Learn More About the Foundation
Learn More About the
Niagara Parks Foundation
The Niagara Parks Foundation is a registered charity governed by a Board of Directors, established to support and advance stewardship initiatives of Niagara Parks. The Foundation provides a unique opportunity for members of the public and corporations to actively contribute to one of the world’s most beloved public spaces, while generating additional funds to support Niagara Parks’ many responsibilities.
The Foundation offers different ways for its supporters to contribute to Niagara Parks’ stewardship work, whether through a one-time donation to a specific project of choice or becoming a regular donor with a recurring donation. The Foundation works in collaboration with Niagara Parks to determine which stewardship projects and initiatives will receive funding from the Foundation.
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Supporting conservation, environmental, heritage, performing arts and music along with the vast 56km Niagara River Corridor.”
Commitment to Environmental and Cultural Stewardship
Niagara Parks is a board governed operational enterprise of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. The agency generates revenue from operating guest experiences including attractions, retail shops, restaurants, golf courses, museums, events, as well as transportation and parking services. While these revenues enable Niagara Parks to operate each year and maintain the Parkway, there is a need to source new revenue to advance environmental projects and to preserve heritage features along the Niagara River Corridor for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, today and in the future.
Environmental Stewardship
The Niagara River corridor is a globally significant bi-national geographic area, linking Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Besides the majestic and iconic Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, the corridor contains rich ecological areas such as the Niagara Glen (a designated ANSI area), bird migratory areas, grasslands, species at risk, as well as trails including the Bruce Trail and Niagara River Recreation Trail. The Niagara Escarpment that starts at Queenston Heights, is a world biosphere reserve. Niagara Parks’ history includes the creation of the School of Horticulture in 1936. Located at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, generations of apprentice-gardeners have learned here and gone on to work around the world. The Botanical Gardens site enchants guests with 40 hectares of beautifully maintained gardens that include perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, herb and vegetable gardens and world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses. The site, guided by a new master plan, includes Canada’s largest Butterfly Conservatory, as well as School of Horticulture lecture hall and residence.
Cultural Stewardship
The Niagara River corridor, occupied by millennia, first by Indigenous Peoples, then by explorers, and today by a residential and tourist population, was shaped by the last Ice Age. Over time, the area has witnessed key nation building events such as the War of 1812 and Fenian Raids as well as socially significant events including the Underground Railroad and the advent of hydro-electric power generation in Ontario. Today, Niagara Parks maintains the largest single collection of War of 1812 heritage sites and three decommissioned hydro plants. The Parkway also features significant architectural landmarks like Oakes Garden Theatre and Mather’s Arch.
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