Niagara Falls mayor talks tourism, sidewalk shoveling, red light cameras

Time to check in with Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati to see how the city is doing.

Ontario residents can claim 20 per cent of their eligible 2022 accomodation expenses, for example, for a stay at a hotel, cottage or campground with the temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022.

The province says this is meant to help the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

People can claim eligible expenses of up to $1,000 as an individual, or $2,000 if you have a spouse, common-law partner or eligible children, to get back up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a family.

Niagara Falls is a hot spot in Ontario for tourism.

“It’s a good incentive to get people out and doing the staycation,” said Diodati.

Capacity limits in Niagara Falls and all of Ontario have been increased. Diodati says the amount of staff working at the tourist destinations such as attractions and restaurants is less than before the pandemic.

“It’s tough…places like Niagara Falls where we count on 40,000 in hospitality and tourism,” said Diodati. “We’re encouraging them to come back and I think a lot of the people do miss the interaction with people here in Niagara Falls-”

Niagara Falls does not have a sidewalk shoveling by-law. Diodati says the city is asking residents to weigh-in.

“Let us know how you’re feeling, do you want a by-law where you have to shovel the sidewalk? Or do you like it the way it is?” said Diodati. “I’ve heard both sides the issue and I understand both sides.”

Diodati says the city is also looking to implement red light cameras and automated speed enforcement.

“11 of the 12 municipalities in the region have endorsed it,” said Diodati. “Grimsby hasn’t as of yet and we’re hoping that they do and we can collectively bring this plan out.”