The International Joint Commission had to work with both Canada and the United States to come up with a solution that could make everyone happy – or at least, appear to make everyone happy, that is.
Officials wanted to keep up appearances in that everything was still flowing regularly through the falls. But they also wanted to keep using the area for their money-making industrial endeavors. So, what exactly was the solution that they settled on?
Niagara Falls was an extremely popular area, not only for tourists, but for all of the hoteliers, and industrialists who wanted to wield the hydroelectric power for their businesses. And by the middle of the 1830’s, most of the land in the American area of the falls had been bought by private owners and fenced off.
Already, the area was shaping out to be a tourist trap, much to the dismay of those who wanted to see it retain its natural beauty and allure.
There may have been those that stood firm in their position about leaving the falls alone in its natural beauty and wonder, as many argued that man shouldn’t try and manipulate nature in such a way. On the other hand, scientists had proven that erosion was a very real danger to the area, and that even if engineers didn’t intervene, it would likely crumble to a point of devastation.
They knew that the time was coming once again, and that they would have to spring into action, one way or another.
In the end, the IJC did authorize the work to be done, but there are multiple stipulations to keep things from getting out of hand. One of the main concerns of everyone involved in making the decisions was to make it appear as though none of the water had been diverted – whilst actually diverting some of the water to use for industrial purposes.
Engineers had to get creative in solving this particular problem. Luckily, a combination of brilliant (and well paid) individuals were able to solve the issue in a way that pleased all of the parties that were involved.
As odd as a request as it may have been to divert the falls without being too noticeable – engineers were able to make it happen. None of the thousands of people to visit Niagara Falls each day would hardly know that several decades ago, there was even more water passing over the rushing falls. Especially not the tourists who choose to take the boat ride right up close to the base of the towering formation.
Visitors climb aboard one of a few ships and venture into the mist. Most of them choose to wear the raincoats that are provided – and likely still end up wet!