This week, I am continuing my look at the new tourism developments that are set to change and strengthen Niagara as a tourism destination. Featured today are the scattered developments that are adding value across Niagara.
Tourism continues to be an important economic driver across Niagara. Growth in tourism related developments are helping to establish municipalities like the town of Lincoln, St. Catharines and Fort Erie as “destinations” within the region. While other established tourism destinations like Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake focus on refining and growing their larger tourism landscapes.
The municipalities that have adopted tourism development as an additional economic strategy continue to produce inventive developments that move to strengthen Niagara's tourism appeal as a whole.
New Developments St. Catharines
St. Catharines recently (November 2015) welcomed the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre into its tourism portfolio and with the Meridian Centre entering it’s second year the city is drawing in tourists interested in entertainment. The two venues offer a wealth of programming, likely to enhance the abilities ability to draw in tourism. In response to their opening, many storefronts along St. Paul St. are seemingly under construction in order to take advantage of the new foot traffic . Look for the downtown area to grow its retail and food and beverage offerings.
New Developments Twenty Valley/Town of Lincoln
This summer Twenty Valley welcomed additions in Redstone Winery, Westcott Vineyards and a newly expanded megalomaniac. The high-end offerings strengthen the already thriving, although less known, wine and culinary tourism scene established within Lincoln.
A newly designed facility for the Jordan Historical Museum will add to the Jordan Village tourism landscape in the near future. The Ventin Group design currently includes an amphitheatre, which could add a performing arts appeal to the location. The design which will cost an estimated $2 million sees a mixture of glass, stone and wood, and a 1.5-storey space large enough to house all of the museums stored artifacts.
Areas for potential development
Twenty Valley’s Prudhomme’s Landing site
The shoreline parcel has long sat vacant, but original site plans saw a $319 million development with condos, shops, a hotel and museum. With 79-acres and an iconic history the property has a wealth of potential.
Port Dalhousie
Port Places stall has put Port Dalhousies tourism appeal behind, although a number of established and new businesses are fighting for the appeal to return. Latest news, sees "shovels" in Port Place by spring 2016.
Fort Erie’s Marina
New plans for development at Fort Erie's Miller's Creek Marina has reached focus group status. With three proposed designs to enhance the marina in addition to the oringinal $200 million proposed development by Warren DAC.
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