Ontario wants to bring in more attractions to Niagara with 'multibillion-dollar' plan
CBC
Premier Doug Ford was in Niagara Falls, Ont., Monday announcing a new strategy that aims to add new attractions and service expansions in the area.
Ford was joined by Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, ministers of transportation and tourism Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria and Stan Cho, and mayors of cities within the Niagara Region, including Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati.
“This is more than just tourism … it’s economic growth, job creation, investment and prosperity,” Ford said.
According to Ford, the strategy will “unlock the region’s full potential,” focusing on five pillars: attractions, transportation, gaming, wine and restaurants, and arts and culture.
Potential projects include a theme park and others redevelopments and revitalizations, said a news release from the province.
The aim of the "multibillion-dollar" strategy, the province said, is to "attract 25 million annual visitors" and double the region’s tourism impact, generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP every year.
The announcement comes after a well-known theme park in the area, Marineland, closed its doors earlier this year. The park is currently trying to find a home for its animals, including its remaining 30 belugas.
The region's new tourism strategy will also expand the Queen Elizabeth Way in Niagara, further increasing GO transit service to the region and issuing requests to improve air access.
Ford also added the strategy will revitalize the Niagara District Airport so more flights and "bigger planes" can land in the Niagara Region.
“Together, we’re going to build a place that welcomes families from across our province and across the world,” he said.
A new hotel at the former Toronto Power Generating Station is also moving forward, according to the province.
According to the news release, the province is also working with Niagara Parks to “identify private-sector partnerships,” and develop procurements such as a new observation wheel “similar to those found in other major cities such as London and Las Vegas,” redeveloping the Ontario Power Generating Station into a “new guest experience,” and revitalizing the Niagara Parks marina into a new “recreation destination.”
Diodati said the new strategy will benefit everyone in the region.
“The rising tide will raise all boats,” he said.
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