Post by ferryfast admin on Nov 3, 2007 15:12:41 GMT -5
Friday, November 2, 2007 - 2:27 PM EDT
Niagara County-Ontario ferry considered
Business First of Buffalo - by James Fink
www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2007/10/29/daily50.html
Plans to begin summertime ferry service between Youngstown and Niagara-on-the-Lake took a major step forward when local political leaders from both the United States and Canada said it was one of their top economic development and tourism priorities.
The ferry proposal has been endorsed by the "Niagara 10," a consortium of political leaders from both countries including Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Niagara Falls, Ont. Mayor Ted Salci.
Bringing the ferry service to the region has been a personal mission for Clyde Burmaster, Niagara County Legislature chairman. During a one-time promotional event held two years ago, more than 1,000 people used the ferry service that cut across the lower Niagara River.
Burmaster said he'd like to see the service begin by late next year or early 2009. Burmaster said he envisions the service running during the peak tourism season from mid-May to mid-October.
"The Niagara River Ferry Service will have a significant impact on the local economy and it is my goal to capitalize on every economic opportunity that is afforded to us as a community and as a region," Burmaster said. "Not only do we share a common history with our Canadian neighbor, but also a common goal in promoting cross-border tourism in our bi-national region - cultural tourism, heritage tourism, ecotourism and agritourism involving our orchards, vineyards and wineries. The Niagara River Ferry Service is a must for cross-border tourism."