About Community Decision Making

Residents know their community's needs better than anyone. They have great ideas for making it healthier, better connected, and more vibrant. That’s why the City of Niagara Falls created the Community Decision Making pilot program, where residents can vote on the ideas they want to see come to life. Through this program, $350,000 from the City’s Capital Budget is available to enhance parks and trails across the city!

The City’s Recreation, Culture, & Parks Plan (2021) reported more than 98 initiatives to improve our community for all. Staff have identified 17 initiatives from that Plan that could be funded through the Community Decision Making program. They range in size from updating a pool or skateboard park to erecting a Little Free Library in a park location.

Community Decision Making allows residents to be involved in shaping their community to be a better place to live while collaborating with their municipal government.

About the Recreation, Culture & Parks Plan

The Recreation, Culture & Parks Plan guides services provided by the City of Niagara Falls between the years 2021 and 2031. The scope of the RCP Plan includes:

  • Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities operated by the City
  • Arts and cultural facilities operated through the City;
  • Parks and open spaces maintained by the City; and
  • Programs and services offered through the municipal recreation, culture and parks system.
Residents were invited to vote

Residents were invited to use the tool below to balance the Community Decision Making budget by deciding how to spend $350,000.

Votes were cast online from August 9, 2024, to September 18, 2024.

Contest Winner

Eligible entries were entered into a random draw for a pair of Apple AirPods (2nd Generation). Wendy Nourylong was randomly selected to take home the prize on September 24. Congratulations!

Project Results

The results are in! Council directed Staff to proceed with the 2024 Community Decision Making initiatives that you voted for!

The projects receiving the most funding based on votes are as follows:

  • Tree planting
  • Park benches
  • Shade structure
  • Bike parking
  • Chess/picnic tables
  • Pollinator meadow
  • Little Free Libraries
  • Misting station & bottle filler
  • Disc golf baskets
  • Natural playground
  • Concrete ping pong table

That's not all! Council has approved this project to take place every two years. We can't wait to collaborate with the community in the future to explore and decide which inspiring initiatives will come to life in Niagara Falls!

Stay tuned for coming updates!

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