March 2024 Newsletter

Niagara Falls Solar Eclipse: Important Information for Your Business

On April 8th, we will be witnessing a

spectacular natural phenomenon, a Total Solar Eclipse directly over Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls will be one of only a handful of  Canadian cities to find itself along the Path of Totality and will be among the most popular places to view it.

We expect up to a million visitors to drive into Niagara Falls to observe this phenomenon, by far, the largest crowd we’ve ever had. At this time, staff from all affected agencies are developing traffic, event, and emergency management plans to ensure public safety during the event. Based on the anticipated number of visitors, both Clifton Hill and Murray Hill will be fully closed, following the same traffic management plans that were developed for New Years Eve 2024.

These closures will occur only on Monday, April 8th, 2024. Clifton Hill (between Falls Avenue and Victoria Avenue) and Murray Hill (between Niagara Parkway and Fallsview Boulevard) are anticipated to be fully closed by 12:00 PM and reopened by midnight. Please note: times are subject to change based on the conditions at the time, and at the discretion of the NRPS Officers on site.

The City of Niagara Falls has created a detailed list of preparation tips for business owners. Visit niagarafalls.ca/solareclipse

and click on the “How to Prepare – Tips for Businesses” to review ahead of April 8th.

Applications now open for Summer Company 2024

Summer Company is an entrepreneurship program offered by the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre, and funded by the Province of Ontario that helps young people between 15 and 29 years old start and run their own summer business by providing funding, advice and services. Students must be currently in school and returning to school in the fall.

Students accepted into the program receive:

• A start-up grant of up to $3000 to kick off your business

• Learning new knowledge and skills on how to be a successful entrepreneur

• Advice and mentorship from local business leaders

The deadline for applications is May 17th

To learn more and to apply

for Summer Company visit niagarafalls.ca/summercompany

The new Official Plan for the City of Niagara Falls

On March 5, Francesca Berardi, City of Niagara Falls Planner 2, and the City's consultant from the Planning Partnership, Donna Hinde, presented details on the initiation of a new City of Niagara Falls

Official Plan, "Our Niagara Falls Plan."

The Official Plan is a new long-term land use vision that will guide us through the future to 2051. Throughout the project, the City will engage with residents, stakeholders, businesses & community groups to shape the new Official Plan's vision, objectives, and direction.

Join the conversation by visiting letstalk.niagarafalls.ca/nfplan

Help shape the future for Downtown businesses!

The City of Niagara Falls is seeking input from the Downtown business community regarding the reformation of a Business Improvement Area (BIA).

In 2023, the bylaw establishing a Downtown BIA was repealed and City staff were directed to explore options for the potential reformation of a BIA after consultations with the members of the downtown business community.

Groups of individuals with a shared interest in enhancing a commercial district typically have two options for creating a membership-led and funded organization: Business Improvement Areas (BIA) or Merchants Associations.

Have your say and complete the survey by April 5th.

Save on Energy incentives - Small Business Program

The Save on Energy Small Business program is designed to help small businesses across Ontario make equipment improvements to reduce their energy consumption, at no cost.

Leveraging the success of the former Small Business Lighting program, this new and improved program offers small businesses direct-install incentives on an expanded range of equipment – both lighting and non-lighting.

An investment in energy-efficient equipment upgrades is an investment in enhancing your customers’ experience, employee satisfaction and your bottom line. Save time and money when you participate in the Small Business program.

Gravity Fresh Fruit Bubble Tea

7500 Lundy’s Lane - Canada One Outlets

Rolly & Bubbly

3505 Portage Rd.

Craig’s Cookies

6380 Fallsview Blvd