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Governance Review Summary

A governance review of The Niagara Parks Commission was undertaken by KPMG in response to a recommendation by the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario in March 2009. This review was requested to facilitate enhanced openness, transparency and accountability with respect to the agency’s business decisions. This is in keeping with the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to undertake governance reviews of all of its agencies and to ensure effective decision-making and practices.

Highlights of Key Findings

• NPC and its operating model are not well understood by the general public. The NPC does not receive operating grants from the Ministry. It generates revenues largely from its parking, attractions, food services, retail, golf, and other revenue sources. This revenue is used to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Falls and the Niagara River corridor.

• Despite the success of NPC’s operating model, the effectiveness of the Board has been significantly impacted by politics, external influences, and style differences.

• Like other organizations, NPC requires continued strong leadership, focused direction, risk management, transparency and accountability.

• NPC has a high-quality code of conduct, and it must be made clear how the Commissioners, employees, suppliers and partners are complying with the code of conduct.

• With regard to openness and transparency, NPC needs to regain public confidence by:
o Increasing transparency with timely provision of information on planned business activities;
o Publishing policies and procedures for doing business with NPC; and
o Engaging in effective and timely communications with stakeholders and community partners.

• NPC should modernize governance by:
o Clarifying its mandate;
o Improving the Commission’s processes; and
o Implementing an independent annual board evaluation.

• A more effective Commission can then refocus its energy on;
o Developing strategies congruent with the Province’s direction;
o Identifying and mitigating risk; and
o Dealing with current economic uncertainty and challenges.

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