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214 215 that sense of commu- nity and belonging throughout the city.” BVM: What tech- nological and green advancements have you initiated? Diodati: “Originally, the city of Niagara Falls and three oth- er municipalities in our region wanted to find a way to provide high-speed fiber optic cable for the MUSH section (Municipalities, Universities, Schools, Hospitals), so we started the Niagara Regional Broadband Network. From there, we expanded into the commercial sector, and kept expanding so much that we’ve had the big companies try to buy us out several times. But we’re not in it for the money.We’re in it for the long haul for economic develop- ment. “Fiber optic has gone from a luxury to a necessity.When you buy a house, you as- NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO on the Falls.The problemwith LED technology –it had not come far enough to throw light that far and through the mist. So,we did a worldwide Request for Proposals and narrowed it down to a Japanese company with equipment made in Cali- fornia. It’s been so successful; we got a 300 percent increase in intensity, a massive range of new colors, and no dead spots. By putting the lights behind the mist, you can now see more of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls than ever before.The effects that are possible in this digital age are spectacular, and operating costs are reduced because it uses signifi- cantly less electricity to create the lighting.We’ve also changed our city street light to LED.All around, we’re more sustainable.” BVM: What major projects are on the horizon for the city of Niagara Falls? Diodati: “We’re building a new center of ex- cellence hospital for many disciplines. It’s a SPEED l VALUE l QUALITY Contact us: 888-660-1840 | www.sanigear.ca BUNKER GEAR INSPECTION, CLEANING AND REPAIR sume there is high-speed connectivity along with regular utilities, so we’re also doing wireless.We’ve since bought out two of the three municipalities, but we keep reinvesting to make it bigger, better, and available to everyone. We want to bring high-speed to areas that can’t afford it. This business is something we’re happy to own and grow; it brings great rewards through economic development and other ways. “On the ‘green’ side,we spent $4 million to upgrade the old sodium lighting