TOURISM

Niagara Parks

Built in 1905, the Canadian Niagara Power Company Generating Station in Niagara Falls, has been restored and renovated to become an entertaining and educational experience, along with a new nighttime attraction. The one-of-akind structure is considered to be the only fully intact, decommissioned hydroelectric power plant of its era in the world. Its construction was a landmark achievement in design, engineering and architecture, and for 100 years, it harnessed the energy of Canada’s Horseshoe Falls as a source of electricity. The new nighttime immersive multimedia experience “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed” created by Thinkwell Group features sound and 3D projection mapping technology, while highlighting both the history and unique features of the 115-year-old architectural and engineering marvel. The rusticated stone-walled station was originally designed in tandem by the William Grace Company and the Hamilton Bridge Works Company. It was inspired by the nearby Adams Generating Station on the American side of the Niagara River. The building sits 457 metres from the lip of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, with a low profile design and a dark green roof. Stone, brick and cast iron were primarily used in the plant’s construction with integrated steelwork throughout. If looked at closely, one can see that the industrial architecture includes the design details that craftsmen used to pour into important public buildings. Senior Director of Engineering Marcelo Gruosso was the lead on the engineering side for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Power Station, with the support of over 100 Niagara Parks staff and 75 contractors. The restoration was completed and the station’s interactive exhibits were soft-opened earlier this summer, on July 1. The interactive exhibits and interpretative installations feature repurposed artifacts that offer a look at how the power of water was harnessed at the station to generate electricity from 1905 until 2005, when the station officially ceased operation before it was decommissioned the following year. The attraction also includes underground portions of the power station accessible by visitors, where they can take the century-old Tailrace Tunnel to the base of the Horseshoe Falls with a view of the lower Niagara Gorge.

niagaraparks.com/things-to-do/building-the-power-station

Historic Niagara Parks Generating Station Reopens as an Engaging Attraction

Live Music Returns to Niagara Falls with “Niagara Falls Music Live” Event

A new live music celebration took place in Niagara Falls from December 27, 2021 to December 30, 2021 with New Year’s Eve concerts being postponed due to the COVID pandemic. The first Niagara Falls Music Live event brought a talented and diverse line-up of local, Ontario and Canadian talent to the city with an exciting mix of intimate performances and concerts across Niagara Falls each night. Quick Facts: • Niagara Falls Music Live ran from Monday,

December 27, 2021 to Saturday, January 1, 2021 • 75+ live music performances at 20 venues across Niagara Falls • 11+ events per night

Seasky International Light Show

Seasky was established over 2 years ago with the vision of bringing family friendly attractions to the beautiful Niagara Region. Seasky Light Show International is a spectacular LED outdoor event in Niagara Falls. This visually spectacular lantern and light festival will allow you to explore over 30 magical light displays on a 1.5-hour outdoor illuminated trail that you can walk at your leisure. Most of the light displays you will see in Niagara Falls, have been showcased in more than 40 countries and at many famous international brands such as Disney, Hello Kitty, The World Carnival, Coca Cola, China Central Television, and other international companies over the past 20 years. Placed along a 1.2-kilometre walking trail within the park, the show features more than 30 intricate displays and one million LED lights. Joyce Morocco, spokesperson for the Seasky International Light Show at Arpad Park Hungarian Hall Grounds, said the show will continue, shutting down between seasons as new displays are installed for a show to run throughout the spring and summer.

lightshowinternational.ca

Explore the magic of light at Seasky International Light Show

Niagara Economic Rapid Response

The Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team, with funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario created a tourism adaptation and recovery fund to help tourism related businesses pivot during the COVID pandemic. The fund provided financial assistance in the form of 80% grants to enable tourism-dependent, small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and Arts and Culture Not-for-Profits (NFP) organizations, to equip themselves to meet Public Health guidelines and protocols. The grant enabled 55 Niagara Falls businesses to receive over $650,000 to continue to operate, particularly through the shoulder and off-season in 2020/21. Priority was given to projects that retain/create jobs, have a high jobs/dollar invested ratio and increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the business post COVID19.