Niagara Monthly

17/02/2024

𝙉𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙖’𝙨 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙚

[NIAGARA MONTHLY] Many Niagara Falls residents will be surprised to learn that the city’s latest attraction has been quietly in development for three years – and that it’s not just for tourists.

In a seismic grand opening happening until 4 pm today, the Niagara Falls Exchange is described as the “epicentre of Niagara Falls Arts & Culture.” The opening features art exhibitions, live musical talent, diverse local vendors, and interactive activities.

Beautifully branded and delightfully decorated, the building will be a vibrant new market and cultural hub located near Main and Ferry. Approved and advanced by the Niagara Falls City Council, it aims to incubate and showcase the city's food, music, art, and culture scenes.

The upcoming opening of the Mahtay Café within the space marks a significant development in the cultural landscape of Niagara Falls, offering a new venue for social and artistic interaction. Positioned as more than just a café, this establishment is envisioned as a key component of the Exchange, facilitating engagement and collaboration among artists, residents, and visitors. It aims to serve as a lively meeting place where the community can sip and relax in a creatively stimulating environment.

Adjacent to the café, the Exchange features a diverse array of facilities designed to support and promote local arts and culture. The Market Hall, artist studios, woodworking studio, and gallery collectively provide a comprehensive space for cultural expression and innovation. These facilities offer artists space to create and display their work, while also hosting events that reflect the cultural identity of the Falls.

It seems that in a world of endless swipes and likes, the Exchange offers something real – a place to connect, create, and celebrate the incredible tapestry of talent that makes this city unique.

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(Photos: Niagara Monthly)

28/11/2023

𝙒𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃: 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙉𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝘽𝙪𝙯𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣

[NIAGARA MONTHLY] 117 years after opening, one of Niagara’s most historically significant buildings is back in the spotlight. Starting next year, the vacant “Toronto Power Generating Station” building will be transformed into a premium tourism and event destination with viewing areas, a museum, an art gallery, diverse culinary venues, and Niagara Falls’ first five-star boutique accommodation.

The station has historic ties to Nikola Tesla and has been vacant since electricity generation ceased in 1974. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1983.

Spearheaded by Pearle Hospitality, the development will require over $200 million in private funds and will generate new tax revenue for the city.

The announcement was made by video on November 27 by David Adames, Niagara Parks Commission CEO. In 2021 the NPC revitalized the nearby Rankine power plant as an interactive museum, and last year opened a deep connecting tunnel with a scenic platform at the base of the falls.

Watch the video announcement and plans here: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=389573030163218

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10/07/2023

😄 𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙋𝙊𝙎𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙉𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙨 👍

We celebrate Niagara with positive news and exclusive uplifting stories from across the Niagara region.

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10/07/2023

𝙉𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙉𝙞𝙠𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙡𝙖 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

[NIAGARA MONTHLY] It couldn’t be a more perfect 167th birthday. Set against the backdrop of the great waterfall that sparked a young Nikola’s imagination, thousands of people celebrated Nikola Tesla Day in a brilliant display of light, energy, and mindful marvel.

Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor, is perhaps best known for his advancements in alternating current (AC) electrical systems. His feud with Thomas Edison—who was a staunch advocate of direct current (DC) systems— eventually led to the famous "War of the Currents."

Tesla and Niagara have deep and powerful connections. It was at Niagara that he first demonstrated the superiority of his AC generator design on a grand scale. A 1905 hydroelectric power plant based on the designs of Nikola Tesla was recently converted by the Niagara Parks Commission into a popular attraction and multimedia museum.

The July 9 international celebration in Queen Victoria Park featured educational demonstrations by an electrical engineer, a concert stage, dancers, food vendors, and a magnificent fireworks display.

The City of Niagara Falls Canada established the annual Tesla Day in 2010. Festival director Borislav Zivkovic has championed the Serbian-born inventor in several initiatives to bring recognition to the modest man who shaped today’s world like few others.

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(Photos: Niagara Monthly)

13/05/2023

𝙉𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙖'𝙨 𝙃𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙀𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙘

[NIAGARA MONTHLY] Just steps from the Tim Hortons in Chippawa you can see a curious new edible invention… and now, the culinary genius responsible asks a question: who in Niagara is brave enough to conquer the Atomic Sandwich?

After earning a reputation for mouthwatering artisan chicken and pork sandwiches, the Chippawa eatery “2 NINE FIVE” recently found itself overwhelmed by requests for an even spicier experience. Enter Harmeet, a world traveller and hot sauce virtuoso, who took on the challenge like a culinary Einstein in a high-stakes game of "How Hot Can You Go?"

Burning the midnight oil in his hot sauce laboratory for several months, Harmeet perfected a delicious array of artisan chicken sandwiches, each hotter than the last. The result? The new “Atomic Chicken Sandwich,” believed to be Canada’s hottest.

While still serving popular classics like fish & chips and honey garlic chicken sandwiches, the Atomic Sandwich now draws a growing crowd of dining daredevils and sandwich spectators. News is spreading of a possible “Atomic Launch” event featuring local celebrities and a sandwich-eating contest.

In a nostalgic nod to Chippawa’s history, the eatery is adjoined to a charming general store, offering some of the lowest prices on everyday items in the area. Chippawa had six such stores in 1871, and the general store & eatery concept has been making a revival in recent years across North America.

And the unusual eatery name? It’s the phone code for Chippawa, as demonstrated by 2 NINE FIVE’s own phone number, 905-295-7070: formerly, the Buried Treasure café.

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Images: Niagara Monthly

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24/02/2023

U.S. Osprey Flies Over Niagara, Startles Residents

[NIAGARA MONTHLY] Responding to a loud and unusual noise, residents across the city peered out their windows as a US V-22 Osprey circled over the falls before turning back to America. The purpose of the flight is not immediately known, and military craft generally don't appear on flight tracking apps.

The Osprey is a unique aircraft that has captured the attention of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its ability to take off and land like a helicopter and also fly like a fixed-wing aircraft. The Osprey has a unique design, with two rotors mounted on the wings that can rotate to provide both vertical and horizontal lift. The aircraft also has a tilt rotor system, which allows it to switch between vertical and horizontal flight modes quickly.

18/10/2022

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀: 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱

[NIAGARA MONTHLY] Teaching positions, campus staff, and a bounty of student support positions may soon materialize for the newly-announced "University of Niagara Falls Canada," planned to open in the city's downtown core in 2024.

This apparent economic windfall is projected by economist Dr. Roslyn Kunin to generate $291 million in gross domestic product (GDP), $194 million in labour income, and $23 million in government tax revenue.

The new university will offer "world-class, digitally-minded education" and "provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the 21st-Century workforce," according to Cyndi McLeod, Board Director for the new university.

A modern new university may reduce the need for local high school graduates to commute or relocate for their post-secondary education. Retaining young talent in the city could foster local innovation and boost Niagara's technology industry, lessening dependence on the service industry.

"Business and industry leaders helped shape curriculum, program and degree offerings with local labour market needs in mind and based on extensive consultations in the community," said McLeod.

The university will be operated by GUS Canada, which has created post-secondary institutions in communities across Canada, including University Canada West (Vancouver), the Canadian College of Technology and Business (Vancouver), the Toronto School of Management (Toronto), the Trebas Institute (Toronto and Montreal), and The Language Gallery (Vancouver and Toronto).

The university is set to welcome new students in 2024, following Government of Ontario approval.

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Images: Niagara Monthly

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19/09/2022

𝐍𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 25-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
[September 2022 - Niagara Monthly] Last year, the Head Instructor ("Shihan") of Tiger's Lair Karate & Fitness fought his toughest-ever opponent in a long battle on the corner of Drummond and Dunn. And for a moment, Shihan Andre Lemieux thought he finally met his match: would COVID deliver his club the same tragic knockout that shuttered so many other local businesses during the pandemic?

It turned out that “perseverance” and “commitment”—two virtues Lemieux instilled in thousands of young students—are what ultimately saved his club. And now, the five-time world champion is celebrating a new title: oldest martial arts school in Niagara Falls operating under the same ownership.

Shihan Lemieux says he was determined to learn from the hardship and use it to grow. Over the past few months he modernized his classes for improved safety, created online coaching options, and is now purchasing new equipment for student comfort and enhanced sanitation.

"Youth karate classes continue to be a great place to learn mental discipline and respect, make friends, and develop a lifelong love of fitness," remarked Lemieux in a lunchtime interview at the Italian Ice Cream café on Victoria Avenue. "I've had the honour of teaching many students in their most formative years; some from kindergarten straight on to university."

For what is also the club's 25th anniversary, Tiger's Lair Karate is now expanding its adult fitness programs. New "plain clothes" classes offer cardio fitness and teach practical self-defence skills. While the adventurous can learn MMA techniques with optional sparring training, most participants are attracted to the well-known cardio, strength, and flexibility benefits of kickboxing.

Photos by: Tiger's Lair, Niagara Monthly
Source: Tiger's Lair Karate & Fitness

14/08/2022

Niagara's Skyline Will Soon Change Dramatically
[NIAGARA MONTHLY - August 14, 2022]

The enormous building will be an incredible 225 metres -- greater than the combined height of the Skylon tower (160 m) and the Horseshoe Falls (57 m).

And that's only one of them. A trio of new towers was finally approved by Niagara Falls City Council this week, but have spent many years in the planning and approval stages.

The three towers will be 45, 60 and 39 storeys high and situated on the former Loretto property about 800 metres southwest of the Horseshoe Falls. The luxury hotel and residence complex will preserve and incorporate the historic Loretto Academy building.

According to the developer, the project is "part of an initiative that will add considerably to existing tourist numbers by embracing a business model designed to attract affluent international shoppers." They predict the development (dubbed "The Great Falls") will entertain over one million visitors annually and attract $185 million in tourism revenue.

The Great Falls development will house over 1000 apartment units and over 500 hotel rooms. The vision includes a world-class conference and entertainment complex.

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(Photos: Three Bridges Properties)

28/06/2022

Hidden Niagara Tunnel Revealed After 121 Years

[June 27, 2022] Part of a hydroelectric power plant based on the designs of Nikola Tesla, the 2,200-foot-long tunnel was built in 1901 using only dynamite, pickaxes, and shovels. Practically unknown even to locals, the tunnel will soon be accessible by a glass-enclosed elevator that descends 18 storeys beneath Niagara to give tourists a spectacular view of both the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. (Photo: Niagara Parks)

09/06/2022

Spaceship Serves Breakfast for 50 Years 🤯

[June 9, 2022] Today the Flying Saucer Drive-In Restaurant restaurant celebrates a half-century of delightful dining. A band played classic rock while patrons enjoyed a sunny afternoon in the colourful outdoor seating. The celebration kicked off with retro 70's pricing and a visit by Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati

25/05/2022

😲😲 IMAX Pyramid Theatre being Demolished 🎥💥

[NIAGARA MONTHLY - MAY 25, 2022] In a sad sight for many locals, the iconic Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre is currently being demolished.

👉 More pyramid demolition photos: https://www.facebook.com/niagaramonthly

The 600-seat theater featured the long-running film “Niagara: Miracles, Myths & Magic.” According to the official IMAX Niagara website, "a new theatre is in the works with an announcement planned soon."

The property was sold in 2017 and will be the future site of a 12-storey, 230-room hotel, according to the St. Catharines Standard.
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Do you have old photos of the pyramid theatre, more info about the IMAX relocation, or the planned hotel? Add to the story below, and share with your Niagara community! 🙏

20/05/2022

More photos of the Niagara IMAX Pyramid Theatre demolition (May 19, 2022)
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Do you have old photos of the pyramid theatre, more info about the IMAX relocation, or the planned hotel? Add to the story below, and share with your Niagara community! 🙏

19/05/2022

😲😲 IMAX Pyramid Theatre being Demolished 🎥💥
Have you ever been to the Niagara IMAX Theatre? When did you go, and what did you see?

[NIAGARA MONTHLY - MAY 19, 2022] In a sad sight for many locals, the iconic Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre is currently being demolished. Many people across the Niagara region have fond memories of this large-screen attraction that was part of the distinctive landscape around the Skylon Tower since 1986.

👉 More pyramid demolition photos: https://www.facebook.com/niagaramonthly

The 600-seat theater featured the long-running film “Niagara: Miracles, Myths & Magic.” According to the official IMAX Niagara website, "a new theatre is in the works with an announcement planned soon."

The property was sold in 2017 and will be the future site of a 12-storey, 230-room hotel, according to the St. Catharines Standard.
--
Do you have old photos of the pyramid theatre, more info about the IMAX relocation, or the planned hotel? Add to the story below, and share with your Niagara community! 🙏

10/05/2022

Little Evan is doing much better now! 😺💛
Evan came into Foster care in ‘self-defence' mode... scared, a bit upset, not trusting and fearful of anything other that treats..... then POOOOF, one day he transformed into the snuggliest, cuddliest, purring and happy boy, following his foster mom all over the house and loving to be pet and combed! He's a true couch potato, and loves to roll around demanding attention!

🙏 Know anyone who might have a loving home for Evan?

You can sponsor Evan for a day and view the adoption steps here: https://adopt.adopets.com/pet/100239c5-7cff-46bb-a3ab-040f607e4b29

Photos and info courtesy of Lincoln County Humane Society (St. Catharines)

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Only available once a month, we celebrate Niagara with positive news and exclusive uplifting stories from the Niagara region.

26/04/2022

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