A world-renowned tightrope walker is trying to convince Canadian officials that his high-flying plan to walk across one of the largest waterfalls in North America is safe.
Nik Wallenda wants to walk across Niagara Falls on a length of wire that is five-centimetres thick and about 550 metres long.
Though the plan has been approved by New York State lawmakers, it's been met with opposition on the Canadian side of the Falls.
The Niagara Parks Commission has said they have no intent of allowing Wallenda to perform, even though the mayor of Niagara Falls backs the plan.
Wallenda says he'll bring his own rescue crew — including a helicopter and divers — while he performs the act, which is planned for 2012.
He also says he'd wear suede-leather shoes made by his mother that become stickier with moisture.
The 32-year-old is a seventh-generation member of the daredevil circus stunt group, the Flying Wallendas.
With files from The Associated Press
