.Wildfire Restaurant & Sports BarThe former MacO’Rooney’s restaurant on ThoroldStone Road was retrofitted to become home toWildfire Restaurant & Sports Bar.Adjacent to Wildfire is Smarty Pants educationalbooks, toys and games store which openedin the 6754 Thorold Stone Road plaza. OrangeHot Tubs & Spas store and 5 Clothing StoreBoth opened in the same plaza.Fashion MaxFashion Max, opened their second Niagara Fallsstore in the Mount Carmel Plaza.Farr LumberFarr Lumber owner, Mary Farr, retired andtransfered the business to her daughter Trish O’Neil.The construction supply retailer is located on FirstAvenue in Downtown, just off of Bridge Street.Autoline ToyotaConstruction continues on the new AutolineToyota dealership located at 6030 Thorold StoneRoad. Toyota auto sales have jumped in Niagara,leading, to the new expanded location of theNiagara Falls Toyota dealership at the southeastcorner of Thorold Stone Road and Carroll Avenue.The new location is a 23,617 sq. ft. state-of-the-artdealership and is expected to open in the early2007, employing 22 people.Autoland ChryslerAutoland Chrysler closed in the summer. A newused car dealership opened in late 2006.Fallsview Casino Resort GalleriaS evera l new com merc ia l development soccurred in the Fallsview Casino ResortGalleria in 2006. For detailed information onthe following new develoments, please referto Tourism Highlights section of this report(pg. 6). Food & Beverage Businesses: CanyonCreek Chop House; Dragonfly Nightclub; The Falls& Firkin Pub; Juice Rush; TeaopiaRetail: Daniel Leather, Tango Boutique, CottonGinny, Bijoux Terner, Mephisto Shoes, Watch IT,Bentley, Vivah, Del Sol.www.fallsviewcasinoresort.comProposed Commercial Business Openings,Development Proposals Expected in 2007-08DevelopmentCanadian TireLoblaw’s GreatCanadianSuperstorePartSourceDescriptionNew 65,000 sq. ft. storeproposed for Niagara SquareConstruction expected tobegin on 202,000 sq. ft. storein spring 2007.6812 Lundy’s Lane.7300 sq. ft. under construction.Opening spring 20071,2,3 - Linens-n-Things,Future Shop, andWinners open newstores at Niagara Square4 - Sobeys supermarketopens on Portage Road5 - Toyota expands intoNiagara Falls withnew Autoline Toyotadealership on ThoroldStone Road.15

2006 Business Development ReportVincor International completed a $5-million, 34,000 sq.ft. warehouseexpansion to its Niagara Cellars operation on Dorchester Road.16

Industrial Sector HighlightsVincor InternationalStar Warning Systems is located in the City’sa 4,000 sq. ft. warehouse space. In 2000, thisVincor International was purchased by Constel-Montrose Business Park at 7695 Blackburnsuccessful company, which provides supplieslation Brands, Inc. in 2006. Under the newParkway.to the tourism industry and convenience stores,ownership, the winery completed the first phaseEstablished in 1969 as Assembly Electronics,moved into a 18,500 sq. ft. leased facility. Busi-of their $21-million, three-phase, Niagara CellarsStar Warning Systems has blossomed into aness sales continued to increase which resultedexpansion. Martin van der Merwe, Vincor’sleading manufacturer serving the automotivein the company purchasing their own industrialvice president of operations stated that thisand industrial sectors with strobes, rotators,land on which Draftcon Calamar completed theaddition will help the winery process betterLED, and bar lights etc. Star Warning Systems’first CON/STEEL concrete tilt-up building toquality wines. The first phase was a $5-million,success has been based on their cutting-be erected in Ontario. The 32,000 sq. ft. facility34,000 sq. ft. storage facility and a 5,000 sq.edge engineering designs which enable theiron Kinsmen’s Court was built and erectedft. building that links the storage area to thedynamic production team to create their qualitycompletely on-site and is comprised of office,retail store which is used for a storage facilityproducts. The company employs approximatelywarehouse, and distribution space.for bottling/supplies. During the second phasewhich is expected to begin in 2007 or early 2008,a 24,000 sq. ft. building will be constructed tohold fermentation tanks, storage tanks andbarrels.Vincor’s Niagara Cellars received new piecesof equipment to improve the crushing, betterbottling equipment to reduce the amount ofoxygen in the wine, and modernizing cappingand labelling equipment to increase efficiency.www.vincorinternational.comStar Warning SystemsStar Warning Systems, a Canadian owned andoperated manufacturing company, outgrew theirexisting city location and moved forward withtheir long-term business expansion plans byconstructing a new state-of-the-art electronicsfacility in 2006.The new 30,000 sq. ft. headquarters for36 people.www.starwarningsystems.comNiagara Artcraft WoodworkingNiagara Artcraft Woodworking on Kent Avenue,known locally as Artcraft Kitchens, has nearlycompleted the last phase of a site retrofit totheir cabinet manufacturing operations. Thecompany plans to have their offices and showroomcompleted by the spring of 2007, in time tolaunch their new product line to their dealers.www.artcraftkitchens.comFalls Wholesale LimitedFalls Wholesale Limited moved into a newlyconstructed 32,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facilityduring the winter of 2006.Falls Wholesale was established in 1985 inNiagara Falls as a home office business. By 1987,the company experienced a significant increasein sales and by 1991 the business moved intoLococco’s Wholesale & RetailLococco’s Wholesale & Retail business celebratedtheir 100 th anniversary in Niagara Fallsin 2006.Niagara Sheet MetalNiagara Sheet Metal (NSM), metal fabricationcompany celebrated their 60 th anniversary in2006 and was recognized by Council in the fall.Flexo ProductsFlexo Products expanded their Niagara Fallsoperations in 2006 by purchasing the 15,777sq. ft. former Bodycote warehouse on MontroseRoad.Newville CandlesNewville Candles announced their closing thispast year. Their building had been previouslysold to a development group and the facility iscurrently available for lease/sale.17

2006 Business Development ReportPaletta FoodsNiagara Supply GroupTechnologies identified a need for a replacementConAgra corporate office in the U.S. announcedNiagara Supply Group is under new manage-frame for the highly collectable Corvette. Thethe closing the Niagara Falls food processingplant in October 2006. Paletta Foods purchasedthe former plant and currently has theproperty for lease while the food processingcompany completes their due diligence for theirlong term plans for the property.ment. With the passing of the Company Founder,George Que, the firm was purchased by EMCOFlow Systems, a division of Spirax Sarco Inc.(SSI). Corporate consolidation resulted in theaccounting and other administrative duties tobe transferred to Spirax’s corporate office. Thesecond and third generation Corvettes, knownas C2 and C3, were built from 1963-1982 withboth having a similar frame. However, theseframes were prone to rust corrosion. Collectorsof the classic Corvette had little value forrestoration if the frame itself was not safe to18Kraft FoodsKraft Foods’ cereal and Triscuits plant hired anew Plant Manager, David Heaven.Edscha of CanadaEdscha worked aggressively with all levels ofgovernment in 2006 to grow their contractsat their Niagara Falls facility. This work willcontinue into next year.E.S. Fox LimitedE.S. Fox expanded their operations in NiagaraFalls in 2006 by purchasing the former ProductAction building on Don Murie Street, located inthe Stanley Avenue Business Park.www.esfox.comNiagara Bronze Division of CanadianSpecialty Casting Inc.The former Niagara Bronze metal foundrylocated on Broughton Avenue was purchasedby entrepreneur Daniel Russell. Mr. Russell hasre-started the copper/aluminum foundry andhas hired 20 people to date. The foundry is nowa division of Canadian Specialty Castings Inc.www.niagarabronze.cacompany has confirmed their commitment toremain in the city and are currently operating attheir established Stanley Avenue location.Arrow Games CorporationArrow Games Corporation, Canada’s largestmanufacturer of charitable and social gamingsolutions acquired Bingo Press & SpecialtyLimited of which Bazaar Novelty Canada wasa division in 2005. Late in 2005 the businessrelocated their operations to a facility located inthe Stanley Avenue Business Park. The companyemploys approximately 80 people and is part ofthe world’s largest, full-line manufacturer ofbingo and pull-tab related gaming products,Wide Band jar tickets, award winning bingoink markers, electronic bingo equipment, andvarious bingo accessories to service customgaming solutions for the gaming industry.www.arrowgames.comCollier TechnologiesA Niagara Falls firm has developed a new ChevroletCorvette replacement frame that is meetingthe needs of vintage automobile owners. Collierdrive. Collier Technologies decided to designand produce a replacement frame that wouldbe as good, if not better than the original dueto modern carbon steel and stainless steel withstock suspension points. Extensive producttesting on the frames has revealed that thequality of the Collier frame is superior to theoriginal frame.www.colliertechnologies.comCytecCytec appointed Martin Lehnam as the newplant manager in Niagara Falls.IFR MonitoringIFR Monitoring moved into the former FallsWholesale location on Stanley Avenue.Redpath SugarsRedpath Sugars, a division of the Tate & LyleInternational Business Group, reduced theirlabour force this year by 20 people and corporaterestructuring took place. In fall 2006, Mr. JoeBelizzi from Montreal was appointed as thetemporary Plant Manager.

Industrial Sector Highlights1 - Niagara Bronze foundryis purchased by newowner and re-opened forproduction employing35 people.2 - Mayor Salci andCouncil congratulatethree generations ofownership at NiagaraSheet Metal on their 60 thanniversary.3 - Star Warning Systemsexpands and movesinto their new state-ofthe-artmanufacturingoperations in theMontrose Business Park.4, 7 - Collier Technologiesmanufacturesreplacement frames forChevrolet Corvettes.5 - Advanced manufacturingtechniquesare being embracedby Niagara Fallsmanufacturers.6 - Falls Wholesale movesinto a new 32,000 sq. ft.facility.19

2006 Business Development Report201 - Ontario Power Generation commences work on the$985-million Niagara 3 rd Tunnel Project. StrabagConstruction has assembled the Big Becky boringmachine on site and construction is well underway.2 - First phase of the $21-million emergency serviceswing at the Greater Niagara General Hospital isunder construction. The new Jeff Morgan EmergencyDepartment opened in January 2007.3, 4 - Mayor Salci and Enbridge Gas representativeAl Curzon participate in the April 2006 Energy &Utility Cost Reduction Implementation StrategyWorkshop where members of the Niagara Fallsbusiness community learned of ways to reduce energyusage in their business operations.

Government & Institutional Development HighlightsOntario Power GenerationOntario Power Generation, Sir Adam BeckNiagara 3 rd Tunnel Project construction startedin 2005 and will continue over the next threeyears with an expected completion date in 2009.The $985-million Niagara Tunnel Project, willgenerate an additional 1.6 billion kilowatt hoursof clean, reliable power — enough to meet theneeds of 160,000 homes annually. During thefour-year building period, the project will createapproximately 230 full-time construction jobs,most in skilled trades and will reach 350 jobs atthe project’s peak.www.opg.com/ops/niagaratunnel.aspGreater Niagara General HospitalEmergency ServicesThe Greater Niagara General Hospital (GNGH)in Niagara Falls completed construction of thenew Jeff Morgan Emergency Department. The$21-million construction was completed at theend of 2006 and opened in January 2007. Thenew 18,000 sq. ft. emergency health centre willbe available to service approximately 70,000patients annually. A second phase of constructionwill include the conversion of the old EmergencyRoom into a new ambulatory care centrewhich is slated for completion in the summerof 2007.www.niagarahealth.on.caEnergy & Utility Cost ReductionImplementation Strategy WorkshopsEnergy and Utility Cost Reduction ImplementationStrategy Workshops for local businessestook place in April 2006. The sessions weredirected towards commercial, tourism, developers,contractors, architects, and industrialbusinesses.The free workshops were sponsored by theCity of Niagara Falls, Enbridge Gas Distribution,and Niagara Falls Hydro. Participating speakersincluded representatives from Ontario Ministryof Agriculture & Food; Independent ElectricitySystem Operator; A lexa ndra Ca mpbel l,Al Curzon/Randy Mazzie, Enbridge GasDistribution; Garth White, Qui Tunc Inc.; ChrisStockwell, Energy Consultant, AinsworthEnergy Services; Ed Dujlovic, Director ofMunicipal Works, City of Niagara Falls; PhillipJago, Government of Canada, Natural ResourcesCanada, Energy Efficiencies Office.Small Business Enterprise CentreThe City of Niagara Falls Business DevelopmentDivision’s Small Business Enterprise Centre(SBEC) participated in several successful initiativesduring 2006.The annual High School Business PlanCompetition began in September of 2005 andran until June 2006. This joint effort with theSt. Catharines BDEC included schools acrossthe Niagara region. This competition allowedevery local high school student the opportunityto explore entrepreneurship through writingtheir own business plan. The top five local finalistswere awarded scholarships.The 2006 competition winners were JonathanVellekoop and Jesse Sloetjes from Beamsville.These two entrepreneurs put their winning planin motion and opened their own small business,“JnJ’s Cut Perennials.” Jon and Jesse went onto place third in the Ontario, Central DivisionRegional Finals.During October’s Small Business Month,the Niagara Falls SBEC, working in partnershipwith the St. Catharines SBEC, Small BusinessClub Niagara, and Business Link Niagara,hosted a well attended “speed networking”event on October 18, 2006. The event includeda wine reception, buffet dinner and featuredkeynote speaker, R. Les Smith.The SBEC also coordinated and delivered aseries of information seminars designed tohelp local entrepreneurs start and build theirbusinesses. Seminars included evening and daytimesessions and covered such topics as “Howto Write a Business Plan, PST/GST, Starting aSmall Business, and Hiring Employees.” SBECalso partnered with the Canada Revenue Agency,Ontario Ministry of Finance, and the WorkplaceSafety & Insurance Board (WSIB) in the deliveryof information seminars. SBEC will continue todeliver information seminars in 2007.The City of Niagara Fallspartnered with the aboveorganizations in 2006to help local businessesfind ways to reduce theirenergy costs.21

2006 Business Development ReportCity-Wide BrownfieldCommunityImprovement Planand Pilot ProjectArea is completedand approved by theProvince of Ontario.City-Wide Brownfield Community Improvement Plan & Pilot Project AreaThe City-Wide Brownfield Community ImprovementPlan (CIP) & Pilot Project Area is a compre-the CIP are consistent with Provincial Policiesmental conditions across the City. The goals ofhensive framework of financial programs and and was approved by the Ontario Government.municipal actions that will promote the remediation,rehabilitation and adaptive reuse and Federal “Green Municipal Fund” to offset theCity of Niagara Falls received funding under theoverall improvement of brownfield properties cost of the study.throughout Niagara Falls. The CIP was designed In December 2006 the City of Niagara Fallsto improve economic opportunities and environ-received the Niagara Region’s Brownie Award forSummary of City-Wide Brownfield CIP Financial ProgramsLocationEnvironmental StudyGrantthe City-Wide Brownfield Community ImprovementPlan. The more detailed land-use plan forthe Pilot Project Area will continue into 2007.www.niagarafalls.ca/business/community_improvement_plans/index.aspTax Assistance Rehabilitation Grant Program Development ChargeWaiverProperty requiresenvironmentalremediationProperty does notrequire environmentalremediationPilot Project Area• $12.5K per study• Duration = up to 5 years• Duration = up to 10 years• Duration = up to 5 years75% / +25%• Two studies perproperty/project• $20,000 per property/project• Remediation costs only• Remediation, buildingrehabilitation, demolition,and infrastructure costs• Building rehabilitation,demolition, andinfrastructure costsGeneral Areasfor CommunityImprovement• $12.5K per study• Two studies perproperty/project• $20,000 per property/project• Duration = up to 3 years• Remediation costs only• Duration = up to 7 years• Remediation, buildingrehabilitation, demolition,and infrastructure costs• Duration = up to 5 years• Building rehabilitation,demolition, andinfrastructure costs75% / +25%Other• $12.5K per study• Duration = up to 3 years• Duration = up to 7 years• No grant available 75% +25%22• Two studies perproperty/project• $20,000 per property/project• Remediation costs only• Remediation, buildingrehabilitation, demolition,and infrastructure costs

Community Improvement Plans (CIP) UpdateDowntown Community Improvement PlanThe Downtown Community Improvement Planwas completed in 2004, approved by the Provincein 2005 and the Strategic ImplementationPlan (SIP) was completed in 2006.The Strategic Plan for the City of Niagara FallsDowntown district lays out the time required,urban design framework, and general guidelinesfor new building areas, massing, density, openspace and civic improvements. The detail of theProgram Type Duration Expected Benefits1) ResidentialLoan Program(RLP)• 0% interest loan based on $20 per sq.ft. of habitableresidential space constructed to a maximum of $20,000 perresidential unit created.• Loan repayable over 5 years.plan also indicates the guideline resolutions andprocess that the City must undertake to achievethese goals. The Plan is divided into three parts.First is the analysis of the existing conditions ofthe downtown, identifying specific areas andtheir respective strengths, weaknesses, opportunitiesand threats to a revitalized downtown.Second is a design manual outlining strategicguidelines and renderings to illustrate specificSummary of Downtown Community Improvement Plan Financial Programs• Offered for 10years.proposed improvements. Third is a full scaledetailed plan indicating specific areas and zonearea calculations for all proposed improvementsand developments. The Plan has been designedand approved by the City as a program documentto promote public/private infrastructureimprovements in the downtown to generate aliveable, economically healthy centre for NiagaraFalls residents and visitors to the community.• Construction of new residential units in the form ofconversion, infill and intensification resulting in morepeople living Downtown and supporting downtownretail commercial uses• Increase in assessment base and property tax revenues.Niagara Falls downtowncommunity redevelopmentplans movedforward in 2006 with thecompletion of StrategicImplementation Plan.2) CommercialBuilding Loanand FacadeGrant (CBLFG)Program• 0% interest loan equal to 50% of the cost of buildingmaintenance and improvements to a maximum loan of$15,000 per property.• Maximum loan increases to $20,000 for propertiesdesignated under Ontario Heritage Act. Loan repayable over5 years.• Grant equal to 50% of the cost of facade restoration andimprovement to a maximum grant of $10,000 per property.• Offered for 5 yearswith an option toextend programfor 5 years.• Improvement, restoration and rehabilitation of existingcommercial and mixed use buildings and buildingfacades.• Preservation and restoration of heritage buildings.• Safer, cleaner buildings and more attractive andinviting building facades.• Improved streetscape.• More attractive shopping and dining environment.• Overall improvement in the image of Downtown.• Increase in assessment base and property tax revenues.3) RevitalizationGrant Program(RGP)• Annual Grant equivalent to 80% of the increase in Cityproperty taxes for first five years, 60% in years 6 and 7.40% in year 8, and 20% in years 9 and 10.• Offered for 10years.• Up to 10 annualgrant payments.• Increased private sector investment in the form ofbuilding renovations, additions and new construction.• Long-term increase in assessment base and propertytax revenues.23

2006 Business Development Report24Niagara Falls CityCouncil adopted theHistoric DrummondvilleCommunityImprovement Plan (CIP)(Main & Ferry District)in 2006.Historic Drummondville Community Improvement Plan, (Main & Ferry District)Historic Drummondville Community ImprovementPlan, (Main & Ferry District) was adopted velopment opportunity of other key sites in thea catalyst for private sector investment. Rede-by Council in the Fall of 2006 and was sent to district include vacant sites such as the formerthe Province of Ontario in early January 2007 Coca Cola plant which will encourage the reestablishmentof higher order for commercialfor approval of the plan. The Historic DrummondvilleCIP promotes the re-establishment uses and multi-residential investment intoof a vibrant mixed use area by encouraging the area. There are a series of complementarythe development of a Vintner’s Marketplace municipal actions including streetscape andto replace Sylvia Place Market and the developmentof the Lundy’s Lane Battlefield as an comprehensive package of incentive programsgateway improvements. The CIP includes ahistoric tourist destination. These two key designed to stimulate private sector investmentmunicipally led projects are designed to signal in building, rehabilitation, redevelopment andthe City’s commitment to this area and act as new development in the area.Historic Drummondville Community Improvement Plan Financial ProgramsProgram Type & Description Duration1) CommercialBuilding and FacadeImprovement GrantProgram2) Revitalization GrantProgramAn Implementation Action Plan accompaniesthe CIP which provides the Leadership stepsfor the realization of the plan. Three targetedimprovements being recommended as priorityare: Vintner’s Marketplace, development/promotionof the Lundy’s Lane Battlefield historicsignificance, a tourist destination, and for theimprovement of the connectivity between theHistoric Drummondville area and the FallsviewTourist District.www.niagarafalls.ca/reports/index.asp• Matching grant - 50% of cost of eligible storefront and facade improvement/restoration works, and interior/exteriorbuilding maintenance/improvement• Maximum grant for eligible storefront/ front facade improvement works = $10,000• Maximum grant for eligible interior/exterior building works = $10,000• Maximum grant can be increased by up to $5,000 at discretion of Council• Maximum grant per property is $25,000• Region will match City grant up to a maximum Regional contribution of $2,000 per property• Facade improvements must conform to City approved Design Guidelines• Tax-increment based grant• Eligible projects – development/redevelopment/rehabilitation of commercial, mixed use and residential buildings,vacant properties that results in an increase in assessed value and property taxes• Grant paid annually once project complete, property reassessed and new property taxes paid. Grant paymentscease when total grant equals cost of rehabilitation/redevelopment project, or after 10 years, whichever comes first• Region will match the percentage equivalent of the City tax increase with the percentage equivalent of Regionaltax increase• 10 years, subjectto availability offunding• 10 years, subjectto availability offundingcontinues on following page

Community Improvement Plans (CIP) UpdateHistoric Drummondville Community Improvement Plan Financial Programs (Continued)Program Type & Description Duration3) Residential LoanProgram• 0% (no interest) loan of $20 per square foot of habitable residential floor space built, to a maximum of$20,000 per unit• Loan repayable over 5 years with 10% of loan repayable every year in equal monthly payments and a balloonpayment at the end of the 5-year term• 10 years, subjectto availability offunding• Can be used for ownership or rental units, but upon sale of unit, loan for that unit must be repaid in full• Maximum loan per property/project is $500,0004) Peer-RobinsonResidentialRehabilitation GrantProgram5) Development ChargeExemption Program• Region will loan City $10 per sq.ft. to a maximum of $10,000 per unit at 0%interest• Matching grant - 50% of cost of exterior building maintenance and improvement works for residential propertiesbounded by Main, Peer, Allendale, and Robinson Streets• Minimum grant of $2,000 per property. Maximum grant $10,000 per property• Maximum one application per property• Exemption from paying 75% of City development charge on residential, commercial and mixed use development/redevelopment projects that create additional residential units and/or commercial space• Region has passed a similar program for Regional development charges and will match the City’s 75% developmentcharge exemption• Exemption will be applied at the time development charges are paid, i.e.,building permit• 5 years, subjectto availability offunding• 5 years, subjectto availability offundingNiagara Falls hostedthe 2006 NationalBrownfield AssociationInternational Summitin June. Three hundredworld-wide delegatesattended the conferenceto discuss best practicesand experiencesrelating to brownfieldissues.National Brownfield Association International SummitThe National Brownfield Association’s (NBA)national delegates who attended the conference.Mayor Salci and staff regarding our redevelop-International Brownfield Summit took place inThe delegates shared their best practices andment project.Niagara Falls in June 2006.experiences with the delegates who were fromwww.brownfieldassociation.orgMayor Salci, NBA, Ontario Chapter presi-the private sector such as property owners,dent, Niagara Falls Business Developmentinvestors, professional service providers andStaff in partnership with Region of Niagara,government representatives. In the promotionSt. Catharines and Thorold Planning/Businessof the Niagara Falls Downtown RevitalizationDevelopment Staff showcased Brownfield devel-plans, consultants, Luciano Picconi and Jayopment opportunities to the three hundred inter-Valgora, spoke to the delegates, as well as,25

Index 2006 Business of 2006 Business Development Sector Report Highlights and Strategic Business Initiatives26Tourism Sector HighlightsA Young Garden (pg. 7)A Smile Gift Shop (pg. 7)Avalon Ballroom Theatre (pg. 7)Canyon Creek Chop House (pg. 6)Cirque Niagara (pg. 8)Comfort Inn (pg. 6)Dragonfly Nightclub (pg. 7)Fallsview Waterpark (pg. 5)Friendly Foes Above the Falls (pg. 8)Great Canadian Entertainment & Hotel (pg. 5)Great Wolf Lodge (pg. 5)LIVE with Regis & Kelly (pg. 8)Louis Tussaud’s Wax Museum (pg. 7)Niagara Convention & Civic Centre (NCCC) (pg. 9)Niagara Falls Aviary (pg. 7)People Mover System Project (pg. 10)Silver Mist Productions - Greg Frewin Theatre (pg. 8)The Falls & Firkin Pub (pg. 7)Commercial Sector HighlightsAutoline Toyota (pg. 15)Canada One Factory Outlets (pg. 14)Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation of Canada (pg. 13)Fallsview Casino Resort Galleria (pg. 15)Farr Lumber (pg. 15)Fashion Max (pg. 15)GPS Pursuit (pg. 13)Hatch Energy (pg. 13)Horton CIB (pg. 14)Minacs Worldwide (pg. 13)Niagara Square Store Additions, Expansions (pg. 14)Oneida (pg. 15)Sobeys (pg. 14)Stamford Green Plaza (pg. 15)Strabag (pg. 14)Thorold Stone Mall Plaza (pg. 14)Town & Country Plaza (pg. 14)TRG Insurance (pg. 13)Wildfire Restaurant & Sports Bar (pg. 15)Industrial Sector HighlightsArrow Games Corporation (pg. 18)Collier Technologies (pg. 18)Cytec (pg. 18)E.S. Fox Limited (pg. 18)Edscha of Canada (pg. 18)Falls Wholesale Limited (pg. 17)Flexo Products (pg. 17)IFR Monitoring (pg. 18)Kraft Foods (pg. 18)Lococco’s Wholesale & Retail (pg. 17)Newville Candles (pg. 17)Niagara Artcraft Woodworking (pg. 17)

Niagara Bronze Division of Canadian SpecialtyCasting Inc. (pg. 18)Niagara Sheet Metal (pg. 17)Niagara Supply Group (pg. 18)Paletta Foods (pg. 18)Redpath Sugars (pg. 18)Star Warning Systems (pg. 17)Vincor International (pg. 17)Government & InstitutionalDevelopment HighlightsGreater Niagara General Hospital, EmergencyServices (pg. 21)Energy & Utility Cost Reduction ImplementationStrategy Workshops (pg. 21)Ontario Power Generation 3 rd Niagara TunnelProject (pg. 21)Strategic Business InitiativesCity-Wide Brownfield Community ImprovementPlan (CIP) Update (pg. 22)Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP)Update (pg. 23)Historic Drumondville Community ImprovementPlan (CIP) Update (pg. 24)National Brownfields Association InternationalSummit (pg. 25)Small Business Enterprise Centre, Division ofBusiness Development (pg. 21)Visit www.niagarafalls.cafor more business news anddevelopment updates.27