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| NEWS |
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
Niagara Convention & Civic Centre is a new convention facility, scheduled to open in 2010. The convention centre will be located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, some 500 yards from the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in the fashionable Fallsview Tourist District. The 232,000 sq.ft. complex will feature a 100,000 sq.ft. free-span exhibition hall, 30,000 sq.ft. of flexible meeting space, a 500-seat theatre, state-of-the-art technology, and awe inspiring scenery. Presently, the convention centre site is surrounded by 5,000 upscale hotel rooms within a one mile radius, along with numerous dining, retail and entertainment facilities, including the one billion dollar Fallsview Casino Resort.
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NIAGARA PARKS BEGIN $35 MILLION PROJECT AT TABLE ROCK
The Niagara Parks Commission has begun a $35 million dollar renovation project at the Table Rock Point. This 1 year project will include enclosing the incline railway from the Fallsview area to enable year round operation. It will include an overhead pedestrian bridge walkway over the heavily traveled Niagara Parkway and include major renovations at the Table Rock Pavilion which will see the roof raised and a third floor added.
AND THE NEW ELEMENTS ON THE FALLS RESTAURANT & GRAND HALL
OPENING JUNE 2008
The New Restaurant and Grand Hall can accommodate 300 in the restaurant and another 100 in the Grand Hall seated and we can do groups of up to 1,000 Reception including Mall Level with Theme Food stations, bars, bands on both levels, Canadian Mounties, Digital Photos with conference name/logo.
EXCLUSIVE VENUE AT THE BRINK OF THE FALLS FOR PRIVATE CONFERENCE EVENTS. The Niagara Parks Commission owns and operates a "World-Class Collection of Entertainment Venues" at the Falls that will generate record-breaking attendance for your Conference & Corporate Events.
- 5 Restaurants - Themed Conference and dining events at the Falls
- Illuminate the Falls in your organization colours!
- 5 Golf Courses - Legends on the Niagara, host of the 2004 Canadian Women's Open
- "The Niagara Falls & Great Gorge VIP Tour" includes Maid of the Mist, Butterfly Conservatory, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, Private shuttle, Preferred entry and personal Niagara Parks Guide
CONFERENCE PLANNING MANUAL - CD ROM OF NIAGARA IMAGES - DISCOVERY GUIDES FOR DELEGATE BAGS
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JAY COCHRANE RETURNS TO NIAGARA FALLS IN 2008
High-wire walker, Jay Cochrane is expected to return to Niagara Falls during the summer of 2008. He will be performing daily skywalks from the top of the Sheraton-on-the-Falls Hotel located on the north side of Clifton Hill at Falls Avenue to a tower to be erected on the south side near the top of Clifton Hill on Hoco property.
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| EVENTS |
NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
Sunday, Ocober 26, 2008
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 - 26th ANNIVERSARY
NOVEMBER 8, 2008 to JANUARY 5, 2009
Enjoy spectacular illuminations and countless festive events at Canada's foremost illumination festival. The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Ontario sparkles with over 3 million lights and more than 120 animated displays, including the famous Enchantment of Disney® displays. From the world's largest illuminated Canadian-American Flag display and spectacular LED tree lighting to Canada's largest, illuminated Menorah display and an angelic Nativity Scene, visitors will enjoy many wondrous displays both along the 5 km Niagara Parks' Winter Wonderland lighting route and throughout the City.
The lights and displays are illuminated from 5:00 pm to midnight. There is no admission fee to enjoy them but donations are gratefully accepted, with all proceeds used to enhance the lights and displays (a $10 per vehicle donation is suggested).
Enjoy brilliant fireworks performances and a calendar full of festive events including: Disney's® Beauty and the Beast; Winter Festival Candle Light Stroll; Candy Cane Lane 5k Race & Fun Run; Niagara Falls Comedy Fest; Concerts at the Arena (featuring Randy Travis, Debbie Reynolds and the stars of Hee Haw); 25th Annual Festival of Lights Cheerleading Championship; City of Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade; dinner theatre shows, art & craft shows, and so much more!
The 26th annual Winter Festival of Lights captures the magic of the holiday season from November 8, 2008 to January 5, 2009. 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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SPRING IN BLOOM CONCERTS
MAY 1, 2008 TO MAY 3, 2008 - FEATURING MICKEY GILLEY & THE LETTERMEN
The Winter Festival of Lights has announced it is launching a spring concert series called the "Spring in Bloom Concerts".
The inaugural event will feature award-winning musical artists, Mikey Gilley and The Lettermen performing from May 1 to 3, 2008 at the Niagara Falls Memorial Arena.
Gilley and his award-winning eight piece band, which includes Joey riley, will perform on May 1st (7:30pm) and May 2nd (2:00pm).
The Lettermen will perform on May 2nd (7:30pm) and May 3rd (2:00pm).
Tickets prices: $49.00 to 52.00 for Mickey Gilley/$39.00 to $42.00 for The Lettermen
Tickets can be purchased the Winter Festival of Lights at 1-800-563-2557 or 905-374-1616 Ext. 40. Tickets are also available through TicketPro Canada at 1-866-908-9090 or www.tickepro.ca.
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FREE FIREWORKS OVER THE FALLS
The whole family will be thrilled by the free Fireworks over the Falls, every Friday and Sunday at 10:00pm from Friday, May 16, 2008 until Sunday, August 31, 2008.
Special displays are also held on Canadian and U.S. Holidays: Victoria Day, Memorial Day, Canada Day, U.S. Independence Day, and Canadian Civic Holiday.
Note: These dates and times are approximate and subject to change. As always, fireworks performances are weather permitting and may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions like high winds or rain.
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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.
2008 Falls Illumination Schedule
January 1 to January 7 5:00 p.m. - Midnight
January 8 to February 29 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
*March 1 to March 8 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m.
* March 9 to March 31 Mondays to Thursdays 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
* April 1 to April 30 Mondays to Thursdays 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
(* Fridays to Sundays only in March & April, Off time is Midnight)
May 1 to August 14 9:00 p.m. - Midnight
August 15 to September 30 8:30 p.m. - Midnight
October 1 to October 31 7:00 p.m. - Midnight
November 1 to November 7 6:30 p.m. - Midnight
November 8 to December 30 5:00 p.m. - Midnight
December 31 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
NOTE: All 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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 NIAGARA SKYWHEEL - NOW OPEN!!!
Niagara SkyWheel is a giant all season Ferris Wheel with Gondola.
SkyWheel Info:
Height: 53 meters tall (over 175')
Ride Duration: 10 min
Wheelchair Accessible |
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Gondola Info:
Number of enclosed Gondolas - 42
Max passengers per Gondola - 6
Gondola loading - 6 simutaniously |
From the Bright Lights of the City, to the Thundering Waters of Niagara Falls, you'll see it all!
For more information please call: 905-358-4793
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Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Set to open soon, this 115,000 sq.ft world-class aquarium will include interactive exhibits, showcase colour species from around the world, and take visitors on a journey through the evolution of the Canadian Seas and the Ancient Savage Sea to present day in a unique, entertaining way. One of the main attractions will be the Greenland sharks, one of the largest predatory sharks in the world.
The state-of-the-art Ripley's Aquarium of Canada combines technology from the themed entertainment industry with lighting, music and viewer friendly design to create a one-of-a-kind aquarium experience. The Aquarium will be situated on a 25-acre site which will also include the Great Wolf Lodge.
For further information, please contact Ripley's Entertainment - Tim Parker (905) 356-2261
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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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