Frustration grows in Niagara Falls, Ont., with no clear progress on fate of Marineland and belugas
CBC
Residents in Niagara Falls, Ont., continue to wait for news on the future of Marineland’s property and dozens of animals, including up to 30 belugas and four dolphins — nearly two months after the federal government turned down the theme park's request to export the mammals.
The shuttered park and zoo once attracted millions of visitors and employed hundreds of seasonal workers.
Its real estate is vast, stretching about 324 hectares on the doorstep of Canada’s most popular tourist destination — Niagara Falls.
“Every time I drive by, it makes me really sad,” said local Realtor Shelby Tomlinson. “I see it sitting empty and I feel like we could use that space for something really good.”
At Falls Manor Restaurant, not far from Marineland, everyone CBC News spoke to had a personal connection to the property and an opinion on what should happen to it.
Vince Forte worked at the theme park for two summers in his teens, at the deer park and in guest services.
He said he would like the property to “give the residents or the kids of Niagara Falls jobs like they did for us.”
“Now, there’s really not much for them."
Another restaurant patron, Barry Baumour, said deciding Marineland's fate is “very urgent.”
He wants the property to bring jobs to the community again, and that may include turning it into “a massive entertainment centre that would draw not only the kids, but also for adult entertainment.”
Founded in 1961, Marineland didn't open this past season and has been closed to the public since the end of summer 2024. The park is attempting to sell its assets, including its rides, but has faced financial and other challenges.
After the passing of the amusement park's owners, John Holer in 2018 and his wife and successor Marie Holer in 2024, the estate was placed in a trust.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said there’s been interest from land developers to build homes on the Marineland site, but that would be a mistake.
The property could fit three theme parks the size of Disney's Magic Kingdom in Florida and is prime tourism land so close to the falls.
Eight casinos across southwest B.C. have been sold to First Nations in the last two years, with the province's gambling scene set to be reshaped as a result.
Hamilton hosts the Junos Sunday, and the musical awards show is bringing tourists, musicians, concerts and a ton of themed events to the city this week.
The multi-million-dollar deal at the heart of a high-profile fight between the Canadian government and one of the world’s biggest carmakers contains multiple clauses about the company’s footprint in Ontario, according to a copy obtained by CBC Windsor.
In recent months, Calgary police have carried out three day-long safety blitzes, parading out dozens of officers to flood an area with their increased presence — at least, temporarily.
A national organization is seeking people with experience in Canada's forestry sector as they put together a working group that will examine ways to improve forest recovery following wildfires.
Ella Heyder is bracing for a breakup, even though she already moved out decades ago.
Shawne Hopkins never saw it coming.
Politicians return to Queen’s Park Monday for a shortened spring session, as Premier Doug Ford prepares to unveil his eight budget amid heightened global economic uncertainty.
Despite a recent announcement that a water supply pipeline will be build in Oneida Nation of the Thames, some members of the community say that's no excuse for taking water for granted.
As scandal has swirled around former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, questions and curiosity have also focused on his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Friday may have been the first day of spring, but winter storms are not over yet for Newfoundland.
While we officially welcomed spring last week, an incoming system will be a reminder that snow is still very much part of the new season, especially early on.
The future of a national historic site in Fredericton is up for discussion at meetings across New Brunswick in the next few weeks as the Anglican diocese considers what to do about costly repairs needed at Christ Church Cathedral.