Ford announces multi-billion dollar strategy to reinvigorate Niagara tourism

Premier Doug Ford was in Niagara Falls, Ont., where he announced a plan to reinvigorate tourism and economic development to the region by focusing on casinos, attractions and more.

At a press conference Monday, Ford announced the “Ontario Building Destination Niagara” strategy, which aims to develop the region as a world-renowned tourism destination.

In a statement, Ford’s government said the multibillion-dollar strategy will create new, world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network, aiming to attract 25 million annual visitors and double the region’s tourism impact generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP every year.

“Niagara is home to the world-famous Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic tourism destinations on earth, along with a host of world-class restaurants, wineries, hotels, cultural events and so much more,” says Ford.

“Our Destination Niagara Strategy will unlock the region’s full potential, supporting workers and creating new opportunities for tourists and families from Ontario and around the world to come and experience the best that the region has to offer.”

Ford says he wants to see twice as many annual visitors as the current 13 million who visit Niagara Falls and area, and envisions more casinos, a theme park, an electric tram with views of the Falls and an observation wheel like in London.

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The Destination Niagara Strategy is expected to target investments and development across five key pillars:

• Tourism Attractions: Develop exciting new attractions and visitor experiences to appeal to new tourists and encourage longer stays. The revitalization of the Toronto Power Generating Station into a boutique hotel is underway and potential projects include a new theme park, redevelopment of the Ontario Power Generating Station, a new observation wheel and the revitalization of the Niagara Parks marina.
• World-Class Gaming: Build on the success of existing casino and gaming experiences and explore options to potentially expand the market to multiple world-class casinos, which could attract new hotels, entertainment and top-tier dining options.
• Wine and Culinary Tourism: Showcase Niagara Region’s agritourism and wine and culinary sectors, promoting broader culinary tourism, including the region’s many restaurants and the beer and spirits sectors.
• Arts and Culture: Celebrate the region’s rich heritage and history by investing in iconic cultural opportunities like the Shaw Festival and other unforgettable events and venues, which will give visitors the opportunity to be immersed in the historical landmarks and cultural traditions of the region.
• Transportation Development: Improve and expand transportation options, including expanding the QEW in Niagara, twinning the Garden City Skyway, continuing to increase GO service to the region and leveraging the Niagara District Airport by issuing a request for proposals to improve air access and better connect the Niagara Region to the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the world to reduce commuting times and make key destinations and tourist attractions easier to access.

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The provincial government said it is working with Niagara Parks to identify private-sector partnerships and expand tourism offerings in the region.

Niagara Parks is launching a series of procurements to:

• Develop a world-class observation wheel in Niagara Falls, similar to those found in other major cities such as London and Las Vegas.
• Redevelop the historic Ontario Power Generating Station to create a new guest experience.
• Revitalize the Niagara Parks Marina at Miller’s Creek into a world-class recreation destination.

In addition, the government is launching a “Request for Information” to explore options for a brand-new signature theme park attraction.

The government is also working on a potential new Niagara River Line attraction, which would be a fully accessible, all-season automated electric tram running 3.8 kilometres through Queen Victoria Park.

Its suspended capsules would give visitors views of Niagara Falls while connecting them to major attractions across the area.

“And that’s why we are twinning the Niagara city skyway, supporting the movement of a trillion dollars of goods every year and we are widening the QEW from Burlington to St. Catharines, to improve travel through Niagara right to the U.S. border,” says Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria.

Niagara Region’s $3 billion tourism industry represents a six per cent share of the region’s Gross Domestic Product and supports over 40,000 jobs.

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