Movement to name Niagara Falls street after late chip-truck legend

A Niagara Falls resident is pushing to have a portion of St. Clair Avenue named after the late Jake Hiebert, a city legend with his famed Jake’s Chip Wagon.

Rich Merlino has started a push on Facebook to get Niagara Falls to get a section of the street between Queen St and Park St renamed Jake Hiebert Way.

On Facebook, Merlino said the renaming would be “in honour of his historic contribution to the City of Niagara Falls, in particular the downtown core. With the changes taking place at the Niagara Falls Market, this should be an easy decision for Council to put forward.”

Hiebert has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 86 late last week. The Downtown Niagara Falls page on Facebook shared the news of Hiebert’s death last Thursday (April 14).

Downtown Niagara Falls said on their page, “We are saddened to hear the news that Jake Hiebert, the owner of Jake’s Chip Wagon, has passed away. We send our deepest condolences to Jake Hiebert’s family and friends. Jake’s Chip Wagon has brought so much joy to the downtown since 1945, and will always be one of Niagara’s favorite destinations.”

Jake Hiebert passed away last week at age of 86.

Hiebert ran the chip wagon with his wife Amy until 2015. Towards the end of their run, they only opened the truck sporadically.

Niagara Falls residents were devastated by the post. “My favorite chip wagon in downtown Niagara falls for many years. Years of hard work. Condolences to his family,” said one.

“I was privileged to experience the infamous fries some years ago and Jake and Amy were so friendly. It was an awesome experience,” said another.

Online reviews, now a little dated, were overwhelming positive. “I been going to Jake’s for over 50 years, that there says it all. You won’t find a better chip truck any where!”

“Fond memories since the 60’s! Highly recommend Jake’s fries! Have not found a chip wagon that comes close to Jake’s!,” said another.