Restaino: Patrols to Start Enforcement of Downtown Niagara Falls Paid Parking in May

Niagara Falls is gearing up to launch a new downtown parking enforcement program with part-time attendants set to begin patrols next month, according to Mayor Robert Restaino.

Speaking Wednesday morning on WEBR 1440 AM’s “Viewpoint” with Tom Darro, Restaino confirmed that the initiative, in development since 2023, is now entering its final stages. The new attendants will focus primarily on monitoring parking compliance and enforcing the city’s paid parking regulations in the downtown district.

“The idea is with some minor investment, we might be able to appreciate some additional, significant revenue,” Restaino said during the interview.

He emphasized that the attendants will also play a helpful role for both residents and visitors.

“It’s as much about generating revenue as it is about getting direction and order in the downtown area,” he added.

Attendants will also serve as a point of contact for those needing assistance such as directions to local attractions or help navigating the area.

The program, overseen by the Niagara Falls Police Department, is in its final hiring phase. Interviews for the part-time roles are currently underway. Attendants are expected to hit the streets in May.

Currently, parking fees account for approximately 5% of Niagara Falls’ general fund revenue. City officials hope that improved enforcement will boost that figure and bring more structure to downtown parking operations.

For now, the effort will be limited to the downtown area.

“We’ll look at how it performs over the first year, make some adjustments if needed, and see where we go from there,” he said.

Restaino: Patrols to Start Enforcement of Downtown Niagara Falls Paid Parking in May