Ontario vision of Niagara as Las Vegas north may not include Marineland, minister says

A major amusement park is part of Ontario's grand vision to turn the Niagara region into Las Vegas north, but Marineland may not fit the bill, the provincial tourism minister says.

Stan Cho says his ministry has not spoken to the sprawling attraction, which is currently for sale and sits on 1,000 acres a short distance from Horseshoe Falls.

"I'll acknowledge that the site is well situated to the core," Cho said of the park's location, speaking with reporters recently at Queen's Park.

"There's no doubt about that, but it is privately held land and we are not currently in discussions with any of the private matters going around the sale of the land. But we know that there are other options."

The province would like to see an amusement park somewhere in the region to act as a marquee attraction as part of its "Niagara strategy," Cho said.

"There's a lot of land there that is available for things like amusement parks, increased shopping and all of that, five-star dining options," he said.

"Our goal isn't to pick exactly where and who, our goal is to create the conditions and provide the necessary sort of background with the foundation for those who want to invest capital to do it because there's going to be a return."

A new amusement park could be anywhere, and doesn't need to use the existing infrastructure of Marineland, he suggested.

The park said last year it was up for sale, but it has yet to announce a deal. Owner Marie Holer died last month, which set in motion a succession plan that has not been shared publicly.

This past summer, Marineland only opened for two months under significantly cheaper rates as it said it was "transitioning" to new owners. Much of the park, including its rides and many of the animals, was off-limits to visitors.

The park has been the site of a series of marine mammal deaths in recent years as the Ministry of the Solicitor General conducts a now four-year-long probe. Marineland has said the deaths are part of the cycle of life and defended its treatment of the animals.

"My main concern there is the animal welfare, just like the public," Cho said.

"We hope that they do the right thing and they listen to the public and look after the welfare of the animals."

Marineland did not respond to a request for comment about Cho's remarks and the government's plan for the region.