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Caption: In a bit of recent commentary, I lamented that there was "nowhere to go" once passengers detrained the GO at the Niagara Falls VIA station. (the station is locked)
You step into a depressing state of mostly abandoned and boarded up failed businesses of a bygone era. The saving grace is the fact the city buses are there to meet the train, ready to whisk you out to more hospitable terrain, like the walkway by Niagara's falls.
Mr. Host stated at least one new business has taken root near the station, perhaps saving the necessity of wandering all the way up to Queen Street to get something as lowly as a cup of coffee.
Yes, there IS potential for a standard casual diner here. It is just a question as to when an entrepreneur will take note. A portable chip wagon featuring as well cold water or hot coffee might be just the ticket if no one else is willing to risk the brick and mortar revival.
The photo shows the number of riders who could be potentially enticed to part with a couple of bucks while waiting for GO 310 as it eases into the station area to transport the troops back to the confines of the GTA.
Sure, this is a weekend example, but the ridership is growing........
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*sigh*
I think what could also help, if it hasnt happened yet is track infrastructure. The rail companies live in what appears to be a ‘lazy’ state of mind. Railways no longer invest in upkeep, and at NF station, I’ve seen it and it is quite depressing and always has looked run down upon my previous visits. Why not clean up the remaining tracks, new platform…..??? Instead, money is saved with less maintenance.
Todd; I agree, but they are not going to clean up until there is a profit in it. On the east side of the station are a couple of signs (getting old now) that picture the urban renewal that is going to transform the streetscape into a modernistic future pedestrian happy oasis. Funny thing about the large photo is the cars in the scene have European license plates…so this must really be another pipe dream.
With crowds like this every day you’d think there would be a reason to start developing the area some more..
What shocks me is how many buildings were torn down in the downtown area between 2001-2010, similar to Brantford.. the old downtowns have fallen out of favor
we need to bring them back. And yes there needs to be a profit in it.
Todd the station is owned by VIA or Metrolinx, and the track is all Metrolinx now, so they’ll have to upgrade it (some upgrades have already happened to increase speed on the remaining main line track in service)
the picture we see here will be the reason for continued upgrades – it certainly justifies it. Ridership is very good.
Steve: How much does Metrolinx own in this area? Back to the wye at Clifton?
Yes probably to begin end ctc
That’s the problem with a lot of GO/VIA stations – they tend to be locked outside of peak hours, making them inconvenient for passengers waiting for a train, wanting to use the facilities, to grab a snack, or wait indoors out of the heat/cold. Something like a kiosk could be installed inside to rent out for a cafe or food vendor during peak weekend/tourist ridership season to help service the ridership. Or a food truck or three nearby.
I’m reminded of a line by a Steinberg’s Ltd real estate developer mentioned in an old NFB film. Basically summed up as, with crowds like that basically dumped at your doorstep, and no local or station amenities to service them, there’s no question it’s an unrealized opportunity in waiting.
I should also note that not only has the mainline been sold to Metrolinx – CN installed a large berm along their former yard, and I think the lands are now for sale (the berm is a requirement for any development next to the rail line, so they’re hoping)
CN wants their money. If GO wanted to build a layover, now is the time to buy… but they could probably do a 4 track yard at the NF station.
Thanks Steve. Arnold mentioned the new GO station being built at Grimsby, so I should’ve figured that Metrolinx owned some of the trackage, with CN operating south through Port Robinson.
I can see a GO storage yard eventually built in front of the station. Makes sense, and I’m sure that will happen as things further progress. Like aforementioned Brantford, I hope any revitalization is a success for the Falls, both downtown and the station neighbourhood.