Niagara on the Lake to become potential UNESCO World Heritage Site

Niagara-on-the-Lake is considering officially getting the ball rolling to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  But there is discussion from representatives such as town councillors about what the costs could be to launch the process.

Niagara-on-the-Lake has appointed a local UNESCO committee to research the feasibility of an application to be placed on a tentative list with Parks Canada and has given them a $30,000 budget for the application process and research.

The areas being discussed for the application include the Niagara-on-the-Lake township and land area along the Niagara River from the Old Town to Queenston Heights as they are rich in historic and cultural significance.

Some of the committee members believe the UNESCO designation will increase the volume of tourists to the area and well as drawing in well-educated tourists who will stay longer in the area and spend more money – boosting the local economy.  Also it is believed that it would boost higher real estate values particularly inside the UNESCO zone.

Niagara-on-the-Lake already draws in an estimated 2.5 – 3 million tourists per year.  It is a very popular stop for tourists to stop in to admire the colonial architecture and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the quant little town which is often referred to as the prettiest town in Canada.

Niagara Day Tour stops in Niagara-on-the-Lake for 1 hour during the tour giving tourists plenty of time to explore the old town and Niagara River mouth and enjoy the area.  Most other tour companies will only stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake for 30 – 45 minutes.