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| French:Commission des parcs du Niagara | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1885 (1885) |
| Type | Crown agency |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Ontario |
| Headquarters | Oak Hall 7400 Portage Road Niagara Falls,Ontario |
| Agency executive |
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| Child agency | |
| Key document |
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| Website | www |
TheNiagara Parks Commission, commonly shortened toNiagara Parks, is an agency of theGovernment of Ontario which maintains theOntario shoreline of theNiagara River.
The Commission was founded in 1885 and charged with preserving and enhancing the natural beauty ofNiagara Falls and the Niagara River corridor as a public greenspace and environmental heritage.[1] The first commissioner wasCasimir Gzowski. Other notable Commissioners have includedThomas McQuesten andJames Allan. Current Commission Chair is vice chair April Jeff’s. Former chair Sandie Bellows, died October 2021.
In total, the Commission is in charge of about 16.19 square kilometres (6.25 sq mi) of parkland along the river, in addition to theNiagara Parkway which spans 56 kilometres (35 mi). In this corridor, the NPC manages numerous trails, historic sites, picnic areas, and attractions. The Commission formerly managedNavy Island National Historic Site under a lease agreement with theParks Canada.
Niagara Parks also operated thePeople Mover, a shuttle bus system intended to aid transportation along the Niagara River and help reduce automobile crowding near the Falls. The buses were powered bypropane and included a trailer unit during most popular hours. In the long term, the Commission is planning for a fixed track transit system along the Niagara Parkway, although no decision has been taken on the exact technology to be used.[2][3] In the meantime, the Commission joined forces withNiagara Falls Transit to launch the fully accessibleWEGO bus system in 2012, and in the process discontinued the People Mover service.[4]
The Niagara Heritage Trail is a historic and scenic route running the entire 56 kilometre Canadian coastline of theNiagara River fromFort Erie northward toNiagara-on-the-Lake. Construction began in stages during the early 1980s, and was completed in 1995.
The trail makes its central heart inQueen Victoria Park near the main tourist area, and also passes by attractions such as theWhirlpool Golf Course,Niagara Botanical Gardens, theNiagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, and theFloral clock.
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
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