Niagara Falls mayor talks Canada-U.S. border opening, Remembrance Day, Steve Ludzik, Santa Claus Parade

Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati joined us this morning for a weekly update on the city. He talked the Canada-U.S. border opening, Remembrance Day events in Niagara Falls, Steve Ludzik and the Santa Claus Parade.

After nearly 20 months, traffic is once again moving in both directions at the Canada-U.S. border.

Diodati says there are still problems.

The Canadian government requires that all travelers submit the results of a recent PCR test to prove they aren’t sick.

“It can be upwards of $200 to $300,” said Diodati. “For the whole family that can be $1,000.”

Diodati says Canada’s chief medical officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, is reviewing the PCR tests.

“We are hopeful she will scrap [the PCR test requirements] like they did in Europe,” said Diodati. “Now that we’re fully vaccinated, 85 per cent of eligible Canadians now, so we’re in a pretty darn good place.”

Diodati suggests if the government opts to use cheaper, and less effective antigen tests, the border could perform random tests on people as they return to the country.

“Maybe that’s the best way so we don’t have backlogs along the border,” said Diodati. “It’s a concern, a lot of tourist operators are saying people are passing on Canada now and going to Europe…we can’t have that happen, our economy really needs tourism.”

Diodati says the revenue of American tourists coming to Niagara Falls is 50 per cent.

Niagara Falls is hosting an event for Remembrance Day on Nov. 11 at Fairview Cemetery. There are poppy displays at the Gale Centre and at the Niagara Falls History Museum.

“[The event will be held] at the tomb of the unknown soldier,” said Diodati. “It’s a really nice, beautiful setting, normally it’s in the arena but for one more year we’re going to hold it outside.”

Steve Ludzik is a former NHL player and one of the most celebrated junior hockey stars in Niagara Falls history.

“We’ve named the press box in Rink one at the Gale Centre after him,” said Diodati. “He’s had some health challenges as of late and the Niagara Falls Recreation Committee and a local boy wanted to do this extra special thing for a guy who not only left his fingerprints on hockey, he has also done it on Parkison’s Disease fundraising to draw awareness.”

Diodati says it is a small way of saying the Niagara Falls community is thinking about Ludzik and supporting him.

Lastly, The Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday Nov. 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in downtown Niagara Falls followed right after by the Christmas Tree Lighting at city hall.