Stunt artist gets the green light to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope

Back in December, Canada cemented its reputation for being both a bore and a buzz kill when officials nixed an American daredevil’s plan to walk a tightrope over Niagara Falls, even though authorities on the American side had already agreed to it. Now the Niagara Parks Commission has reversed its decision, allowing Nik Wallenda to walk the line this summer. The reason for the about-face: apparently, Wallenda convinced Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan and allayed safety concerns from commission members and park staff (we’re pretty sure a report that the stunt could generate $120 million for the area played a role, too). Wallenda, a Guinness record holder and descendant of the famous Flying Wallendas, will be the first person to walk across the falls since 1896, and, if he falls, likely the last. No pressure though. Read the entire story [National Post] »