Presentation to the Town of Fort Erie Municipal Council

Monday, November 27, 2017

1 The Niagara Parks Commission: History

• Established in 1885 • Heritage Preservation part of mandate since 1896 • Agency of the Provincial Government • Operates under authority of the Niagara Parks Act

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 2 Since the beginning

• Two general founding principles:

• The Park should not be a financial burden on the Province and should be financially self-supporting.

• The Park should, as far as possible, be free to the public.

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 3 Mandate

To protect and promote the natural and cultural heritage along the corridor.

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 4 Economic Impact of Niagara Parks

$1.2 Billion Annual Visitor Spending

The operation of various key attractions by the NPC and other third party providers on their behalf drive significant visitation to Niagara Region, which generate substantial spin‐off benefit to the economies of and Canada.

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 5 Economic Impact of Niagara Parks

Visitor Spending: ($1.2 Billion)

Operating Expenditures: ($109.2 Million)

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 6 Community Benefits – Environmental & Cultural Steward

7 Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 7 Strategic Plan 2018-2028

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 8 Vision

One of the most spectacular Parks in the world.

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 9 Themes

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 10 Preserving & Showcasing Rich Heritage, Culture and Lifestyle

• Implement the Niagara Parks brand initiative and wayfinding.

• Promote NPC’s environmental and cultural stewardship role.

• Implement Guest Services Centre.

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 11 Leveraging & Activating Natural Wonders/Iconic Experiences

• Redevelopment of Table Rock Complex, including a refreshing of retail stores, culinary operations and Journey Behind the Falls.

• Master Plan development.

• Transportation Plan, including partnership and cycling strategy.

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 12 Supporting a Dynamic Business Environment

• Options for redevelopment of Niagara Parks’ Marina at Miller’s Creek

• Options for stabilization and phasing the adaptive re-use of historic power station buildings

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 13 Taking Experiences, Services & Hospitality to Next Level

• Analyze and implement NPC security and emergency plan

• Continue with modernization of financial software

• Investing in staff training and change management

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 14 Telling Our Story

• The first step in delivering the new Strategic Plan is the implementation of Niagara Parks’ new brand strategy

• The new brand will connect the entire Niagara River experience from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario under one identity

• Brand story needs to deepen the relationship with the visitor through every stage of their journey

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 15 Niagara Parks’ Brand Story

An oak leaf

• Symbolizes nature and renewal, the lifeblood of any great park

• Represents sustainability – the promise to preserve and enhance the beautiful environment that has been entrusted to us

• Multi-coloured leaf signifies diversity – a mosaic of experiences, of people and of opportunity

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 16 17 17 The Niagara Parks Commission A Year in Review Highlights of 2017

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 18 Official Launch of Ontario150 Programming

19 Pop-up Dinner Series

20 20 WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure Course

21 21 Harriet Tubman Plaque Unveiling

22 22 Namaste Niagara 2017

23 23 Pollinator Gardens Route June 2017

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3 24 Niagara Glen Nature Centre

25 25 Rededication Ceremony of Oakes Garden Theatre

26 Questions?

Town of Fort Erie Presentation – Nov 27, 2017 2727