....i thought the readers needed to see a few of the positive comments coming from within the community, rather than just hearing the arguments back and forth between the usual commenters (myself included).....online....

Letters to the Editor

Strong advocate of Project Niagara submits samplings from like-minded supporters

Posted 3 hours ago

We have heard many and varied opinions from vocal supporters (including this writer) and opponents alike. Here is a sampling of sentiments of a mix of residents, business people, and others from whom we haven't heard to date. The following are excerpted from over 60 positive messages of support sent of late on behalf of Project Niagara:

"Niagara-on-the-Lake needs an infusion of a new viable, economic interest. Many Europeans would come to an international music festival whereas they would not necessarily come to theatre. Yet, some could come to both. I feel that the success of this venture could also have very positive implications for our wine industry as well as tourism in the Niagara Region"....a resident.

"We would certainly welcome the economic impact a 17-week festival of this caliber would bring each summer. The clientele the project would draw wound not only help us sustain our work force, but would have a very positive impact on many other businesses in the community"....an hotelier.

"This is an initiative which will put these important properties to a wonderful use, support these two world class cultural institutions, create employment, enhance our reputation as a cultural and tourism destination and become a lasting example of the intelligent use of historic public properties rich in natural history"....a resident.

"Project Niagara means the world's greatest artistic and musical talents will visit Niagara, for the enjoyment of all Canadians and our local community. Very sincerely, I feel as if Mozart, after a careful search of every community across Canada, has decided that Niagara-on-the-Lake is the dream summer home for his orchestra……. and that he wishes to share his beautiful music, passion and genius with us…..and if we welcome him, he will invite all the world's greatest for us to enjoy, right here in our in our backyards, every summer"....a resident.

"This is such an outstanding project of world class, implementation would not only enhance our community and province but the entire country. The positive effect of a project of this magnitude is overwhelming"....B&B owner.

"As a resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake and living very close to the projected site I want you to know that I am very much looking forward to the achievement of bringing such a worthwhile arts project and economic stimulus to this area. I believe there will be incalculable spin-off benefits to the community and its citizens which can be achieved by the realization of such a high quality project"....a resident.

"We are extremely excited about this project and the hope is that it will bring long term stability to region and encourage tourism.The project will help us plan for the future with optimism and ensure employment for our full and part time employees. It will also give us encouragement for future investment" ....Queen St. retailer.

"I have lived in Mississauga Beach NOTL since 1981 and I have seen very little change in Old Town. I have accommodations for tourists and receive first hand information from the public...we need to have entertainment where people stay for a week and return year after year as a destination"....long time resident and accommodation owner.

"I live in Garrison Village which is a residential neighbourhood adjacent to the project site. Project Niagara's development is critically important to the future economic health of the community- one which fits perfectly with the current economic base that we've developed so well over the past 40 years but which is at risk in the current tourism climate"....a resident.

"I am looking forward to taking my grandchildren to see the Toronto Symphony right here in our beautiful town.This will be a great boost for all our local businesses and for tourism in our area, one more wonderful reason to come to Niagara"...a long time resident and realtor.

"I am writing this as my wife and I, music lovers, are very much looking forward to Project Niagara in our region. As a fundraiser for various non-profits, (The Shaw, Red Roof, the Museum) I am sure that I will be able to assist with on-going fundraising, and as a one time visitor to Tanglewood I know how such Music Festivals can be very important to their communities"....a resident.

"I have been a supporter of the project from the beginning and see so many positive aspects to this initiative; from the removal of the sewage lagoons, cleanup and enhancement of the former DND site, protection of the Carolinean forest, the waterfront and large acreage - to the addition of a wonderful outdoor music venue. We retired here eleven years ago drawn by the natural beauty of the area, the water, the history and the arts. We live in Garrison Village - close enough to walk to concerts at Project Niagara - and we really hope this will become a reality"....retired residents.

Tom Braybrook

NOTL

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