Falls lawmakers show support for aquarium upgrade effort

The Aquarium of Niagara will celebrate 50 years in the city this coming June, and if all goes to plan the golden anniversary will usher in the first step in its $15 million, multi-phase update project, “Join Our Journey: The Humboldt Penguin Capital Campaign.”

Executive Director Gay B. Molnar appeared at last week’s city council meeting in support of the aquarium’s request for $150,000 of Niagara Falls’ casino revenue to aid in the first, $3.3 million phase of the endeavor. That money was approved unanimously by the council.

“This a year-round destination,” said Council Chairman Andrew Touma. “They’re educating our students and students across the country. It’s a family oriented destination, which we need more of.”

The sum amounts to 5 percent of the total project cost for an attraction that, according to Touma and Molnar, draws more than 265,000 visitors year round. Molnar said later that the additions will coincide with an updated penguin exhibit of the highest zoological accreditation and an overall more “user-friendly” experience.

“This a monumental stepping stone,” Molnar said. “This is the beginning of our journey and a huge opportunity for us and our region.”

Molnar said the penguin exhibit will kick-off a much larger, five-year project to redesign the facility. Once completed, visitors will enter from the east directly into the new exhibit. The updated structure will also feature a renovated gift shop, educational classrooms, graphical updates, and restrooms, totaling some 2500 square-feet.

“We started with a comprehensive look at how to revitalize the facility … how can we expand it, how can we make it better, what is the longterm vision of the aquarium,” said Michael A. Mistriner of Cannon Design, which is overseeing the project.

Mistriner added that the building’s age and use, namely the presence of salt water, had taken its toll. His company took into account the facility’s 4.5-acre footprint, looking to expand outdoor exhibits and beautify the landscape.

“When the parkway changes and becomes green the front door of the facility will open onto a green lawn, onto the rim of the gorge,” Mistriner said.

Michele Paterson, assistant supervisor for exhibits, said the accreditation push will make the aquarium unique in the region. The venture spurred the larger redevelopment plan and will allow the organization to pursue its first successful penguin hatch since 2006.

“Above all this is about viewing experience and an enrichment opportunity for our visitors,” she said.

Mayor Paul A. Dyster said the funds will come from Niagara Power Project proceeds used for other economic development endeavors. His administration pledged its strong support for the project, which it sees as a beneficial cultural asset to the city. He said the approximately 1,000 hotel rooms in the pipeline as downtown evolves will need attractions that capture visitors’ attention. 

“It’s not just the number attractions, but also to increase the quality of attractions,” Dyster said. “What we need most of all of course our family oriented attractions that are 12 month attractions … the aquarium fits the bill for that.”

Molnar said the aquarium is open 363 days a year and sees it as a viable incentive to increase tourists’ and area families’ stay in the city. She said views the facility as a “regional resource” and “vital to all walks of life.”

Falls lawmakers show support for aquarium upgrade effort