The Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation (EDTC) and the Town of Fort Erie held a joint press conference on Wednesday, January 31 to voice their dismay and disappointment over the Niagara Parks Commission’s recent decision to forgo renewing a memorandum of understanding with a private company who had been working on plans for a proposed development project of the Miller Creek Marina.
Citing that the decision is unfair to the developer, Warren DAC/Sentex Developments, Jim Thibert, manager of the Fort Erie EDTC and Ron Tripp, the town’s acting Chief Administrative Officer said they were hoping to gain audience with Tourism Minister Michael Chan and Minister of Provincial Parliament Kim Craitor, to further discuss this dispute which threatens the future of a $150-million redevelopment.
Located along the river on the Niagara Parkwaythe NPC previously considered closing the Miller Creek Marina until, in 2006, Warren DAC was chosen as a successful proponent for a tender issued to reconstruct the site. Part of this agreement, which was approved by the NPC’s board, stated the successful candidate would have to operate the marina until the project got underway, which Warren DAC has done, along with investing more than $1 million for off site boat storage and environmental studies.
Concerned that past problems at the NPC may account for the halt to the project, Thibert and Tripp agree it’s a unique and significant tourism opportunity that may be “slipping through our fingers” due to issues that have nothing to do with the developer or the town.
“They shouldn’t have to pay the penalty for what’s going on with the management at the NPC”, Thibert said.
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