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Interested in covering Niagara Falls? CLICK HERE to review our MEDIA ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES and fill our the MEDIA ASSISTANCE FORM.
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PASSPORT INFORMATION
Entry into Canada
Soon Americans returning home via land and sea from any international destination will need to show a passport or other secure travel document.
As of January 23, 2007, a new American law, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), requires anyone, including U.S. citizens, entering or re-entering the United States by air to have a passport or a NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.
By June 1, 2009 or earlier, anyone, including U.S. citizens, entering or re-entering the United States by land and sea will need to have a passport or other appropriate secure document.
At this point, only requirements for travel by air to the United States have changed. Americans can continue to use documents such as their birth certificates and government-issued photo identification (e.g. driver's license) to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land and sea until the WHTI is fully implemented.
Visit the U.S. Department of State Web site frequently for international travel updates at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.
For detailed information about obtaining or renewing your U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services Office, or access U.S. passport application services for the United States Postal Service.
The NEXUS program is limited to citizens of Canada and the United States, lawful permanent residents of the United States and permanent residents of Canada. For information on how to apply visit
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/frequent_travler/nexus_prog/nexus.xml.
For detailed information on entry requirements, including medical exams, working or studying in Canada, and what you are permitted to bring into Canada, visit the Canada International Web site.
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Niagara Falls' reputation as a natural world wonder and honeymoon capital of the planet beckons visitors from around the globe.
But it is the bridges that actually bring most of them here.
No other single factor contributes more to tourism growth - indeed the export trade economy overall - than the NFBC's three monumental linkages of concrete and steel. Niagara Falls crossings rank second only to Kennedy International as the busiest port of entry between the U.S. and Canada. If you are about to travel over Niagara's gorge, your vehicle will take one of about 12 million passages expected this year on NFBC bridges.
FOR THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS FOR THE BRIDGES GO TO www.niagarafallsbridges.com
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NIAGARA CONVENTION & CIVIC CENTRE - NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA
The Niagara Convention and Civic Centre is to be built on the west side of Stanley Avenue opposite Livingston Street in the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The $87 million dollar project is 231,000 square feet in size that includes a 100,000 square feet main exhibit hall, 31,000 square feet of meeting space and 100,000 square feet of support space.
The project is jointly financed by the Federal Government ($35 million dollars), the Provincial Government ($35 million dollars), the Falls Management Company ($15 million dollars) and the Fallsview BIA ($2 million dollars).
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GALE CENTRE
The facility will be located on the old Cyanamid grounds at Stanley Avenue and Thorold Stone Road.
- Main Rink - 2, 000 seats (NHL Size)
- Flexible Community Room for hosting special events and public skating
- Office facilities for all youth user groups
- Meeting Rooms with audio/video capabilities
- On-site Pro Shop & Skate sharpening services
- 3 Community rinks - 250 bench seats each (NHL Size)
- Sports Wall of Fame
- Convenor Room for Tournaments
- Fully accessible building
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NIAGARA'S FURY THE CREATION OF THE FALLS
480 Tonnes of steel was used in the construction of Niagara's Fury. The central platform over the pool has three degrees of freedom, and is being used for the very first time. The pool holds 45,000 gallons of water, and the room temperature, humidity and air pressure can change within seconds. The snow machine can recreate blizzard conditions, and wind machine can create anything from a gentle breeze to storm force winds!
The seamless 360 degree screen is one of a kind, and a special 9 camera digital rig was developed specifically for this theatre. A 360 degree rain curtain surrounds the audience, and water cannons and pool bubbles accent the 56 foot wide waterfall within the attraction.
Preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the Falls, Niagara's Fury show-cases nature in ways never seen before!
To find out more, watch our videos at www.niagarasfury.com
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| EVENTS |
NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Starting in Buffalo, NY, the marathon runs for four miles in the USA before crossing the Peace Bridge into the historic town of Fort Erie, then heads north on the beautiful Niagara River Parkway to finish at the magnificent Niagara Falls.
With more than 5,000 athletes, we anticipate the largest starting field in this event's history. We take much pride in the champions, athletes, volunteers, spectators and media that have helped us sustain and celebrate the Niagara Falls International Marathon over the years.
The prestige of the Niagara Falls International Marathon is matched only by the ambition of its participants. We rely on the support and generosity of Fallsview Casino Resort and our other loyal sponsors to ensure that the athletes' aspirations are realized. For the past ten years, Fallsview Casino Resort's valued presence has enhanced the enjoyment of every runner, as well as the media's experience in Niagara Falls.
Additionally, race participants have benefited from a mutually rewarding friendship that exists between the City of Buffalo, the Peace Bridge Authority, the Town of Fort Erie, the Niagara Parks Commission, the Region of Niagara and the City of Niagara Falls. From the local officials directly involved with the race to the cheering crowds who line the streets, the host communities have whole heartedly embraced the Niagara Falls International Marathon. The only marathon in the World that starts in one country and finishes in another.
We offer to our runners a full weekend of activities, from the two day Health and Fitness Expo, International Friendship run, Pasta Party and a selection of races from the Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Walk, 10 Km Race, 5 Km race and the Schools Marathon Challenge. We have something for everyone.
For more information, please visit our website at www.niagarafallsmarathon.com or contact the marathon office at 905-356-9460. You may also e-mail the Marathon at info@niagarafallsmarathon.com.
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WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - 27th ANNIVERSARY
NOVEMBER 7, 2009 to JANUARY 4, 2010
The Winter Festival of Lights runs from November 7, 2009 to January 4, 2010 and has been recognized as a Top 100 Festival by Festivals & Events Ontario and a Top 100 Internationally Known Event by the American Bus Association. Most recently, the Ontario Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Monique Smith, officially named the Winter Festival of Lights an Ontario Festivals & Events of Distinction.
As Canada's foremost illumination festival we offer an illuminating experience to over one million people each year with 3 million dazzling lights and over 120 animated lighting displays, including the world-famous Enchantment of Disney® displays, the spectacular Zimmerman Fountain display and the world's largest illuminated Canadian-American Flag display.
Most of these brilliant illuminations are found within the Niagara Parks. Winter Wonderland, which runs along the Niagara Parkway for about five kilometers (3 miles). The illuminations can be viewed from 5:00 pm to midnight every night during the Festival. There is no admission fee but donations are gratefully accepted ($10 per vehicle is suggested), with all proceeds used to enhance the illuminations. Being such a long route, it's recommended that you drive through the Winter Wonderland. Afterwards, you can park your vehicle across from the Table Rock Complex to take photographs of your favourite displays or enjoy one of the many amenities found within Table Rock.
For many people, a visit to Niagara Falls during the Winter Festival of Lights has become a tradition as those who once visited as children are now returning with their own.
Besides brilliant illuminations, the Festival includes a calendar full of festive events including: Fireworks over the Falls; Opening Ceremonies with an exciting showcase of theatrical presentations including performances by Disney® characters and the Festival of Lights Holiday Choir; Christmas Concerts featuring Loretta Lynn and The Gatlin Brothers; Niagara Falls Comedy Fest; Winter Festival Candle Light Stroll; Candy Cane Lane 5k Race & Fun Run; Festival of Lights Cheerleading Championship; Canada's largest New Year's Eve Party; and so much more!
The 27th Winter Festival of Lights captures the magic of the holiday season from November 7, 2009 to January 4, 2010. Visit our website or contact us to learn more, including great accommodation packages.
Website: www.WFOL.com, Email: info@WFOL.com, 1-800-563-2557 x. 26
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FREE FIREWORKS OVER THE FALLS
2009 FREE FALLS FIREWORKS
Sponsored by PIZZA PIZZA
Come to Queen Victoria Park to the Illumination Stage across from the Falls for FREE Coca-Cola Concerts at 8:00 p.m. followed by Pizza Pizza Fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Every Friday, Sunday and holiday beginning May 15.
Holidays:
Victoria Day, May 18
Memorial Day, May 25
Canada Day, July 1
Independence Day, July 4
Civic Holiday, August 3
Note: All these dates and times are approximate and subject to change. Fireworks displays are weather permitting.
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NIGHTLY ILLUMINATION OF THE FALLS
Every evening beginning at dusk the Falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow - don't miss the unmatched beauty of the Falls at night!
Illumination of the Falls has been Financed and Operated by The Niagara Falls Illumination Board since 1925.
2009 Falls Illumination Schedule
January 1 to January 5 5:00 p.m. - Midnight
January 6 to February 28 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
*March 1 to March 7 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m.
*March 8 to March 31 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
*April 1 to April 30 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
*During the months of March & April, the Falls will be illuminated until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
May 1 to August 13 9:00 p.m. - Midnight
August 14 to September 30 8:30 p.m. - Midnight
October 1 to October 31 7:00 p.m. - Midnight
November 1 to November 6 6:30 p.m. - Midnight
November 7 to December 30 5:00 p.m. - Midnight
December 31 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
NOTE: Illumination times are approximate and subject to change according to light conditions.
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| ATTRACTIONS |
BROCK'S MOUNUMENT RESTORATION
Parks Canada has announced that they will soon begin restoration of Brock's Monument at Queenston Heights Park.
Safety concerns over crumbling concrete prompted Parks Canada to close the 150 year old 56 meter (184.7 feet) tall to the public in 2004.
This $1 million dollar plus project is set to begin in the early Spring. A large scaffold will be built to envelop the monument to allow workers safe access during their restoration work.
Engineers have found worrisome cracks in the statues' famous outstretched arm. The limb was a replacement for the original arm that broke away after being struck by lightning in April 1929.
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HOCO Announces $100 Million Investment
HOCO Entertainment & Resorts have announced plans to redevelop their 31 acre parcel of land from Clifton Hill to Robinson Street overlooking the Falls of Niagara. A 20 attraction amusement park fashioned similarly to the famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark will include several roller coasters and a giant all season 177 feet (54M) Ferris Wheel. A 28 storey - 294 room hotel tower will anchor the development which will include both indoor and outdoor water parks.
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| ACCOMMODATIONS |
 HILTON HOTEL BREAKS GROUND FOR SKYSCRAPER
The Hilton Hotel on Fallsview Boulevard has recently broken ground for a new section of their existing hotel located at the south-west corner of Fallsview Boulevard at Murray Street. An existing Denny's Restaurant was torn down to prepare the site. The new hotel addition is planned to become the tallest building in Niagara at 172 meters (564 feet). When completed, this addition will eclipse the height of the Skylon Tower by 12 meters. The Skylon is 160 meters (520 feet) tall - 53 storeys.
As of April 1st 2007, the base has been excavated and the steel and concrete footing are being constructed.
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SKYSCRAPER ON FALLS AVENUE
The Canadian Niagara Hotels have announced plans to replace the existing Casino Niagara Tower with a new 59 storey - 751 foot (229m) tall hotel and observation tower. This will become the tallest building in Niagara Falls.
The existing 341 foot (104) tall tower was built in 1964 as a land mark by the Oneida Community Developments Company (Canada) Limited (Oneida Silver Company).
In 1974, the Oneida Tower became known as the Niagara Tower and Plaza Limited. In 1985, this tower would become the center piece of the Maple Leaf Village Shopping Complex under the name of "Kodak Tower". The top of the tower became an observation deck and is serviced by an elevator.
Since the opening of Casino Niagara in 1998, the primary skyline feature is the 350 foot tall white tower which at night becomes a lighted beacon which can be seen for miles around. Each side of the tower has the word "CASINO" spelled out in giant red lighted lettering from top to bottom.
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