New ‘Maid Of The Mist’ Site May Not Be An Option

The Maid of the Mist Corporation's idea to build a new boat storage facility on the American side of the Falls was met with less-than-favorable reviews from state parks officials this week.

State Parks Director Mark Thomas said ”We do not believe that’s a viable alternative,” during a meeting yesterday at Niagara Falls State Park.

Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. has operated boat toursin both the U.S. and Canada for 166 years, recently lost the rights to the tours on the Canadian side of the falls when members of the Niagara Parks Commission in Canada agreed to enter into a new 30-year lease with the firm, Hornblower Canada Company scheduled to start in 2014.

The Niagara Gazette reported Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn expressed optimism that his company could extend its presence beyond next year by creating a new boat storage area on the American side of the falls.

Thomas did indicate that state parks has not made any decision regarding continuing its relationship with the current Maid of the Mist operators.

(From The Niagara Gazette)