Improvements to H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park enhance visitor experience

Improvements to H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park enhance visitor experience, thanks to a grant received from the Canadian Experiences Fund.

As part of the Canadian Experiences Fund, the City received financial support to make improvements to H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park with the goal of enhancing tourism initiatives, updating facilities, and creating new experiences for both residents and visitors. The Canadian Experiences Fund is the first dedicated tourism grant program of its kind offered by the Government of Canada, allowing the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to allocate more than $11 million to specific tourism projects. Over the last year, City staff were able to make improvements to existing park foundations, while adding new infrastructure including electrical work to support concerts and events like Canal Days.

“Established in 1922, H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park is a hidden gem in Niagara,” said Mayor Bill Steele. “Overlooking Sugarloaf Harbour, this waterfront park offers many amenities and hosts yearly community events including Canada Day and Canal Day concerts. The Canadian Experiences Fund allowed City staff to make necessary improvements and upgrades to enhance the overall visitor experience.”

Upgrades and improvements to H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park include the following:

• The Cenotaph was restored, which included significant flagstone repairs, bronzing of the plaques and lights and LED lighting was added at the top of the hill.
• LED lighting upgrades to the washroom, splashpad pumphouse, bandshell and both pavilions
• A new service to supply power to future food trucks at the new H.H. Knoll Parkette, previously Dawg’s restaurant  
• After the Oct.31, 2019 storm, there was significant tree damage throughout the park. City staff corrected all tree and pole damage and ensured playground equipment was intact.
• In Spring 2020, new trees were planted throughout the park
• The main entrance carpet bed was updated to include new armour rock supports, which replaced the rotting wood supports, and new flowers were added 
• In partnership with Niagara Regional Peninsula Authority, a pollinator bed was created in Spring 2020
• The asphalt walkway around the park was repaved to ensure a smooth service making it accessible and barrier-free for all residents and visitors to enjoy  

“On behalf of City Council, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Canadian Government for recognizing the importance of investing in South Ontario tourism,” said Mayor Steele. “Thanks to this grant, City staff were able to make necessary improvements to H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park that residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come. Although COVID-19 altered plans for large events at the park last year, we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over Ontario and Canada soon.”  

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