Niagara Gateway and Economic Zone Centre

GPA members prepared a vision, tools and actions for implementing the provincially designated Gateway Economic Zone and Centre in the US/Canada border area of the Region of Niagara. The study purpose was to address the Provincial intent that planning and economic activities in these areas must promote increased opportunities for cross-border trade, goods movement and tourism. The study involved extensive research as well as a series of stakeholder interviews and discussions with key participants from local municipalities, the business community and the Regional government to establish strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The results of this assessment were used to prepare a vision and to identify planning and economic development implementation tools and actions. The final report proposed a policy framework for Niagara Region to address gateway issues and recommended a set of implementation actions. The recommendations were included in the Regional Official Plan for Niagara.