Corporate Governance

Our Mission

The Niagara Parks Commission has the mission to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

As guardian of a national trust, we are mandated to preserve and commemorate the historical, cultural and environmental significance of the Niagara River corridor. Stewardship roles we assume have been an important aspect of the Commission since its inception.

Our Mandate

The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise of the Government of Ontario, incorporated by an act of the Provincial Legislature on April 23, 1887. We are obligated to maintain economic self-sufficiency through the application of sound business practices, and we must function under the terms set out in the Niagara Parks Act, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Minister of Tourism and the Commission and some sections of the Corporations Act. Along with stewardship responsibilities, Niagara Parks must fulfil a broad range of activities laid out by government, as detailed in the Act under General Powers and Duties (Section 4) and Regulations (Section 22). The Niagara Parks Act Classification as an operational enterprise means we sell goods or services to the public in a commercial manner, including but not necessarily in competition with the private sector. We receive the revenues from our commercial activities and apply them to further the objectives for which we were incorporated. We are self-funding but rely on the government of Ontario for guarantees of bank loans.

Niagara Parks is similar to a private corporation, with all the objects, powers and duties prescribed under the Niagara Parks Act.