Last Friday, MP Chris Bittle, Acting Regional Chair Pat Chiocchio, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, and other transit representatives unveiled the newly renovated interior of the Niagara Falls Train Station.
The renovations are valued at $4.4 million, with the stated goal of transforming Niagara Falls’ historic train station and its surroundings into a modern transit hub. Funding was provided by Niagara Region, the City of Niagara Falls, the federal government, and the provincial government.
The Oct. 17 unveiling was meant to showcase the first of three phases of the renovations, valued at $2.8 million. According to Niagara Region, phase one was focused on “enhancing customer experience, improving connectivity, and preparing the region for future growth in ridership.”
The historic train station was originally built in 1879 and designated as a heritage asset in 1994. However, it remains an important structure in downtown Niagara Falls. The renovations, according to Niagara Region, “respected and preserved its character-defining elements while modernizing the space to accommodate the future needs of transit visitors, employees and the growing number of visitors arriving in the region.”
The upgraded train station will serve as a modern gateway for GO Transit customers, VIA rail passengers, WEGO riders, Niagara Transit, and possibly private coaches. There will be dedicated space for GO Transit, VIA Rail, and WEGO operations. Other changes include a new roof, enhanced exit and entry configurations, a redesigned interior, and the creation of driver amenities and tourism kiosks, among other upgrades.
“This newly renovated station is an important investment in the infrastructure needed to unlock improved GO train connectivity to our region,” said Chiocchio. “Niagara is a gateway to the GTA, and we are building a modern, integrated transportation network that is serving the evolving needs of our growing population and connecting the rest of Ontario with the many economic and tourism opportunities Niagara has to offer.”
“This historic landmark will be transformed into a modern gateway to the connected, vibrant community of Niagara Falls,” added Diodati. “We see it as a future hub of activity, with the revitalization making it more welcoming and accessible to the more than one million people per year who will use it.”
Funding from the federal government comes through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, totalling $1.76 million. Funding from the government of Ontario amounted to $1.46 million.
“As an international gateway for visitors and important transit hub for local commuters, today’s unveiling marks a historic milestone for the Niagara Falls Train Station,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “Our government will continue to protect Ontario with public transit investments that support economic growth and our growing population in Niagara.”
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
