To the 16 million visitors who come annually to the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the area represents many different things. Niagara, a dynamic region of spectacular scenery, historic charm and attractive communities is a year-round tourist destination. Located in the heart of Ontario’s business and industrial heartland, the region offers both picturesque neighbourhoods in which to live and work and thrilling attractions like Niagara Falls.

For the 388,000 residents of the Niagara Region, the area offers enticing work and lifestyle opportunities. The region’s strategic location within Ontario, its proximity to the United States and its overall affordability make the area a desirable location for those who investigate its delights as a vacation spot or a home.

The Niagara region claims a rich history. The old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was originally named Newark and was the first capital of Upper Canada in 1792. Historic waterways crisscross the Niagara Penin-sula and provide evidence of the area’s early commercial activities. Today, with many excellent historical and heritage institutions, the Niagara region continues to showcase its past. The historic transportation routes have been replaced with modern transportation networks that include the Welland Canal, an international shipping facility and tourism destination.
 

Visitors enjoying spectacular view of Niagara Falls from Scenic Tunnels observation deck, Niagara Falls, one of many attractions within the Niagara Region.

In 1970 the Regional Municipality of Niagara was formed to address the present and future needs of Niagara and to provide a new municipal structure to serve the growing regional community. The various local municipalities were re-organized into one regional government and twelve area municipalities, with the regional municipality providing suitable facilities and services on a regional scale.

Since its establishment, Region Niagara has worked hard to make Niagara an even better place. The Regional Council consists of a chairman and 29 councillors, representing five cities, five towns and two townships. All members play an active role in the development of Niagara. The regional logo, a stylized map of Niagara, highlights the world-famous Welland Canal and the Niagara River. The logo symbolizes the progress Niagara has made in ensuring an attractive environment for the region’s residents.

Niagara continues to be a vital commercial and industrial centre. The relocation of provincial ministries and the development of new tourism and industrial sites will ensure continued prosperity for the area as a prominent region within Ontario. The Regional Municipality of Niagara looks forward to exciting new developments in the next decade that will continue to add to the region’s overall attractiveness.