Contract talks between the Niagara Parks Commission and the union representing its employees have broken down, with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 217 calling for a strike vote early in the new year. OPSEU Local 217, which represents roughly 600 full-time and seasonal NPC employees, has been without a contract since Oct. 31, 2009.
A statement issued by staff representative and OPSEU negotiator Pati Habermann last Friday said the Parks Commission had tabled concession demands and filed for conciliation. The union announced it would hold a strike vote in early January. “Despite the best attempts of the bargaining team, the employer has refused to entertain any substantial union proposals. Citing ‘philosophical differences,’ the employer will not respond to issues such as job security, scheduling, seniority and hours of work, issues identified as being top priorities for employees,” Habermann said. “The employer’s position so far is to table concessions in layoff language, benefits scheduling, leaves and an attempt to introduce a two-tier wage system for seasonal members.” more…
Wine, music, ghosts and a grand ball. These are just a few events planned for January 2010. Be sure to check out these and future events on Niagara USA‘s comprehensive event listing.
Date: Jan 8th, 2010
Free Music Friday 8pm-Midnight every Friday
Live music, no cover charge. Featuring the music of
Old Fort Niagara’s Twelfth Night Ball is an evening of 18th century dancing (instruction provided), live music, refreshments and games. Cost is $40.00 per person. Tickets are by advance sale only.
First of all, congratulations to Niagara Parks Commissioners for voting in favour of opening their meetings to the public and the media. Quite a novel idea for public lands, we guess.
Vince Kerrio made the motion that was supported by his colleagues. This was the right thing to do and should have been done a long time ago. This newspaper has been calling for this type of openness and transparency for years.
But Kerrio’s rationale for calling the vote – because he felt he (and fellow commissioners) have been unjustly criticized lately -is curious, to say the least.
Niagara Falls USA is giving away a monthly prize pack of approximately $250. To win, all you have to do is to show that you are #1 by promoting yourself and Niagara Falls USA through online social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogs, Digg, Delicious, etc. The winner will be chosen based on both quality, quantity, and creativity.
Current Prize: Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel – 1 Night Stay – has the very latest slot machines, most popular table games, poker, and world-class dining and entertainment.
Tuscana Ristorante – $25 dinner gift certificate – Italian Style Dining for Adults and Families
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Snow Park Niagara Falls – 2 Snow Park passes and fleece sweatshirt – Snow park Niagara Falls is Pure Winter fun!
The film was taken on the American side of the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls New York, USA. The date of the footage is believed to be December 12, 1896. The copyright was owned by Thomas A. Edison and published by Edison Manufacturing Company which made over 1,000 of such films in that era.
The actual film reel can be seen at the Library of Congress.
The Stanley Cup will make a short Journey from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to Niagara Falls Ontario. You will be able to view and take pictures of the cup at the Rink at the Brink from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on December 19th, 2009. Admission is $5.75 for adults and $4.20 for children.
Niagara Falls offers a very unique backdrop for filmmakers. Which of these is your favorite movie featuring Niagara Falls? (A special movie offer available at the end of this post)
Camille (2007)
A twisted honeymoon road trip about a young couple on their way to Niagara Falls. Silas Parker is a moody petty-thief. He marries his parole officer’s niece, believing that he can use the romantic honeymoon to escape to Canada. Camille Foster is the sweetest girl you can ever hope to meet. She truly believes that Niagara Falls will change Silas for the better and won’t let anything stop the honeymoon, not even her death.
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Superman 2 (1980)
Terrorists have taken over the Eiffel Tower, and threaten to blow it up with a hydrogen bomb. Once again, Superman is there and saves Paris by throwing the bomb into outer space. Unfortunately, the explosion releases the three bad guys imprisoned in the first Superman movie. They then move in on Earth, taking it over, but little do they know who they will have to defeat.
Receiving emails from Nigerian Princesses promising a percentage of a large sum of money is nothing new, but just recently eTours was directly targeted with a tailor-made scam centered around their Niagara Falls tour.
The scam involved booking a Niagara Falls tour for a small group but instead of charging the regular price the person wanted to be charged more. More? Yes because there were other costs that his agent would have to incur. He did not have access to his bank and money wiring services since he worked on an Oil Rig and it wold make it easier if he could be charged once for everything. After the initial email below the person wanted eTours to charge $3,000 on his card, deduct the Niagara Falls Tour portion and transfer the difference to another bank account… “his agent”.
Santa arriving in a helicopter, polish kolendy, wine tasting, parade, horse drawn carriage rides, and rock & roll. These are just a few events planned for December 2009. Be sure to check out these and future events on Niagara USA‘s comprehensive event listing.
Dates: Now – Dec 20th, 2009 The NACC’s Exhibits
Garden Gallery showcasing local artists; Main Gallery – The NACC Artists and Friends Exhibit 2009.
The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls.
(716) 282-7530 www.thenacc.org
Dates: Dec 4th, 2009 Newfane’s Holiday Light and Parade (5pm)
Get into the spirit of the season at Newfane’s Holiday Light Up and Parade. The parade will start at 5:30pm on Main Street. Santa will be brought in by a horse drawn wagon, along with fire trucks and other floats adorned in lights and holiday colors to complete the parade. Free hot chocolate, spiced cider and cookies for everyone will be at the gazebo. There will be a Holiday Candy Cane Craft Show & Cafe at the United Methodist Church starting at 4pm.
Main Street, Newfane. (716) 778-5273. www.NewfaneBusiness.com
Dates: Dec 4th, 2009 Newfane’s Holiday Light Up & Parade (5:30pm – 8pm)
A lit parade brings Santa Claus in a horse drawn wagon down Main Street. Listen to carolers and musicians at the gazebo while you enjoy a steaming cup of cider or hot chocolate. Work on your holiday shopping by stopping into one of our local shops.
2714 Main Street Newfane www.newfanebusiness.com
Keep you eyes open for a serge of internet sales following Black Friday. Many online retailer try to take advantage of the momentum by offering huge discounts on the weekend and Monday following Black Friday. This phenomenon is dubbed Cyber Moday. This event gives Canadians, who did not get a chance to do some cross border shopping, the chance to participate in the savings found in the US.
You will come across retailers who still do not ship to the Canada, but don’t be disappointed. We have a solution. You can now have package shipped to a US address and than forwarded to Canada. I know of two such services. MyUS.com which is being promoted by PayPal, is offering no set-up fee and a discount to 15% to Canadians. The other is Borderlinx which is available to US and UK customers and is offering Canadian Visa Credit Card customers a 15% discount.
That being said here is a list of online shops that I found on RedFlagDeals.com that service Canadians and will likely have great deals: more…
Fashion Outlets of Niagara always has great deals. During Black Friday they are simply crazy.
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls is just minutes from the Falls, International Bridges and Casinos. Take I -190 North to Exit 22 south then make a left onto Factory Outlet Boulevard.
Store
Date(s)
adidas Midnight Madness Special
Fri, Nov 27 Fri, Nov 27: Midnight to Closing: Take an Additional 30% Off Entire Purchase
Tis the Season to Score! Midnight to Noon: Hurry in for Buzzer Beater Deals! Visit the adidas store for details Sat, Nov 28: Buy One Get One 50% Off Of Equal or Lesser Value.Valid through 1/4/10
Aeropostale Midnight Madness Special
Spend $100 to get a FREE Teddy Bear*
*while supplies last. Subject to change
AK Anne Klein Midnight Madness Special
Nov 27 -29th From midnight – 6 am Offer: 50% off one item (not to be combined with any other offer)
Disclaimer: Valid November 27th, 2009 from midnight to 6 am at the AK Anne Klein Outlet in the Fashion Outlets – Niagara only. Offer valid on clearance and regular priced merchandise. Limit one per customer; one time use only. May not be combined with any other coupon or discount offers. Not valid on previous purchases or for the purchase of gift cards. Not redeemable for cash or store credit. Not valid at department stores, independent locations or at anneklein.com. Valid at U.S. locations only. This offer may not be used by JAG associates. See store for details. Register Ringing Instructions: Scan item first, enter [F2], [F2], [F1], [F1], enter corporate coupon code: 1094310099, 50% November 27th – 29th, 2009 from 6 am –close Sale – savings up to 70% off (select styles) – in store promotion – no coupon necessary
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Midnight Madness Special
Nov 27 -29th
Applebee’s gift cards are everyone’s favorite gift and now through the holidays you’ll receive a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards you buy as our gift to you!
BASS Midnight Madness Sale Bass Blowout…
Nov 27 -29th Nov 27-29 EARLY BIRD SAVINGS Shop before 9am Buy 1 Get 2 FREE
All Women’s Boots, All Women’s Sweaters, All Men’s Sweaters, All kid’s Footwear Nov 27-29 ALL DAY SAVINGS Entire Store 50% off* Plus Take additional 10-40% off selections throughout the store.
*limited Exclusions apply
BCBGMAXAZRIA Midnight Madness Special
Nov 27 -29th
Take an additional 15% off entire purchase
Bead It Midnight Madness Special
Nov 27th
50% off select items
Brooks Brothers Factory Store THANKSGIVING SALE 6 DAYS ONLY
Tuesday, November 24 – Sunday, November 29
SHOP ALL DAY – EVERYDAY AND TAKE 40% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE – EVERYTHING IN THE STORE! SHOP EARLY UNTIL 12:00 NOON Friday November 27 – Saturday, November 28
SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 10% ON YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE.
Calvin Klein Early-Bird Offers
Fri, Nov 27
Midnight Madness Sale Open to 10am. 20% Off Single Item
Calvin Klein After-Thanksgiving Sale
11/27/09 – 11/29/09
Entire Store On Sale! 10-50% Off No Exclusions!
Carters Midnight Madness Special 12:01am to 10:00am
Nov 27 -29th Get 50% off the entire store during our holiday sale going on now! PLUS our after Thanksgiving specials-get an additional 10% off your entire purchase from midnight to noon on Friday Nov 27thand get your ceramic piggy bank for boys and girls, just $10 with $50 or more purchase. Check carters.com for store hours.
Coach Factory Store Midnight Madness Special 12:01am to 10:00am
First 100 shoppers that purchase $50+ will receive a $10 Walden Galleria Gift Card.
Victoria Secret Black Friday Sale!!
DoorBuster:
Sherpa Robe $29.50
Free Runway tote with any $60 purchase, buy one, get one event (bras)
Guy one, get one 50% off on bras!!
5am-11am
Euphoria (an AVEDA Lifestyle Salon & Spa) Black Friday Sale!!
Black Friday ONLY: 6am-9pm
Spend $75 on any Aveda product (excluding gift sets) and receive 8oz. Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner FREE! ($19.00 value)
Receive a $10 gift card to Euphoria Salon & Spa with a purchase of any Holiday Gift Set valued at $40 or more!
Offering mini mani and pedi package for $60! ALL services are 10% off all day!!
Chair Massages $1 per minute ALL DAY! (max. 15 mins)
½ hr. neck and back massage in massage room for $40!
Niagara Falls Ontario Santa Claus Parade is this weekend. The Parade start Saturday at 11 am at Victoria Ave. and Armoury St., travels north on Victoria to Valley Way and onto Queen St., ending at City Hall.
I have been lucky enough to enjoy skating the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, and the Rockefeller Center in New York. This Winter I plan on ice skating just a few feet from Niagara Falls at the attraction dubbed “The Rink at the Brink”. I can’t wait to see the view at night when the falls is lit up.
The attraction is very affordable. Admission, including skate rental, is $10 for adults and $8 for children. The prices are even cheaper if you bring your own skates.
If you are planning a shopping trip to Buffalo, Niagara Falls, or Toronto keep visiting NiagaraBlog.com. We will be featuring a series of posts that will save you time and money.
Travellers interested in a cross border shopping spree are probably contemplating which border crossing to take. You have 3 options; the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls; the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge in Queenston; or the Peace Bridge in Buffalo. The wait times for these vary so you should check which crossing to take right before you depart. The two most reliable websites are:
These are great resources, however to get live up to the minute information we recommend that you use your mobile phone and the Government of Canada Web Poratal ( www.wap.gc.ca).
To access border crossing wait times information just follow these easy steps on your WAP enabled phone.
