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Niagara Falls' Growth Dependent on Certain Sectors

City council advised to stay focused on tourism, manufacturing, health

Niagara Falls city council is looking to tourism, manufacturing and the health sector when it comes to growing the city.

It heard a presentation from Stiletto Consultants, which touched on ways to retain and grow existing businesses.

Manager of Business Development Angela Davidson pointed out Niagara Falls should look to Toronto area businesses, which are dealing with high housing prices and lack of land.  "If we have companies that are potentially exporting to the Eastern Seaboard, that are driving down the QEW every day and going through Niagara Falls, it makes sense for those companies when they look to expand, to operate and potentially expand closer to those borders."

Council was reminded of cornerstones that'll help with growth, including the future University of Niagara Falls and South Niagara hospital. 

It is also aware of the obstacles standing in the way.

Councillor Victor Pietrangelo spoke to the mayor when noting the city needs employment land in public hands.  "You were in connection with G-E, I think G-E had contacted maybe yourself, even before they contacted Welland.... they wanted to come to Niagara Falls, except we didn't have 50 acres of serviced industrial land."

He acknowledged the privately owned employment land, but added there's no land to build on.

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