THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Niagara Parks Annual Report 2013 The Niagara Parks Commission Our Role & Mission Fireworks over Niagara Parks Niagara is a region steeped in history and blessed by geography. As steward of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) plays a key role in maintaining, protecting and showcasing the grandeur of the Falls, while contributing to the economic growth and success of Niagara and Ontario. As a self-funded agency of the provincial government, NPC is responsible for the maintenance of 1,325 hectares of parkland, stretching some 56 kilometres along the Niagara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Our mission remains the same as it was when the Commission was first established in 1885: to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Falls and the Niagara River corridor for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency. On the cover Boardwalk at NPC White Water Walk attraction, Christine Hess Photography 01 Niagara Parks Annual Report 2013 The Commissioners 2013 Janice Thomson, Chair Joan Andrew, Vice Chair Appointed Chair November 16, 2011 Appointed Vice Chair December 5, 2012 Term expires November 15, 2015 Term expires May 1, 2015 Appointed Commissioner May 2, 2012 Term expires May 1, 2015 James Detenbeck, Commissioner David Eke, Commissioner Lois Anne Giles, Commissioner Barbara Greenwood, Commissioner Appointed August 1, 2012 (Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake nominee) Appointed June 20, 2012 (Regional Municipality of Term expires July 31, 2015 Appointed January 19, 2011 Term expires July 19, 2016 Niagara nominee) Term expires November 30, 2014 Appointed January 19, 2011 Term expires November 30, 2014 Fireworks over Niagara Parks Vincent Kerrio, Commissioner Douglas Martin, Commissioner Ian Nielsen-Jones, Commissioner Kerry Pond, Commissioner (City of Niagara Falls nominee) (Town of Fort Erie nominee) Appointed June 20, 2012 Appointed March 1, 2012 Appointed April 18, 2007 Appointed April 18, 2007 Term expires July 19, 2016 Term expires May 31, 2014 Term expires November 30, 2014 Term expires November 30, 2014 Virginia West, Commissioner King George VI Statue in Queen Victoria Park Appointed November 29, 2010 Term expires November 30, 2016 Niagara Parks Annual Report 2013 02 way resurfacing, allowing NPC to repair 19 masonry stonework of the arched facades Chair’s Message kilometres of this important roadway, with is 100 per cent self-supporting, similar to a resurfacing taking place almost equally Roman arch. Given the beauty and history amongst the three communities in which of this overpass, the goal of NPC’s rehabili- Renewal, investment and expanded part- NPC resides (Town of Fort Erie, City of Nia- tation work has been not only to repair the nerships are words that best describe 2013 gara Falls, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake). structure, but also to preserve the look and for The Niagara Parks Commission, in the historical nature of the beautiful masonry 125th anniversary year of the opening of The balance of provincial funding of almost stonework for future generations. Queen Victoria Park. $1 million was invested in facility repair and maintenance projects to address outstand- An innovative aspect of the recently com- Renewal became an early theme for NPC ing issues, some of which were identified by pleted project is the establishment of a new as it entered 2013, when management the cross-functional NPC team. pedestrian walkway along the CNP weir, and staff came together as part of a cross- former site of the “Ice Drag”, an electrically functional team to review the state of NPC’s powered locomotive used to “front of house” operations. remove ice before it could This team visited each of enter the CNP forebay. In NPC’s sites and attractions August 2013, the Ice Drag, in order to determine what which weighs approximately could be done to improve the 16 metric tonnes (35,000 overall state of repair and im- pounds), was removed from age of Niagara Parks’ exist- the weir and relocated to a ing facilities. Excellent work site next to the new pedes- was performed by this multi- trian walkway. The novel layered team and, as a re- design of the walkway allows sult of their efforts, dramatic NPC to provide an accessi- improvements and repairs ble and breathtaking vantage were made to NPC facilities, point for viewing the Niagara including the White Water River and the Falls. Walk and Whirlpool Aero Car. During the year, the Com- In August, NPC completed mission developed a new work on a $7 million provin- strategic plan anchored by cially-funded infrastructure a common vision that estab- project to replace its exist- lished corporate goals and ing Falls Incline Railway op- objectives that will lead the eration. On August 8, 2013 organization into the future. a public ceremony was held This was followed by an NPC to launch the new fully-ac- employee survey, conducted cessible system with Michael in the summer to gauge staff Chan, Ontario’s Minister of Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Michael Chan joined NPC Tourism, Culture and Sport views and impressions on Chair Janice Thomson in officially opening the newly renovated NPC in attendance. The reha- Niagara Parks and the im- Incline Railway on August 8, 2013 provements it had recently bilitation of the Falls Incline Railway is an important development for initiated. This employee survey, the first During 2013, rehabilitation work on the Ca- Niagara Parks and Niagara Falls tourism to be conducted by Niagara Parks since nadian Niagara Power (CNP) Bridge was partners, as the new Incline will vastly im- 2005, has become an important tool in pro- also completed. A vital transportation span prove the links and service between Nia- viding greater insight into NPC employee crossing the Niagara Parkway, this special gara Parks and the Fallsview tourism area, opinions, their job satisfaction and overall project was a key element in the realization providing year-round access. work-life balance. The survey results are of the overall $50 million provincial and fed- now being used to develop action plans to eral infrastructure investment made to es- The Falls Incline Railway has become an improve employee engagement with the tablish an integrated tourism transportation important part of NPC’s transportation sys- goal of achieving strong customer service system (WEGO) in Niagara. tem. When combined with the integrated practices and a high level of productivity by tourism transportation system (WEGO), the the Commission overall. Construction on this century-old structure Incline Railway provides a great service to began in 1902. Built of stone, steel and all those who wish to visit and experience In keeping with this theme of renewal, concrete, the bridge is made up of five in- Niagara. NPC’s efforts to improve the ac- early in the spring, provincial funding in dividual spans, each extending just over cessibility of this key access route into the the amount of $2.9 million was made avail- 90 metres (298 feet) in length. The beau- Park were recognized on May 29, 2013 able to The Niagara Parks Commission to tifully crafted stone used in both the piers when the Commission received an Acces- undertake additional capital improvements and archways was sourced from the former sibleNiagara.com Award during National throughout the Park system. Of this, almost Queenston Quarry Company, which was Access Awareness Week. $2 million was invested into Niagara Park- in operation at that time. The architectural 03 Niagara Parks Annual Report 2013 These significant infrastructure improve- development of junior golf throughout the Niagara Cruises, to begin operations in ments are an excellent example of the type country. 2014. While this decision marked the be- of partnerships established by Niagara ginning of a new era for Niagara Parks, it Parks to create the solid infrastructure that In August, NPC hosted two South Asian builds on what this destination and Niagara is required to support sustainable tourism cultural festivals, drawing thousands of visi- Parks is all about: building memories and activities. tors to the region to participate and enjoy creating experiences that will last a lifetime. all that Niagara has to offer. Niagara Parks Niagara Parks would like to recognize the Another example of NPC’s innovative ap- was pleased to host these two new events, operators of the Maid of the Mist Steam- proach to partnerships is the numerous third which helped to promote the great cultural boat Company Limited for their many years party/stakeholder events held on NPC prop- diversity that makes not only Canada, but ofThe service Niagara to both the Parks Parks and Commission Niagara’s erty or in cooperation with Niagara Parks, also Niagara and Niagara Parks a great tourism community. which helped contribute to tourism activity place to live and visit. Statement of Financial Position As at October 31 2010 and promotion of Niagara in 2013. It has been my honour to serve as Chair of 2011 (in thousands of dollars) the Commission during this, From February 9 to May 12, the 125th anniversary of the Financial assets NPC was pleased to once opening of Queen Victoria Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,178 $ 6,502 again partner with Little Park. Tasked with the stew- Accounts receivable 3,805 3,208 Ray’s Reptile Zoo of Ottawa ardship and protection of one Inventories – saleable 4,177 5,135 to host Venom, a new edu- of the world’s greatest natural cational exhibit at its But- wonders, the Commission