Mayors Of Buffalo And Fort Erie Launch An International Waterfront Gateway Strategy

FORT ERIE/BUFFALO: November 13th, 1998

In a unique and historic demonstration of international cooperation in community building and waterfront revitalization Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello and Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop today, received from David Crombie, Chair of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the final draft of the Buffalo Fort Erie International Waterfront Gateway Strategy. Representatives of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust presented the Strategy at press conferences in Fort Erie and Buffalo today.

The City of Buffalo and the Town of Fort Erie, in cooperation with the Niagara Parks Commission and the Peace Bridge Authority, retained the Waterfront Regeneration Trust to develop the Strategy because both communities wanted a strong economic base, revitalized waterfronts and vibrant neighborhoods, taking advantage of their unique locations on the Niagara River connected by the international Peace Bridge.

The Strategy provides a concept for the Gateway, a framework for implementation, and an impetus to kick-start several projects that have already been planned.

It includes recommendations to:

-create jobs - based on a growing tourism sector and redesigned bridge plazas that facilitate the movement of people and goods, support the U.S.-Canada Shared Border Accord, provide visitors with a warm welcome, and guide them to the waterfronts, neighborhoods, business centers and attractions
- boost commercial activity - in the downtowns, waterfront settings, and existing commercial districts, but specifically along significant roads such as Porter Ave. and Niagara St. that are directly connected to the Buffalo bridge plaza, and on Niagara Blvd. and Garrison Rd. in Fort Erie
- reconnect downtowns to the waterfront - through a green network of trails, treed boulevards, parks, windows on the water and open spaces that improve the quality of the environment and life in both communities
- support and integrate strategic growth initiatives - such as Buffalo's Empowerment Zone Application, the Lower West Side Report, the City of Buffalo's Master Plan, expansion of Fort Erie's Race Track, establishment of the Fort Erie Interpretive Centre and others
- celebrate and promote historic places - including Broderick Park and Front Park in Buffalo, and Crystal Beach in Fort Erie and the town's rich aboriginal heritage
- advance international cooperation - continued cooperation will help promote to the world, Buffalo and Fort Erie as a tourist destination.

The Strategy is part of a broader visitor-based economic development strategy for both communities that will create thousands jobs over the next 5 to 10 years as Buffalo and Fort Erie move to take advantage of their central location in the Niagara/Western New York region and proximity to Niagara Falls, one of the world's best known tourist attractions.

-If Buffalo attracts 15 % of Niagara's current visitors (15 - 20 million annually) to come and stay in the city, as many as 5,000 new direct and indirect jobs could be created.
- If Fort Erie attracts just 10% of Niagara's current visitors to come to stay in town, some 3,500 direct and indirect new jobs would be created.

Mayor Redekop said, "I am delighted to be part of this joint effort with the City of Buffalo that will assist both communities in improving our waterfronts, take advantage of the expanding tourism industry, and improve community vitality, environmental health and quality of life."

"After months of preparation, I am excited today to receive the Gateway Strategy," added Mayor Masiello. "This long term strategic plan offers tremendous opportunities to transform Buffalo into a prosperous and green city with a more diversified economy, that welcomes visitors from around the world."

Brian Merrett, Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission and a partner in developing the report articulated the Commission's support for the Strategy, and said, "Niagara Parks is thrilled at the opportunity to create a spectacular southern entrance to the Niagara Parkway in Fort Erie that complements current initiatives around the Fort Erie plaza."

1:30 pm News conference at the Town Hall on Garrison Road, Fort Erie.
3:00 pm News conference at the Buffalo Yacht Club on the waterfront at the foot of Porter Ave., Buffalo

For additional information please contact:

Bonnie Lockwood, City of Buffalo
(716) 851-5468

Ron Rienas, Director of Planning, Town of Fort Erie
(905) 871-1600 ext. 246

David Carter Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Tel: (416) 943-8080 Fax: (416) 943-8068
email: info@wrtrust.com

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