For Immediate Release
March 9, 2007
Province Reappoints Jim Williams NPC Chairman
(Niagara Falls, Ontario) The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to announce that Jim Williams has been reappointed to a second three-year term as Chairman of the organization.
First appointed on March 10, 2004, Chairman Williams assumed his responsibilities at a time of significant challenge and change for both the Parks and Niagara’s tourism industry. Emerging from a 2003 tourism season in which Niagara Parks posted its first financial loss in over half a century, Williams moved quickly to bring stability to the Commission’s finances and operations. He then instituted a community consultation program designed to bring the Commission and community closer together.
Entering his second term, Chairman Williams seeks to champion several initiatives, most notably the upcoming renovations planned for Table Rock House. The complex is a critical facility in terms of the revenues needed by the Commission if it is to fulfill the significant stewardship and preservation initiatives with which it has been entrusted. In fact, NPC is responsible for providing over $16 million each year in public services (parks, gardens, the parkway, historic sites, events and community partnerships), for which it receives no financial return. That is why, according to Chairman Williams, “the enhancements envisioned at Table Rock benefit not only the Commission, but the entire tourism community as well.” The Chairman also hopes to foster a more cooperative approach amongst all tourism partners in Niagara particularly as the industry works to address its pressing border issues and plans for the upcoming War of 1812 Bicentennial celebrations.
Employing 1,488 seasonal and 297 year-round staff, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism. NPC’s mission is to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Falls and the Niagara River corridor for the enjoyment of visitors, all while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
For more information, please contact:
John Kernahan, General Manager,
The Niagara Parks Commission
905 356-2241, ext. 225
- 30 -
