Tonawanda council to 'reimagine' Canal Fest with shorter schedule, street-only events and new safety measures

City of Tonawanda council members discussed plans to “reimagine” Canal Fest for a one-year pilot, shifting some activities to North Tonawanda, condensing entertainment and tightening safety and site rules, Mayor (name not specified) and council members said Tuesday night.

Council members said the city will open its Canal Fest events on Tuesday just before the parade, while North Tonawanda will host some earlier activities beginning Sunday. The council discussed limiting Niagara Street to organized events — “there’s gonna be nothing on Niagara Street except for events” — and installing cement barriers at key intersections to prevent vehicles from entering event areas.

The change is intended to reduce police overtime and public-safety exposure, council members said. “We’re spending too much darn money on keeping our people safe and our officers safe because we don’t have as large of a police force as they do in North Tonawanda,” the mayor said. Councilmember Chris Fisher and the mayor said they and other staff worked through logistics and expect to try the new format for one year.

Council members described specific operational changes under discussion: city staff will open and close restrooms each day and increase restroom servicing frequency (twice weekly emptying of units), add an additional women’s toilet at the field, aerate and repaint playing fields, and explore improving the indoor playground area with grants. They also discussed a short-term lease for a privately owned “candy stand” near city facilities and said the city attorney will draft lease terms to protect city interests.

Council members repeatedly emphasized coordination and legal review before final actions. “I’m gonna give it to Mike Burua, our attorney, to do the legal part, again, to protect us,” the mayor said. Several council members and the mayor indicated the plan will be put in contract form and returned to council for approval.

Discussion included proposed programming on Niagara Street such as a nine-show “loggers” event and multiple family activities; organizers plan staggered performances and additional entertainment boxes and speaker systems. Council members said not-for-profits will be allowed to set up in designated areas and that some activities traditionally on Monday will be moved to earlier days to accommodate the new schedule.

The council repeatedly framed the plan as a pilot: if the one-year test works, they will consider future adjustments. Staff and legal counsel will return with written agreements and operational details before the council takes any binding action.