From the Niagara Falls Review:
A renowned Canadian highwire walker who has been trying unsuccessfully for decades to walk over Niagara Falls said Nik Wallenda’s proposal to cross the Horseshoe Falls next year will have to be cleared by an “onslaught” of government officials on both sides of the border if it’s going to happen.
Jay Cochrane, who in the summers of 2002, 2005, and 2007 did daily walks over the city, has been hoping to do a highwire act over the Horseshoe Falls since the 1970s.
For Cochrane, now in his mid-60s but still actively performing, his quest to cross the falls has largely been an exercise in stalled hopes and rejection.
“I don’t think this young fella understands the hoops and the barrels — and I don’t mean over the falls — that you have to jump through to get to that point,” Cochrane said of the 32-year-old American’s bid.
“Nevermind air traffic control, the waterway systems, the Maid of the Mist, the hydro power systems,” Cochrane said. “It’s an amazing onslaught of governments that you have to go through.”
Cochrane said he’s also planning to do a wirewalk in Niagara Falls next year on what he said would be his farewell tour — and yes, he still wants to cross the Horseshoe Falls.