2011 MEDIA Communiqué The 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 is coming soon! www.discover1812.com, www.1812niagaraonthelake.ca Join us in commemorating the War that shaped Canada’s boundaries. On June 18, 1812 the United States declared war on Great Britain. For three years Niagara was a war zone, the scene of American invasions and bloody battles. Some of the spectacular events planned include: • Opening ceremonies (June 15-18, 2012) • Grand Parade in Fort Erie with 50 military bands, units and Canadian, US and UK reenactor groups (June 23, 2012) • Opening of the NEW Niagara Falls History Museum with a permanent 1812 exhibit (July 2012) • Siege of Fort Erie reenactment(August 2012) • Battle of Queenston Heights (October 2012) • Battle of Fort George (May 2013) Also planned are special exhibits, Military Balls and expanded Canada Day events. Media inquiries: Betsy Foster, Tourism Manager, 905-984-03626 ext 3462 bfoster@tourismniagara.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––|
Niagara Parks Launches New Nature Website www.niagaraparksnature.com
The Niagara Parks Commission proudly launched a new website niagaraparksnature.com in February as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and efforts to promote the preservation of sensitive lands around the Falls and along the Niagara River corridor. Special features of the site include information on community clean up days, environmental initiatives and a blog that will be updated regularly with content by Niagara Parks’ naturalists. The new site also offers information for visitors on things to do such as hiking, cycling, bird watching and the increasing popular activity, Geocaching. Nature areas within NPC’s property such as the Niagara Glen are of local, national and international significance. Designed to educate and increase awareness of Species at Risk, the site provides useful information on how visitors can do their part to help protect these areas for future generations. Media inquiries: Tony Baldinelli, Communications Manager, 905-371-0837 tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––|
What’s New in Niagara? The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver designed facility aims at minimizing its carbon footprint in the Niagara Region by making exemplary use of recycled and regional construction materials to both contribute to the local economy and to curtail pollution associated with transportation. In addition, the Centre’s exemplary strategically designed processes will significantly increase efficiency of its water and electricity consumption. An advanced green housekeeping and maintenance program will ensure the Centre operates in a healthy and environmentally friendly way. To greatly enhance visitors’, staff and exhibitors’ connectivity with the outdoors and the surrounding environment, this fully ‘accessible’ facility has been designed with extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing, providing year-round friendly, naturally lighted working spaces, and creating significant energy savings!
Committed to fully implementing green and sustainable practices, the Centre, with the assistance and talents of food professionals from Centerplate (the Centre’s exclusive Food & Beverage vendor), and in partnership with the Centre’s endorsing celebrity Chef Anna Olson, will provide seasonally inspired field-to-table menus greatly reflective of the exciting and mouth-watering flavours common to the Niagara Region. Media inquiries: 905-357-6222 or Toll Free: 1-888-997-6222 GrandOpening@fallsconventions.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––|
Niagara Parks News www.niagaraparks.com
Old Fort Erie will feature a new Visitor Centre with interactive and entertaining displays and a theatre. Located on the grounds of the bloodiest battlefield in Canada, history will come alive at this new interpretive centre. In historic Queenston, Laura Secord Homestead will be home to a new interpretive centre and a “village” atmosphere that includes Queenston Chapel, a popular wedding venue that was moved from a short distance north on the Niagara Parkway. Laura’s heroic walk to warn of impending battle is just one of the many “Women of War” stories featured.
www.fallsconventions.com
Closer to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Tea Room at McFarland House will be expanded. Niagara Parks’ oldest property, this Georgian home reveals gracious living 1800s style, complete with an authentic kitchen garden and home-baked goods.
The countdown is on! After much excitement and anticipation, Niagara’s newest addition to its large and colourful mosaic of venues and attractions, the Scotiabank Convention Centre, in Niagara Falls, Canada (SCCN), opens its doors on Friday, April 8th. The SCCN, to mark this significant and momentous event, will host a weekend full of fun activities for everyone. Friday, April 8th at 4pm is the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Guests to the Centre will enjoy free access to Greater Niagara Region Home & Garden Show.
Media inquiries: Tony Baldinelli, Communications Manager, 905-371-0837 tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––|
Grand Opening – Niagara Falls’ Scotiabank Convention Centre
New Niagara Heritage Trail Pass – for just $18.12 visitors can explore all four Niagara Heritage attractions: Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord Homestead, McFarland House and the Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum. Included with the Pass are valuable coupons for discounts at other attractions such as the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and Sir Adam Beck Power Tours. The Pass will be on sale from June to September 2011.
Contact Betsy Foster at 905-984-3626 or email bfoster@tourismniagara.com for media information ––––––|
www.tourismniagara.com
Niagara, more than you imagine