Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and 1980s. Buffalo and Niagara Falls joined cities such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Milwau-
kee, and Detroit in what became known as the Rust Belt.
The Rust Belt cities witnessed the closure of many manufacturing plants, loss of jobs,
and inner city decay. Both Niagara Falls, New York, and Buffalo saw their populations
decrease by 50 percent, which led to a shrinking tax base and concentrations of poverty.
Attempts to bring jobs back to the region were hampered by high tax rates, labor unions,
and a bureaucracy that was unfriendly to business. The Canadian region near Niagara Falls
suffered a similar fate, although not as severe as Buffalo.
Bythelate1980s,CanadarecognizedthatNiagaraFallsneededmoreattractionstobecome
amultidayvacationdestination.Federal,provincial,andlocalleaderscollaboratedonaplan
to build up their side of the border with a casino, high-rise hotels, golf courses, and in-
frastructure that significantly enhanced the visitor experience. Public and private spending
helped create a heritage-and-tourism corridor that now stretches from Fort Erie to Niagara-
on-the-Lake. This effort is evident today, as you stand at the falls and see that the Canadian
side is much more commercially developed than the American side.
On the U.S. side, Buffalo and Niagara Falls are experiencing positive change. In 2012,
NewYorkStatecommitted$25milliontoupgradefacilitieswithinNiagaraFallsStatePark.
A movement to increase access to the gorge by changing roadways is gaining speed. Tour-
ism agencies are trying new ideas that give tourists a reason to stay here longer than one
day. One such initiative is bringing more live entertainment, food vendors, and free family-
oriented activities to Old Falls Street in downtown Niagara Falls.
Buffalo's once-slumbering waterfront and downtown area are enjoying a true renais-
sance,withprivatedeveloperstransforminghistoricbuildingsintoloftapartments,boutique
hotels, and entertainment venues. Grain silos on the inner harbor are being used for tours,
rock climbing, and music festivals. Former high-polluting factories are now facilities for
high-tech light manufacturing, requiring a skilled labor force. A city that was once known
for its low self-esteem and lack of desirability has found growth and confidence by embra-
cing its industrial, political, and economic heritage.
