[FALLSVIEW]

A worker said it was an independant hotel. 46 Rooms

I went to the Niagara Falls Canucks game tonight and met Steve Ludzik there, he is part of the ownership group proposing the new arena. He seems to think that the mayor is becoming more positive with the proposal and the councillors seem to like the idea. Next city council meeting is on Sept 25, and this is when we will probably know for sure.

[FALLSVIEW]

There was someone on the top of the Pyramid Place, welding braces and adding wooden slats for what looks to be either a billboard or the new sign for the Tourism office.

Subway is "NOW OPEN" in the Fallsview Casino outer plaza....whoopee!

[FALLSVIEW]

Political News in Niagara Region


Port development brings St. George to council race.

NIAGARA THIS WEEK (http://www.niagarathisweek.com/na/news/story/3678331p-4252226c.html)

Mayoral candidate focusing on arena, downtown.

THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=195348&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

Salci wants second term.

THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentID=192315&catname=Local+News)

Craitor might challenge Salci for mayor's job.

THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=193997&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

Thomson runs for council seat.

THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentID=192320&catname=Local+News)

[FALLSVIEW]

St. Catharines and Thorold News


Condo traffic will make street unsafe, residents say.

NIAGARA THIS WEEK (http://www.niagarathisweek.com/na/news/story/3682679p-4257353c.html)

'Monstrous development' in planning.

NIAGARA THIS WEEK (http://www.niagarathisweek.com/na/news/story/3682676p-4257330c.html)

Developer predicts Thorold will become 'a destination.'

THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=195362&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

[FALLSVIEW]

Important For Niagara Region?


Please reply if you have interest in this proposal. I believe that a larger facility in Niagara Falls
would be an asset for the entire region.
Trade Shows, Concerts, and Ohl Hockey would give the residents something that has eluded them for years.

THE TITLE IN THE REVIEW READS ...Is it a good deal to bring back junior A hockey?

I THINK THE REAL QUESTION IS...Is it a good deal to build a larger facility for an additional 3 to 5 million?

Is it a good deal to bring back junior A hockey?
Local News - Tuesday, September 19, 2006 @ 02:00

Should the city make the deal to bring an Ontario Hockey League team back to Niagara Falls?

Is it worth the cost to help build a 5,700-seat arena - approximately $3 million more than is already earmarked for a 3,000-seat arena?

Send us your responses via e-mail, to newsdesk@nfreview.com or post it on the feedback section of The Review's website, www.niagarafallsreview.ca (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca).

[mucciared]

^ From what I've heard there is a lot of support for the OHL arena, and now I've heard people want an even larger sized arena. I think for $3 million more council would be making a huge mistake NOT to accept the offer. As for making an even larger arena I think we would have to hear from JDS and see some figures.

[FALLSVIEW]

REVITALIZING THE DOWNTOWN WILL TAKE MORE THAN ONE INVESTOR... BUT IT SURE WOULD HELP!


DOWNTOWN TALK:


Council meets over downtown project; Special session called to review Florida-based investigation.

City council is scheduled to meet behind closed doors today to discuss the Historic Niagara downtown revitalization project, after "new information" surfaced last week.

Ald. Wayne Campbell sent council members an e-mail Monday requesting the special meeting, to address "the possibility of ongoing legal investigations" of investors connected to the Historic Niagara plan. "There was what I felt to be allegations with respect to potential legal investigations or ramifications of the downtown investing group," Campbell said in an interview.

FULL ARTICLE@THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=199767&catname=Local%20News&classif=)


Group sees a future in downtown's past.

It's only a matter of time before the city's downtown core is restored to its former glory, says Aaron Beaudoin, who wants to play a role in making it happen.

"It's not a matter of if, it's when," said Beaudoin, who runs Above the Fold Communications and is co-chairman of People for Progress, a citizens' group formed last spring to help promote downtown development.

FULL ARTICLE@ THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=198253&catname=Local%20News&classif=)


Better downtown vital to city's future; Board chairman warns reputation suffers if work isn't done.

Niagara Falls will "suffer for 50 years" if it turns down a plan to revive Queen Street, according to the chairman of the Downtown Board of Management.

"If this doesn't go through ... the message to any developer is, never put your money in Niagara Falls," said Calvin Beresh. "We will not have any serious investors."

FULL ARTICLE @ THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=198245&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

[FALLSVIEW]

THIS IS THE LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE.
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/3795/newarena046bk5hg2.jpg

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/2748/twinpadsiteca4.jpg

LOCATION@ GOOGLE EARTH (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=NIAGARA+FALLS&ie=UTF8&om=0&z=15&ll=43.114361,-79.078903&spn=0.009618,0.033646&t=h&iwloc=A)


I believe that with this Arena as well as the continuation of Thorold Stone Road through too Victoria avenue, the addition of Retail Box Stores at the former Cyanamid Property, along with the Downtown revitilization, it will go a long way in cleaning up this area over the next 10 years. I also hope that Great Wolf Lodge comes through with the skating path this winter.

[FALLSVIEW]

x

[SSLL]

From: http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2006/09/18/story15.html?b=1158552000^1345088
___________________
N.F., Ont., splashing with projects
Business First of Buffalo - September 15, 2006
by James Fink

Business First

Two aquarium projects in Niagara Falls, Ont., hope to make a splash with tourists when they open in two years.

Marineland, the city's oldest amusement park, announced after-Labor Day plans to develop a 60-acre, $144 million complex that will house everything from sharks and dolphins to a rainforest lagoon exhibit under four domed structures.

The complex, several years in the making, will be under construction later this month, said John Holer, park owner.

In the meantime, Ripley Entertainment Inc., operators of several museums in Niagara Falls and the recently opened Great Wolf Lodge and splash park, said they expect to open bids this week on a 120,000-square-foot aquarium. The $90 million project, the latest phase in Ripley's Great Wolf complex, is scheduled to open in 2008.

The Ripley Entertainment project remains on schedule, even with Marineland's announcement that it was building its own aquarium complex on Stanley Avenue.

"I never doubt what John Holer says," said Robert Masterson, Ripley Entertainment president. "We are continuing to go forward with our project."

Marineland's aquarium complex will feature a tank featuring sharks and stingrays, another area with an interactive dolphin exhibit, a third area highlighting an ocean reef filled with fish from the Caribbean and a rainforest exhibit.

An 80-foot "Topple Tower" thrill ride is slated to open next spring.

Also opening in the 2008 with the aquarium is Safari Park, a three-mile ride that will give customers a close up view of animals such as buffalo, deer and black bears.

Both Marineland's aquarium complex and the Great Wolf aquarium are expected to further cement Niagara Falls' reputation as the tourism hub for the Niagara region in Canada and Western New York.

Masterson said he has more concerns about the mandated passports requirement being championed by the Department of Homeland Security and its impact on Niagara Falls than what his competitors are building. U.S. federal officials are requiring all people entering the country, by car or vehicle, have a passport. The requirement, under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, takes effect Jan. 1, 2008.

Tourism and hospitality officials say the passport requirement will kill the seamless border between the U.S. and Canada and cause a dramatic drop in those visiting the region.

The passport mandate already has been pushed back one year.

Masterson said the passport issue may cast a larger spell over the project than any form of competition.

"I can see a drop off in (Niagara Falls) visitations for at least several years until people get comfortable with it (the passport mandate)," Masterson said.

Ripley, in recent years, has spent nearly $150 million in building or renovating existing operations in Niagara Falls.

Between the 406-room Great Wolf Lodge, which opened in April, and the adjoining aquarium, the Orlando-based company has invested close to $130 million in the past two years.

Besides the Great Wolf complex, Ripley's has renovated several wax and entertainment museums the company operates along Clifton Hill.

[mucciared]

I'm wondering now if tourism in Niagara is strong enough to support two large aquariums? Keeping competitive will be a challenge, but the whole passport issue puts it in another ballpark.

[FALLSVIEW]

This might be interesting to see what happens though Mucciared, it might buy a little time, if it is passed...

THE REVIEW>Passport Delay Possible (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=207185&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

[FALLSVIEW]

I was at the city council meeting on Monday for the arena deal, there was opposition their regarding a proposal to build a hotel directly across from the Sheraton on Fallsview blvd. This land is directly in behind the guard rail where people stop too see the falls from the top of the hill. There is now a "FOR SALE" sign there. The hotel would be built in between Portage rd and Fallsview blvd.
CLICK>GOOGLE EARTH (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=niagara+falls&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=43.077328,-79.081746&spn=0.001203,0.004206&t=h&om=0) and as you can see this is barely wide enough for an elevator let alone a highrise. I don't think council will pass it though. If I can, I am going to get out with my camera too update everything from, Autoline Toyota too Little Caesars, when I get a chance. Take care!

[FALLSVIEW]

Here is an article which was posted on Access Niagara today from Niagara This Week, regarding opposition to this latest proposed hotel on Fallsview blvd.

CLICK>NIAGARA THIS WEEK (http://www.niagarathisweek.com/na/news/story/3704845p-4282820c.htm)

CLICK>ACCESS NIAGARA (http://www.accessniagara.com/blog/)

[FALLSVIEW]

It has been established at ACCESS NIAGARA (http://www.accessniagara.com/blog/) that the Hotel under renovation on Ellen avenue, will be a 46 room boutique hotel. The funding for this project is from Ashak Merani owner of the Days Inn & Suites on the same street.

THIS IS THE BUILDING, CHECK OUT ACCESS NIAGARA FOR THE EXACT MAP LOCATION:
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/9263/newarena056tn4.jpg

HERE IS THE DEFINITION OF A BOUTIQUE HOTEL:
Boutique hotel is a term originating in North America to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels and motels by providing personalized level accommodation and services / facilities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT- WIKIPEDIA:
BOUTIQUE HOTEL (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geurE5eh5F88oAWIxXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBwZXFyYmttBGNvbG8DZQRzZWMDc2MEdnRpZANERlhIXzI-/SIG=123c6nndn/EXP=1159711673/**http%3a//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boutique%255Fhotel)

[FALLSVIEW]

PROPERTY FOR SALE ON FALLSVIEW.

This would probably be the best unobstructed view in the Fallsview area.
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/5294/newarena057va3.jpg
This is the location in regards too the other Hotels.
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/4567/newarena060ph5.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

COUNTRY INN & SUITES

Footing's for the 7 story Hotel are almost complete,
expect this building to start too rise quickly within the next couple of weeks.
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/2654/newarena064zt1.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

MOTEL 6 ON STANLEY AVENUE

The footing's for the 3 story Motel 6 look to be complete,
this is scheduled to be open for the spring.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/7831/newarena066yj7.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

AUTOLINE TOYOTA ON THOROLD STONE ROAD


They are starting too install the steel roof supports on this car dealership.
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6201/newarena068ay8.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

NEW BUILDING ON MORRISON

This is directly across from Zellers, looks to be another mini mall?
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3581/newarena067co2.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

STRIP MALL EXTENTION ON DRUMMOND

This is on the corner of Drummond and Lundy's Lane, it is almost complete.
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/9388/newarena069rg2.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

NEW BILLBOARDS COMING SOON!

This is on the Pyramid Place building,
the new home of the Niagara Falls Tourism Office.
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/6334/newarena061ll6.jpg

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/2923/newarena062wd9.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

Little Caesars Pizza COMING SOON

Located on Victoria Avenue beside Mr.Sub.
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2290/newarena065on1.jpg

[realcity]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/tshaw/cities/new-dev-robinson-fallsview.jpg

What's this?

[mucciared]

OMG are you kidding me?? that will be one skinny hotel. I never imagine hotels in that tiny area. Isn't that land slopped? How Niagara 21st did their environmental assessments is beyond me. Maybe they should work on their Courtyard expansion first. Still looking at it, I can see the tower fitting there just by looking at the size of Sheraton, but where would they put the base, parking, restaurants, etc.?

P.S. That's a huge update Fallsview, thanks, unfortunately I'm busy the next few days, but I will comment soon.


I was at the city council meeting on Monday for the arena deal, there was opposition their regarding a proposal to build a hotel directly across from the Sheraton on Fallsview blvd. This land is directly in behind the guard rail where people stop too see the falls from the top of the hill. There is now a "FOR SALE" sign there. The hotel would be built in between Portage rd and Fallsview blvd.
CLICK>GOOGLE EARTH (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=niagara+falls&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=43.077328,-79.081746&spn=0.001203,0.004206&t=h&om=0) and as you can see this is barely wide enough for an elevator let alone a highrise. I don't think council will pass it though. If I can, I am going to get out with my camera too update everything from, Autoline Toyota too Little Caesars, when I get a chance. Take care!

[FALLSVIEW]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/tshaw/cities/new-dev-robinson-fallsview.jpg

What's this?
A YOUNG GARDEN
Japanese and Korean Cuisine.
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8396/20060720ayounggardenyk1.jpg
My Mother-in-law lives in Toronto and loves Japanese food.
So I would imagine I'll be trying it out someday.

[FALLSVIEW]

Thank's Mucciared: Expansion plans for the Marriott Fallsview Hotel have preliminary drawings which show a tall, slender building with only seven units per floor, it will be a skinny one. I agree with you that they should concentrate on the Courtyard expansion and leave this land alone. And as you said, where are they going to fit parking or restaurants? I'm not sure I would trust the ground in that area for a highrise building either.

I didn't bother too include the Niagara Square Mall expansion, because they are installing the Future Shop signs now. They are officially having there "GRAND OPENING" ON THE 14th of October, so I am going to wait!

[mucciared]

I have never heard of Ashak Merani, I guess he's always been overshadowed by DiCienzo, Oakes, DiCosimo and the such, but what he's done in that neighbourhood has been really great, so more power to him. I hope he keep developing the area.

It has been established at ACCESS NIAGARA (http://www.accessniagara.com/blog/) that the Hotel under renovation on Ellen avenue, will be a 46 room boutique hotel. The funding for this project is from Ashak Merani owner of the Days Inn & Suites on the same street.

THIS IS THE BUILDING, CHECK OUT ACCESS NIAGARA FOR THE EXACT MAP LOCATION:
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/9263/newarena056tn4.jpg

HERE IS THE DEFINITION OF A BOUTIQUE HOTEL:
Boutique hotel is a term originating in North America to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels and motels by providing personalized level accommodation and services / facilities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT- WIKIPEDIA:
BOUTIQUE HOTEL (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geurE5eh5F88oAWIxXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBwZXFyYmttBGNvbG8DZQRzZWMDc2MEdnRpZANERlhIXzI-/SIG=123c6nndn/EXP=1159711673/**http%3a//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boutique%255Fhotel)

[mucciared]

So they moved from one crumbling building to another? Interesting. I'm still hoping the Yerich's fix this up. It's such an eyesore in a nice clean area. The real last piece in Fallsview waiting to see a ray of sunshine.

NEW BILLBOARDS COMING SOON!

This is on the Pyramid Place building,
the new home of the Niagara Falls Tourism Office.
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/6334/newarena061ll6.jpg

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/2923/newarena062wd9.jpg

[mucciared]

I saw in the paper yesterday a job posting for Golden Griddle opening up at the Ramada Lundy's Lane, across from the outlets. Is this an addition to the property or did they change the restaurant, because I remember there being another restaurant there before. Their website still mentions of Pepper's Grill. Anyone here anything about this?

[FALLSVIEW]

I honestly hope they do something with the Pyramid Place building, as seen by the new boutique hotel, you can make an old building look respectable. If they do nothing, then I'm not sure if they will really ever develop anything on their land. I hadn't heard of the Golden Griddle opening up there but I honestly haven't paid much attention too that area, I'll find out for sure.

[realcity]

I like Pyramid Place. I think its a cool building. But probably will become a highrise one day.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/tshaw/cities/pyramid-place.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

Great photo realcity! That's the sign that was in the dumpster, they should have left it up for the sole intention of arousing a feeling of nostalgia for locals and returning tourists.

[FALLSVIEW]

Russ Stout Business Development Assistant for the City of Niagara Falls, has informed me about a rendering of the Country Inn & Suites on Victoria Avenue on there website.

I LIKE THE LOOKS OF THIS 7 STORY ADDITION.
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2439/02hj9.jpg http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9563/01el2.jpg
OPENING MAY 2007

COUNTRY INN & SUITES WEBSITE (http://www.innbythefalls.net/)

[FALLSVIEW]

The Comfort Inn that received a total makeover last winter, is getting it's final touches right now. They are putting styrofoam and stucco on the white brick portion of the building at the corner of Dunn and Stanley avenue. This looks to be the final step for the revamped hotel.

[FALLSVIEW]

HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

These pictures are a little small too view,
but the actual building will be yellow brick when finished.
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3590/new20er20at20gnghthumbpm3.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8081/gngh20emergencythumbfk3.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

I saw the sign outside of the Ramada Inn on Lundy's Lane Mucciared, yes there will be a Golden Griddle opening up soon. It looks as though the Peppers Grill sign is still up though, so I'm not sure if it will replace it.

[Tony]

Good Stuff.

[mucciared]

Thanks for the update Fallsview,

Question - I was just at the Country Inns website and they say two properties one location. Will these be two diferent hotels sharing some of the same things?

My only complaint with the design is it doesn't have anything at the base level to attract tourists on this busy road. Sheraton of the Falls has all those little stores and use it as a profit centre.

To my recollection, the official plan has guidelines in a way that makes the base level attractive.. sorry but i just can't remember what it is exactly... but I think it was the Courtyard or Comfort Inn Suites that the city didn't approve or like their base level because it didnt engage people.

[FALLSVIEW]

I'm not sure, but when they talk about the two properties are they talking about the section that wasn't demolished? When you look at the new structure compared to the existing building it doesn't look like they will be attached, there is quite a distance between the two. As far as base level storefronts my only thinking is it is a long way from the main touristy area and maybe they feel that they can utilize the space more effectively without concerning themselves with storefronts that may not succeed in that location?

Has anyone heard if the US Senate has voted on extending the passport law yet, I havent heard anything more about it?

There is some heavy equipment back at the Great Wolf Lodge, but that doesn't mean anything, I was just wondering what was going on there, I doubt if it would be for the Aquarium! Mucciared do you remember where the article was for the outdoor skating path that was proposed last year, I can't remember where the location of it was going to be.

[mucciared]

http://nfdoc.niagarafalls.ca/weblink7/DocView.aspx?id=212795&searchhandle=32498
NFALLS-DOC > Council > Agendas > Council Agendas > 2005 Agendas > 2005/12/05
^^ That's for the GWL skating path

http://www.niagarafalls.ca/about_niagara_falls/public_notices/pdf/81/Notice-Oct%2030-06.pdf
^ There have been some small changes to the Hilton Expansion but a rendering is included for all those interested.

[WhipperSnapper]

Re: Hilton

big improvement

[FALLSVIEW]

Wow even bigger then originally planned for the Hilton, let's see what happens!

[mucciared]

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2006/10/09/story9.html?from_rss=1

Hilton developer set to start N.F., Ont. project
Business First of Buffalo - October 6, 2006by James FinkBusiness First


After more than two years of planning and intense public-sector review, the developers of a 59-story addition to the Hilton-Niagara Falls are ready to break ground on the $300 million (Canadian) project.

When it opens by mid-2009, the hotel will leapfrog to the largest in Niagara Falls and Canada and have one of the largest concentration of rooms and suites in the country.


This article is for Paid Print Subscribers ONLY.


Well it's good to hear Hilton is making the first step. Does anyone know if they've closed Denny's yet? This time last year is when Golden Griddle closed to eventually place the Skywheel.

Development news in Niagara seems to have come to a standstill. Does anyone know of any other developments? Anything on the new people mover system?

[drafty]

I've just read on Niagara Falls council agenda that Rudan Holdings, which was building the Crown Plaza hotel that stopped construction after CP pulled out, is applying for a temporary parking lot again for construction workers, so maybe something is going to happen there. I can't believe that the crane has been sitting there for 2 years. (or, as another poster called it, the largest weather vane in the world)

[realcity]

Hilton will be taller than Skylon. A new tallest for NF.

[mucciared]

I've just read on Niagara Falls council agenda that Rudan Holdings, which was building the Crown Plaza hotel that stopped construction after CP pulled out, is applying for a temporary parking lot again for construction workers, so maybe something is going to happen there. I can't believe that the crane has been sitting there for 2 years. (or, as another poster called it, the largest weather vane in the world)

Nice find. Hopefully we'll hear some new project come forward then. I take it Rudan Holdings then is back on its feet and construction can start/end... the site is a bit of an eyesore.

[drafty]

Hopefully! I just re-read the application and it is very vague as to their intentions. They are asking for a 3 year extension of the existing bylaw. One of the conditions of the previous bylaw, was that they were required to return the property to its original condition (grass, etc.), which they didn't do, so maybe this is just to give them another 3 years before they have to spend the money. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt and see what happens.

[drafty]

I heard a rumour a while ago (was it on here?) about the south end Canadian Tire moving up the road to Niagara Square. The site map of Niagara Square on the Riocan (owner) web site, now shows not only all the new stores (Future Shop, etc.) but a CTC in between the cinemas and McLeod Rd. I would assume the new one would be bigger and that is why they are moving, but it is going to leave a big empty building at the old location.

[FALLSVIEW]

ORIGINALLY POSTED: 08-31-2006

FUTURE NIAGARA SQUARE MALL DEVELOPMENT:

I ventured into the new Winners store today at the mall, looks good! The mall was busy too which was nice. The administrative office confirmed for me that the Canadian Tire on Mcleod rd. will be moving too a new pad in the Mall parking lot, she said near the Cineplex Odeon Theatre and the Sunoco Gas station which is not in the parking lot but across the street. They have also had quite a few inquiries about vacant stores, so they should be full by winter. International Clothier is moving in by the new Winners entrance. Other things mentioned but cannot be confirmed are a grocery store and a Kelsey's Restaurant?



Thank's for the updates guys! ^This ^ is what I was told from the administrative office, about a month and half ago. So I quess it is going to happen.

I haven't heard of anything new going on in Niagara lately.

[FALLSVIEW]

ORIGINALLY POSTED: 08-31-2006

FUTURE NIAGARA SQUARE MALL DEVELOPMENT:

I ventured into the new Winners store today at the mall, looks good! The mall was busy too which was nice. The administrative office confirmed for me that the Canadian Tire on Mcleod rd. will be moving too a new pad in the Mall parking lot, she said near the Cineplex Odeon Theatre and the Sunoco Gas station which is not in the parking lot but across the street. They have also had quite a few inquiries about vacant stores, so they should be full by winter. International Clothier is moving in by the new Winners entrance. Other things mentioned but cannot be confirmed are a grocery store and a Kelsey's Restaurant?



Thank's for the updates guys! ^This ^ is what I was told from the administrative office, about a month and half ago. So I quess it is going to happen.

I haven't heard of anything new going on in Niagara lately Mucciared.

[FALLSVIEW]

Downtown project still alive

COREY LAROCQUE / Review Staff Writer
Local News - Tuesday, October 17, 2006 @ 02:00

The Historic Niagara plan to revive downtown is still alive after city council voted to keep $36 million to improve public areas in the Queen Street area.

"I'm very encouraged by five courageous council members who voted in the best interest of Niagara Falls," said Aaron Lichtman, after Monday's meeting where council voted down a motion that would have limited its financial commitment to $12 million.

CLICK>THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=233065&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

[FALLSVIEW]

Thorold lands power generation project

MATTHEW VAN DONGEN / Osprey News Network
Local News - Tuesday, October 17, 2006 @ 02:00

Everything about Thorold's new power project is big.

The natural gas-fired power plant will cover 11 acres of land owned by paper recycler Abitibi Consolidated.

It will pump 236-megawatts of energy into Ontario's grid. That's about half the electricity output from one of Pickering's nuclear generators, enough to light up 300,000 homes.

It will cost more than $470-million to build - good for 300-plus jobs over two years of construction.

The numbers are big. The ramifications for Thorold are bigger, said Thorold Mayor Robin Brock.

"I don't think I've ever been so excited in my life. This is unprecedented in the City of Thorold," said the beaming mayor Monday, after the province approved the massive co-generation project at Abitibi.

"This secures 400 high-paying, unionized jobs at Abitibi. In today's environment, that's a difficult thing to do."


CLICK>THE REVIEW (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=233064&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

[FALLSVIEW]

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/62/newarena074pu5.jpg

This past weekend Future Shop, Linens & Things and Petcetera opened for business. Not much else to report around Niagara Falls right now.

I received an e/mail from the city yesterday regarding the pedestrian bridge between Fallsview Casino and the Skylon Tower:

Please be advised that Legal staff are in the process of working out an agreement which may be signed in a couple months. You are correct in that the bridge is functional and the details of maintaining the structure has fallen to the legal system.

[FALLSVIEW]

The NIAGARA and Rainbow Tower
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6876/054820bridgenewaw6.jpg

Artist rendering of the future Niagara Condominiums on River road. Also included is the Rainbow Tower!

[Tony]

wow does the Rainbow ever look out of place.

[drafty]

Maybe because the picture that they used doesn't show the Fallsview Casino hotel, Embassy Suites, Hilton, Oakes or the Skywheel that would give a little perspective. I think any of the tall hotels, shown without actual surroundings, look out of place.

[drafty]

I was out at Niagara Square yesterday to check out the new Future Shop. I was dumbfounded to discover that the 3 new stores (Future Shop, Linens n Things and Petcetera) have no access to the mall, only Winners does. I can't understand why the stores wouldn't want access or why RioCan wouldn't demand it. If I was going to one of these stores specifically, I probably wouldn't bother going into the mall, and conversely, if I was in the mall (especially in the winter), I wouldn't venture back outside to get to these new stores. Any thoughts as to why they have done this?

[FALLSVIEW]

My thoughts Drafty are that it was probably a cost issue, they would have had to share the cost of continuing the storefront hallway all the way down to the end, and since Winners only goes to the end of Petcetera, then they would have to fill even more storefronts. The 3 new stores also might not want to be part of the actual mall, kind of their own entity with their own customers? My wife and went to the new Petcetera and no thanks, not one person asked if we needed help, or smiled, or even looked at us, kind of odd for a 5 day old store. My biggest pet peeve also took place, the manager was disciplining staff in the middle of the store, that is a big no no in my professionlism books. L n T was a nice store, but it doesn't have enough variety, and FS is one of my favorite stores, Best Buy being my first because they don't work on commision, therefore they don't hassle you. I'm not sure if they are going to re-pave the parking lot, I now doubt it!

The old Autoland Chrysler on Montrose is going to be transformed into some kind of super outlet store, or something like that.

[FALLSVIEW]

Region votes yes to tower in Port Dalhousie

16-4 vote in favour of 17-storey condo against Region staff recommendation

Paul Forsyth
Oct 18, 2006

THOROLD -- Controversial plans for a condominium tower, theatre and mixed retail/office complex in historic Port Dalhousie are now just one step away from becoming reality, after Regional politicians overwhelmingly approved the plan.

After nearly seven hours of people arguing for and against the project, Regional councillors approved it last week by a vote of 16-4. The only barrier to the project going ahead now is an appeal made to the Ontario Municipal Board, the province's land-use referee, by opponents of an earlier decision by the City of St. Catharines to approve the project.

The OMB hearing, likely months away, is expected to take weeks to complete.

CLICK>NIAGARA THIS WEEK (http://www.niagarathisweek.com/na/news/story/3733756p-4316016c.html)

Like it or not this little community needs this. If you take a close look at the structures that exist there now. They are slowly decaying, and this may be a blessing for this place.

[mucciared]

Maybe because the picture that they used doesn't show the Fallsview Casino hotel, Embassy Suites, Hilton, Oakes or the Skywheel that would give a little perspective. I think any of the tall hotels, shown without actual surroundings, look out of place.

Lmao, of all things to include in the rendering - a hotel not even built, all while leaving out nearly the entire Fallsview district.

Where did you find this Fallsview?

[mucciared]

I was out at Niagara Square yesterday to check out the new Future Shop. I was dumbfounded to discover that the 3 new stores (Future Shop, Linens n Things and Petcetera) have no access to the mall, only Winners does. I can't understand why the stores wouldn't want access or why RioCan wouldn't demand it. If I was going to one of these stores specifically, I probably wouldn't bother going into the mall, and conversely, if I was in the mall (especially in the winter), I wouldn't venture back outside to get to these new stores. Any thoughts as to why they have done this?

Stone Road Mall in Guelph did the same thing with their new stores... Old Navy, Pier 1, etc. If I'm going to the mall in the winter I don't want to walk outside. I maybe visit these stores once out of every three visits to the mall. It's too much of an inconvenience especially since I probably won't buy anything from them... maybe if it was Future Shop.

[fastcarsfreedom]

The design of these renovated malls--with big-box stores clustered around the exterior of the mall facing outward with no interior connection is the latest wave in traditional mall development. Basically it gives the traditional regional shopping centers a way to compete with Big Box Power Centers--basically creating a hybrid approach. You'll note that most of the retailers mentioned--Winners, Linens N Things, Best Buy, etc, are not retailers that normally locate at traditional indoor malls.

The big local mall here in Windsor did the same thing--they lined the entire front face of the mall with big box stores--Chapters, Old Navy, Marks Work Wearhouse, etc.

[FALLSVIEW]

I lived in Windsor when they opened these stores. I remember everyone asking why there wasn't an entrance to Old Navy from the inside. I can tell you personally when your trying to Christmas shop and you have to go back out into the cold to get to a store, it isn't the most pleasing experience! Chapters however does have an interior mall entrance.

The rendering of the Niagara Condominium and Rainbow Tower was found at the Niagara Developments website. I also thought it was funny that they included the Rainbow Tower and none of the completed highrises. I personally think the Rainbow Tower will never be built, it's just to tall for that location, and I'm not sure how well the waterpark has done. They need to get a large sign on the side of the building that says waterpark, amazingly you actually can't tell what it is up there. They should also advertise for "everyone" to come and enjoy it, not just those staying at there hotels.

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1070/162812di0.gif

Mucciared, I think the Golden Griddle is now open at the Ramada Inn, the Peppers sign is still up as well! I brought my kids to the amusement area in the Skylon Tower. The administrative office not suprisingly knew nothing about any Hotels being developed nor had they even heard of the North and South towers. Once again I feel the need to vent about this cheap ass company and how little they have done with their properties considering how long they have owned them. If you actually walk around the tower it is in really really rough shape! :yuck: I don't think they are doing anymore to the Pyramid Place building either.The only thing they had heard about was a hotel being cancelled near there property, the only one I could think of was the Westin Hotel / Hotel at Jolley.

A public notice is up at the Denny's beside the Hilton confirming what Mucciared had posted earlier about the amendment to the existing Hilton expansion.

I just noticed on the Niagara development website, that the Motel 6 on Stanley avenue is proposed at 6 stories and 130 units.

[FALLSVIEW]

CANADIAN TIRE COMING SUMMER 2007

This is now posted on the Niagara Development website:

Canadian Tire
7555 MONTROSE RD Niagara Square Mall
Proposal Date: 10/13/2006

A 94,000 square foot store. Construction is expected to begin Spring 2007 and completed Summer 2007. It will be located on the northwest corner of the mall's property.

[FALLSVIEW]

I realize that this is old news, but I just wanted to include this rendering of the finished Aquarium at Marineland.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5610/aquariumcomplexdx2.jpg

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/2250/scanva9.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

Grand Niagara Golf Resort

Proposed Grand Niagara Club House
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8682/grandniagaraclubhousens6.jpg
The Vineyard Course
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6237/thevineyardclubhouse1uz4.jpg

This was proposed earlier this year

Grand Niagara Resort Inc., a partnership that owns and operates a new golf course in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is planning a C$300 million expansion of the facility. At its completion, scheduled for 2010, the 800-acre complex will include another golf course, a Hilton hotel, conference facility, time-share condos, homesites, a winery and a pair of manmade lakes. Investors in the first course included golfer Greg Norman, who will lend his name to the second 18-hole course. The Hilton will include 350 rooms and a 20,000-square-foot spa and recreation area, and there will be about 300 time-share units and 220 homesites.

[FALLSVIEW]

AUTO LINE TOYOTA
NEW LOCATION WILL BE "6030 THOROLD STONE ROAD"

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4926/scanfc4.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

Boulevard Collectionhttp://img123.imageshack.us/img123/9673/scan0001vo7.jpg

Condominium Tower South St. Catharines

[FALLSVIEW]

Public Meeting Notice

Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment Application
Monday, November 20, 2006 @7pm

The amendments are requested for a 1.05 hectare (2.6 acre) parcel of land on the south side of Marineland Parkway, west of Stanley avenue, as seen below on Google Earth. The amendments are requested to permit the development of two 8-story condominium apartment dwellings, with a total of 196 dwelling units.

This land is located where the entrance is for the Thundering Waters Golf Course. It is currently zoned tourist commercial in the City's official plan. This would allow a variety of tourist commercial uses to be developed on the lands only up to 4 stories in height.

NINA's Marineland Place
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/4738/balconyresize20rec27d20declf1.jpg
Proposed Luxury Condominium Location
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/255/aerial20arrowat9.jpg

CLICK> GOOGLE EARTH NIAGARA FALLS (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=niagara+falls&ie=UTF8&z=17&ll=43.069193,-79.086134&spn=0.002093,0.008326&t=h&om=0)

[WhipperSnapper]

^http://www.napev.com/propose.html

[FALLSVIEW]

Thanks for the info and website goodlookin'!!!

AUTOLAND SUPERSTORE COMING SOON?

[mucciared]

Are those proposed condos named NINA's Marineland Place??? Great find though.

The location seems kind of weird. Are they any grocery stores or banks really close? To me it just seems kind of out of place - but I don't really drive down that way.

[mucciared]

Are those proposed condos named NINA's Marineland Place??? Great find though.

The location seems kind of weird. Are they any grocery stores or banks really close? To me it just seems kind of out of place - but I don't really drive down that way.

[drafty]

That location is basically the east end of McLeod Rd. so there are no stores or banks real close. Canadian Tire, Food Basics, Niagara Square are just up the road, but not walkable. But I forgot, they are luxury condos: they'll just send the hired help to the stores:)

[FALLSVIEW]

Mucciared has e/mailed me two images that have not been posted yet. I have now added them to the first page.

Skylon Tower and Pavilion
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4517/proposedskylontowerandpavilionpe7.jpg

The redevelopment of the landmark Skylon Tower site marks the beginning of a new era in the reconfiguration of the world famous Niagara Falls tourist destination. In association with RTKL and ID8, Petroff Partnership Architects created a multi-use entertainment destination which would address the needs of visitors and residents of all ages throughout the day and night. Modeled upon the new retail breed of Urban Entertainment Centres, this complex is pedestrian oriented, creates both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, is punctuated with key tenants who act as activity generators; creating a vibrant, dynamic entertainment development. Themed on local cultural elements including the Falls and Water generation, the buildings borrow language from this famous context.The Skylon Tower and Pavillion includes renovations to the Skylon Tower building of approximately 160,000 square feet, plus an integrated new building of approximately 450,000 square feet with two retail/entertainment levels above a four level parking structure, and two new attached hotels

MARRIOTT DEVELOPMENT
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/9282/springhill1ls0.jpg

It's amazing how many project proposals showed up after the two Casinos opened their respective doors. I think investors thought this would be a poor mans Las Vegas. Unfortunately 9/11, Sars, a strong Canadian dollar, and the passport law have pretty much pushed tourist numbers well below there original projections. With that said Niagara Falls continues to draw millions of people from around the world, and the Falls themselves will always produce tourists.

Thanks for the images Mucciared!

[FALLSVIEW]

That location is basically the east end of McLeod Rd. so there are no stores or banks real close. Canadian Tire, Food Basics, Niagara Square are just up the road, but not walkable. But I forgot, they are luxury condos: they'll just send the hired help to the stores:)

Your right drafty, there is nothing near these condos at all and Canadian Tire will soon be moving further away. But it could eventually develop into a hot spot, just down the road from the Fallsview district and at the front gates of Thundering Waters. If you look at the stretch of Stanley avenue from the Fallsview section to Mcleod rd. it has been widened and has nice modern light posts all the way down. This might be the direction that the Fallsview tourism and future condo towers head!

[FALLSVIEW]

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/7864/ihopip7.jpg
IHOP RESTAURANT
COMING TO
NIAGARA FALLS


Company Signs First Expansion Agreement for Franchise Development in Eastern Canada
IHOP Corp. (NYSE:IHP) announced that it has secured additional Multi-Store and Single-Store Development Agreements during the third quarter 2006 for its franchisees to build an additional 20 new IHOP restaurants over the next eight years. These agreements provide for the development of new IHOP restaurants in the states of Georgia, Virginia and Washington, as well as for international development in Ontario, Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Pancakes Canada Limited controlled by the Alfieri Group has agreed to develop three new IHOP restaurants over the next five years in a portion of the region of Niagara, including Niagara Falls and the city of Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Pancakes Canada Limited is a franchisee new to the IHOP system. The Alfieri Group possesses more than 55 years of restaurant operations experience, with successful casual Italian themed, family restaurant operations in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

CLICK HERE (http://www.hotelresource.com/article24770-Franchisees_Commit_to_Develop____New_IHOP_Restaurants_.html) FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE!

[realcity]

Those Mariotts look a lot like the Hilton. Were are they going? They have the Courtyard Marriot is this going on that land?

[WhipperSnapper]

so neither of the two marriott towers already exists

[drafty]

The 2 towers were proposed for the same property as the Courtyard, back towards the Skylon, but that was a few years ago.
The Skylon proposal was, I believe, from the late 90's (remember the signs that used to be at the property corners showing a similar picture). Like most things Skylon, it didn't and probably never will happen.
On a positive note, the updated proposal for the Hilton expansion goes to council next Monday, so it looks like that might really happen soon. (I was reading the meeting agenda and guess who the only major opposition is to this expansion. Here's a hint: it starts with Sky and ends with lon!!!)

[realcity]

o i see. that is Courtyard in grey, and a parkade will go where the all-day breakfast is now. very nice. Skylon could be drowned out by those two towers and Hilton.

[FALLSVIEW]

I was told from an employee at the Marriott Courtyard that the towers are still a go, but not for a couple of years. With the passport law coming into affect this seems to be the norm around here. I also can confirm that the Skylon does plan on blocking the Hilton expansion, because of a deal that they have or had with the city that no building could exceed the height of the tower, whatever!

[mucciared]

After taking a look I think those photos are Courtyard project not Fallsview. Looking at the new photo, the grey building has a unique "wave or hill" room piece when if you look at the Courtyard picture you can see the same piece on the smaller building.

The 2 towers were proposed for the same property as the Courtyard, back towards the Skylon, but that was a few years ago.
The Skylon proposal was, I believe, from the late 90's (remember the signs that used to be at the property corners showing a similar picture). Like most things Skylon, it didn't and probably never will happen.
On a positive note, the updated proposal for the Hilton expansion goes to council next Monday, so it looks like that might really happen soon. (I was reading the meeting agenda and guess who the only major opposition is to this expansion. Here's a hint: it starts with Sky and ends with lon!!!)

[FALLSVIEW]

CLICK>ACCESS NIAGARA (http://www.accessniagara.com/blog/index.php/2006/10/27/skylon-tower-work/) has an article about work being done around the base of the Skylon Tower, for some reason the site won't let me leave a comment. When I was there the other day a worker told me that it was just work replacing old cracked cement, he said it had nothing to do with the fire, which I also wondered about!

[FALLSVIEW]

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the upcoming Hilton expansion, but the Denny's parking lot is taped off at the back of the building. Was helping a couple of friends today and one of their friends works for an electrical company who plans on making a bid for the Hilton expansion. I guess this is for real guy's!!!

[mucciared]

Do you now if Denny's is still open? I think groundbreaking will be exciting. This will be one of the largest hotels (tallest I think) in Canada at over 900 rooms in total.

[FALLSVIEW]

Yae it's still open, but this is definately going to happen Mucciared. I guess we'll see what happens at Monday's council meeting.

[FALLSVIEW]

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES...

Work has begun on floor number two of the Motel 6!

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/4313/niagaradevelopments010vv2.jpg
Same goes for the new Country Inn & Suites!

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/4903/niagaradevelopments015cw4.jpg

Ellen avenue side of this Boutique hotel is almost done!

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/2450/niagaradevelopments012ix5.jpg

[drafty]

On the subject of Canadian Tire being built at the Square, in May of last year, council approved expansion plans for the north end Canadian Tire to 91,000sq.ft. An A&P expansion and more retail was also included. Has anybody heard anything more about that?

[FALLSVIEW]

WORK HAS BEGUN ON
OLD NIAGARA TOURIST CENTER

AUGUST 31 2006
I noticed the other day that the blue and white information centre on the corner of Stanley Ave. and Roberts st. / HWY 420 has been sold. It has been up for sale for awhile and is a prime location for just about anything, wait and see what goes in there.


SEPTEMBER 6 2006
In late August the sale of the the old information building on Stanley Avenue closed. It sold for $450,000. Expect action on this property in the near future.


http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7476/niagaradevelopments008ko7.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

On the subject of Canadian Tire being built at the Square, in May of last year, council approved expansion plans for the north end Canadian Tire to 91,000sq.ft. An A&P expansion and more retail was also included. Has anybody heard anything more about that?

I personally haven't heard anything more about that Drafty.

[FALLSVIEW]

THESE TWO BUILDINGS HAVE SEEN EXTENSIVE WORK DONE
TO THEIR RESPECTIVE HOTELS.

SKYLINE INN continues work on their interior renovations.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/431/niagaradevelopments014kr0.jpg

Last piece of the puzzle for the overhauled COMFORT INN.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2696/niagaradevelopments011zy4.jpg

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/9021/niagaradevelopments018av3.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

FUN HOUSE IS GETTING SOME EXTERIOR WORK DONE THIS WEEK!

PERHAPS A NEW FACADE?

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6823/niagaradevelopments017bv8.jpg

[FALLSVIEW]

DOWNTOWN VS ARENA VS POLITICS!!

I have always believed that Mayor Salsi and a majority of council members have never desired to see this OHL proposal through no matter the deal, and a strong desire to see the Downtown deal through no matter the deal.


1. Last year JDS Delcor aproached Mayor Ted Salsi about the
prospect of bringing back the OHL to Niagara Falls, the mayor took
it upon himself to decline this idea without any input from
council!

2. Last year Aaron Lichtman came knocking in regards to
revitalizing a pretty large Downtown which is in utter decay and in
a very rough part of the city. He promised $100 million in retail
investment to the Queen Street area, but only if $36 million worth
of public projects - a parking garage, parks and reconstructed
roads - are completed.

3. Mayor is "quoted" as saying he gets shivers at the thought of seeing downtown restored to its former glory, and as far as bringing back the OHL “We’ll work to see what arrangements can be made as long as it’s in the best interest of the citizens of Niagara Falls.” I've only recently heard him use the line “residents best interest when refering to the downtown project. He has also made it clear on numerous occasions that his first priority is to re-vitalize the Downtown.

4. City council votes to build a 2001 seat arena at the old
Cyanamid site. Cyanamid plans to donate to the city 16 acres of the
93-acre site. Residents argue that the arena should atleast be the
same capacity as the old arena. A seat sale is started and thanks
to Niagara residents, we atleast have 3000 seats. Not nearly big enough for a tourist destination that doesn't even have a convention center.

5. "LAST YEAR" Unite Here, a labour union representing hotel
workers in Niagara Falls, sounded the alarm about the Cyanamid site
because the environmental review was using old data, some of it
taken in the 1990s after the plant closed. Still council did not
take this serious and pushed forward with plans for a 3000 seat
arena.

6. After St. Catharines turned down revamping there old arena into
a 5700 seat arena, because they had just invested in a new 4plex. JDS came back to Niagara Falls after the urging of council members, to see about joining forces on their proposed 3000 seat arena, and uping the size to 5700.

In a nutshell Aaron Lichtman has "never" offered a business plan or market study on which he has based his plan....CLICK> Council OKs $40K for new market study. < (http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/2006/08/22/niagara-falls-council-oks-40k-for-new-market-study-report-to-convince-senior-government-to-share-costs-to-revive-downtown/)The city instead has to invest it's own money for the same studies that Mr. Lichtman already has in his possession. Yet the Mayor gives him his full and undivided attention. In order to help fund the Downtown
project, the city will sell land at the corner of Montrose and Mcleod approx 7 million. I personally think this land would make a better location for an arena with no worries of contaminents. During the Sept 11th council meeting in which I attended JDS was more or less ambushed by the Mayor and Mr. Macdonald regarding the proposal from JDS. During the meeting the arena site being contaminated became the main focal point of the meeting and not the arena deal. Might I add council was informed about this site last year. The Mayor eluded to the fact that the city had only done a study for a 3000 seat arena not a 5700 seat arena, it was then obvious to all of us right there that the Mayor was searching for an out to this arena deal. It also became even clearer of his true intentions when I read this article...CLICK>Cytec site clean for twin-pad project. (http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/2006/10/19/cytec-site-clean-for-niagara-falls-twin-pad-project/) Afterall why would the Mayor want to deviate from getting 100 million worth of investors for the Downtown? What a legacy this would leave Mr. Salsi with. Plus the new arena land had already been donated, then they could use existing city owned land for funding of the Downtown. So now you tell the people arena site is safe, but only for 3000 not 5700, how convenient. Meanwhile JDS walks away out of frustration and the Mayor keeps his reputation intacked. Later on he can boast about how he has saved the Downtown with 100 million dollars in investments. Bottom line is JDS is a thorn in the side of Mayor Salsi's true agenda!!!

Here are some of the latest developments in the Downtown saga, which for me only stands to benefit tourists and Downtown businesses...

Council to review proposal to limit downtown funding
(http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/2006/10/16/niagara-falls-council-to-review-proposal-to-limit-downtown-funding/)
Downtown votes to keep 36 million in funding project (http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/2006/10/17/niagara-falls-downtown-project-still-alive/)

WHOOPS!! City staff report leaked to The Review. (http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/2006/10/21/niagara-falls-downtown-property-owners-like-idea-of-negotiation-not-expropriation-for-revitalization/)

Main and Ferry revitalization could include expropriation. (http://www.niagarathisweek.com/na/news/story/3744125p-4328549c.html)

Now the Mayor has to do some damage control... (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/search/results.asp?contentID=242220&catname=Local%20News&type=search&search1=downtown)

"I am currently not satisfied that we have all the information in order to make the best decision on behalf of the people," Salci said during a press conference that got upstaged when Steve King, another candidate for mayor, began asking questions.

WOW! THAT'S A DIFFERENT TUNE HE IS SINGING NOW!!

Niagara Falls should not proceed with Historic Niagara's proposal unless it makes "sound business sense" and "does not unduly burden" taxpayers, Salci said.

SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE IS COVERING HIS TRACKS NOW!!

Ald. Wayne Campbell said Salci was "doing damage control" Monday after news stories last week about a report that outlined four categories of land transactions that would need to occur if a partnership between the city and Lichtman is to work. The report raised the possibility of expropriating some private property if negotiated sales could not be negotiated.

A majority of council voted last week to move that report, intended for a closed-door meeting, onto the agenda for next Monday's public meeting partly because of the controversial comments about expropriation.

Salci said he considers expropriation of private property downtown "a last resort."

There were no council members at Salci's conference. Campbell was working at the time, but later said it has been "typical" of Salci not to advise aldermen about announcements he makes.

SOUNDS LIKE A MAYOR LOOKING OUT FOR HIS BEST INTERESTS!!

Where we stand today, is that the Mayor because of his insistance in trying to hide from the public his true intentions, by holding numerous closed door meeting's, had it blow up in his face this time...

SO THIS IS WHERE THE DOWNTOWN STANDS TODAY WITH NO HOPE IN HELL OF PROVINCIAL OR FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT...

Council wants to sell to Lichtman (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=252105&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

OH YEAH!! AND BEFORE I FORGET, THE OHL DEAL IS PUT OFF UNTIL AFTER THE ELECTIONS, HERE IS CONFIRMATION OF THIS...

I talked to Steve Ludzik of JDS and Alderman Jim Diodati and they decided to wait until after the November 13th election. They decided not to go now since it was the advice of Diodati that JDS would not receive a fair hearing since the two weeks before an election is "The Silly Season".

Current Council members are now more interested in getting attention and will be more likely to vote on the basis of what they perceive will generate votes, not necessari;y the right decision.

This close to an election Council will spend more time grand-standing than making the right decision based on information on hand. Probably smart to wait as some of these guys on Council will not likely be re-elected.


OH BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE, APPARENTLY THIS DEAL IS DEAD NOW?

COUNCIL BODYCHECKS OHL DEAL. (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=253258&catname=Local%20News&classif=News%20Alert)....

All I can say is that I will be voting for change, starting with the Mayor.

MOST ARTICLES FOUND @ NIAGARA FALLS BLOG - TRAVEL and TOURISM NEWS.

[FALLSVIEW]

Niagara News Releases.

Ten Canadian Players Make it to the Final Tables. (http://www.topix.net/r/07YhysJ3mJBJnwDvAsFNsoo9JmUtqGwImoBOq5uYNagdLGkRAS=2FKBNISPlsBk0cgk6hEKfNG0WxYPpxAcKhPOeO6UPyqjvEnrqF2hUNKngeLuIEhdoQ=2Bj5AHYme3=2BYLhU1wsIy6aiiFCmi2JpIxgMst7UT2GwZEvaTdxQdy9hH3g=3D)

Factory worker wins $1 million. (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=252106&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

McGuinty Government Gives Boost To Hospitality And Tourism Industry. (http://www.topix.net/r/07YhysJ3mJBJnwDvAsFNsom3YrAg4KwhYddAlWgRgtn1CnQDhPYwBA5EzgcekQdRikBtp0I3am8iKR9CMvTVUWLU51bcot4oJROwMhgVb2iUW=2Bfk9cIM5UfkldyObZ74o)

Niagara based Fluance Speakers releases a new enhanced home theater system (http://www.topix.net/r/07YhysJ3mJBJnwDvAsFNsolR2LiNaATL07oF1TqFNlP=2B22bJ8rJgc7hJWk4BrKHhxdmLKEkE40aawto4QscDqT0a=2Fzh1ciVNWAyvEXJ8df1I=3D)

OHL bid on hold until election. (http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=253623&catname=Local%20News&classif=)

The OHL Deal is probably finished, it's just not worth it for the city to put in that kind of funding and then having to turn around and rent ice from there own facility. However I stand firm to the fact that the Mayor treated this ownership group very unprofessionally, and he will not receive my vote!

[FALLSVIEW]

HILTON MODIFIED TO 52 STORIES
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/468/2812502550086450214aazaodphja4.jpg

The Hilton has again been modified from its original 58 stories @ 172 meters up to 193 meters and now back down to 52 stories @ 171 meters with a decorative cupola feature that projects a further 6 meters. The requested change in height is to accommodate this architectural feature. The latest proposal has a gross floor area of 153,000 sq meters (1,647,000 sq feet). The revised plan presented at Mondays Council meeting was approved with various design modifications to the original proposal. The next step is for Council to pass an amendment to the Zoning By-law to permit the specific design of the project. The architectural peer review panel is supportive of this latest proposal, and they note it is significantly better then the previous design considered in 2004. Other changes occurring are replacing the theatre with a multi purpose atrium, including restaurants and performance areas.


The Loblaws company which is building the Zehrs Superstore is waiting for completion of the Dorchester Road expansion before they begin construction.

[Tony]

I'm glad that the Hilton Expansion is actually still alive.

[FALLSVIEW]

Recently I have decided to start my own Niagara Falls Development & Proposal Blog. (http://niagarafallsdevelopmentsproposal.blogspot.com/) You can also click my signature below.

[Tony]

I think you should continue posting here, even though the responses aren't that plentiful, there are those of us that do read it for news. :)