The impact of Canadians on the local economy is expected to increase as the “Golden Horseshoe” region of Southern Ontario (Toronto-Niagara Falls-Hamilton area) is projected to grow from 8.8 million people today to 11.5 million by 2031. An expanded Peace Bridge Plaza was completed in 2016, which will strengthen the region’s ties with Southern Ontario by making border crossings quicker and easing congestion on the bridge. The plan also includes $2 million for improvements to the surrounding neighborhood. Canadians are estimated to make up 40% of the approximately 5 million passengers that use the Buffalo Niagara International Airport each year, supporting 17,000 jobs with $1.1 billion economic impact. Buffalo’s proximity to Canada has resulted in robust retail growth at a time when the retail industry has struggled across the country.