Niagara Falls Illumination Board Shines Spotlight on Niagara Falls

Board Issues RFQ to Examine Enhanced Lighting of the Falls

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Oct. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - As part of its ongoing role to support the destination and promote increased visitation to the region, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), to investigate new lighting technology and capabilities to improve the overall illumination of both the Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141024/154255 )

Currently, both Falls are lit using Xenon light technology. As it undertakes this process, the Board would like to assess what new technologies could be used to enhance or upgrade the existing lighting systems now in place, as well as the potential for improvements in energy efficiency. It has been almost 20 years since the Illumination Board made a major investment in lighting technology. The recent success of events such as the Wallenda Walk, Red Bull Crashed Ice, the Nelson Mandela tribute and the Illumination of the Falls in celebration of the Royal Birth, have shown the tremendous potential increased lighting can provide in showcasing Niagara to visitors from throughout the world.

"The Illumination Board is proud of the role we have played in the tourism industry and of the efforts we have made in creating a lasting impression of Niagara Falls for our visitors," stated Jim Diodati, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Chair of the Illumination Board. "By undertaking this RFQ, we hope to learn more about what can be done to further shine a positive light on Niagara for all our visitors, so they can truly appreciate the beauty and majesty that is Niagara Falls at night."

This RFQ has been developed to assist the Niagara Falls Illumination Board in identifying experienced, capable and qualified lighting firms to provide information on how the lighting of both the Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls can be improved or enhanced. Based on the submissions received, firms must demonstrate expertise in the lighting selection design, construction technology and successful implementation of similar projects in other jurisdictions. This RFQ will also be used to pre-qualify firms for any subsequent RFP that may be issued with respect to the enhancement of the illumination of both the Canadian and American Falls. Those interested in participating in the Request for Qualifications process, can obtain more information and register via the MERX procurement database at: www.merx.com/niagaraparks.

Established in 1925, The Niagara Falls Illumination Board is made up of representatives from the City of Niagara Falls Ontario, the City of Niagara Falls, New York, Ontario Power Generation Inc., The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and The Niagara Parks Commission.  It is the Illumination Board's responsibility and mandate to finance and maintain the nightly illumination of both the Horseshoe and American Falls.

SOURCE The Niagara Parks Commission