Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati joined us this morning to talk about casinos reopening to 50 per cent capacity and April Jeffs being appointed to the Niagara Parks Commission which aims to boost tourism.

Casinos Reopening 

On Monday, casinos will be able to reopen to 50 per cent capacity. Diodati says he spoke to Richard Taylor, the president of casinos in Niagara Falls. Taylor said he is thrilled to have all the staff that was sent home when restrictions were put in place due to the rise in omicron. 

“[Casinos] are the number one employer here in the region with around 4,000 employees,” said Diodati. “They’ve gone above and beyond provincial protocols, they’ve done everything humanly possible to make that place safe from any kind of germs.”

April Jeffs Appointed to Niagara Parks Commission

April Jeffs was recently appointed to the  Niagara Parks Commission. Diodati says she is a natural fit for the role.

Jeffs was the former Wainfleet mayor. She fills the vacant role with the death of Sandie Bellows last October. Jeffs also served as vice-chair on the Niagara Parks Commission. 

The commission has been a steward of the most treasured and environmentally sensitive land for 137 years. 

“We’re thrilled that the minister of tourism chose her and very much looking forward to working with April for the Niagara Parks Commission,” said Diodati. 

Diodati says the commission is currently working on the Canadian Niagara Powerplant which was turned into the Niagara Parks Powerplant. He says the commission is adding to the plant to attract more tourism. 

“We’ve been hard hit in tourism, so we’re looking forward to April helping lead us out of this,” said Diodati. “She’s been self-employed for many years as a photographer, so she’s going to use her entrepreneurial skills to help guide the Parks Commission I’m sure.”