Ontario Building Destination Niagara

NIAGARA FALLS — Today, the Ontario government launched its Destination Niagara Strategy, the province’s plan to position the region as a world-renowned tourism destination to support local businesses, create good-paying jobs and protect Ontario’s economy. 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,” said Premier Doug 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.”

The Destination Niagara Strategy will 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 exceptional agritourism and internationally recognized wine and culinary sectors, promoting broader culinary tourism, including the region’s many prestigious 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.

  
  

“We are protecting Niagara’s globally recognized tourism sector and unlocking the region’s enormous potential as an economic engine of the province,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Through this strategy, our government is investing in Niagara’s broader prosperity, which will strengthen the communities, workers and industries that keep our province moving.”

Building on the success of Niagara Takes Flight, the government 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.

  
  

“This transformative investment in Niagara as a world-class, four-season tourism destination is another example of how our government is protecting Ontario,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “This critical support for our regional tourism strategy will not only attract more visitors from coast to coast across North America, but from around the globe.”

In addition, the government is launching a Request for Information to explore options for a brand-new signature theme park attraction, offering exciting new venues where families can create long-lasting memories. 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 unmatched views of Niagara Falls while connecting them to major attractions across the area.

“Our government is delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by building the transportation infrastructure that people and businesses rely on every day,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “In Niagara Region, we're expanding GO service, twinning the Garden City Skyway and exploring better air access so it’s easier for visitors to travel and for local businesses to move goods. These investments will help boost tourism, support good-paying jobs and keep Niagara a key driver of Ontario’s economy.”

Once completed, these new family-friendly attractions will help deliver on the economic potential of one of the province’s most beautiful and unique regions and attract visitors from around the world.

Quick Facts

• The government has already made progress on several key milestones in Niagara Region, including:

  • Investing $35 million in the Shaw Festival’s rebuild of the historic Royal George Theatre.

  • Providing $250,000 in festival funding to support the 2025 Shaw Festival.

  • Investing more than $1 million for festivals and events in the Niagara Region.

  • Through Niagara Parks, launching Niagara Takes Flight, a new, fully immersive attraction in Niagara Falls exploring the region’s 13,000 years of history. Since its opening at the end of this past August, Niagara Takes Flight has welcomed more than 120,000 visitors and generated nearly $3.5 million in gross revenue.

• Currently welcoming more than 13 million visitors each year, Niagara Region’s $3 billion tourism industry is a key economic driver in the province, representing a six per cent share of the region’s Gross Domestic Product and supporting over 40,000 jobs.

• As noted in its recently released 2025–2045 Master Plan, Niagara District Airport could generate more than $1 billion in economic output and bring over seven million passengers through the region over the course of the plan.

• Niagara Parks is redeveloping the Toronto Power Generating Station, funded entirely through a private-sector investment of more than $300 million, transforming the site into a new, multi-faceted visitor attraction. The power station overlooks Niagara Falls from the banks of the Niagara River.

• Information about Niagara Parks’ procurement process and open bid opportunities can be found on Niagara Parks’ procurement/vendor website.

• The Niagara Falls Train Station recently unveiled the first phase ($2.8 million) of its nearly $4.5 million renovations, completing the first of a multi-phase project to transform it into a modern, multi-modal transit hub. In November, weekend GO Train service increased on the Lakeshore West line with two additional trips, bringing Niagara’s service level to eight trips on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Niagara Region is home to internationally recognized and award-winning agricultural products and is the largest wine producing region in Canada, responsible for 86 per cent of grape production in Ontario and approximately two-thirds of the country’s total grape and wine production. 

Quotes

"As Canada’s largest wine-producing region, Niagara has become a global destination for agritourism, where visitors can experience our vineyards, farmers’ markets and award-winning restaurants firsthand. By expanding support for grape growers, VQA producers and winery retail opportunities, we’re ensuring this vital sector continues to thrive and drive economic growth across the region."

- Trevor Jones

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

"Niagara Falls is ready with open arms to welcome even more of the world to experience the wonder of our City. Premier Ford, Minister Cho and the Government of Ontario’s bold vision and investments show strong support and belief in Niagara. Today’s announcement will help level up our tourism economy and drive major new private sector investment, generating great job opportunities for residents and helping to ensure Niagara remains on the bucket list of visitors from around the world."

- Jim Diodati

Mayor of Niagara Falls

"We are very excited about the focus that the province has put on Niagara through its recognition of the significant opportunities to build on and expand a vibrant tourism sector. Whether modernizing gaming, promoting wine and culinary experiences, supporting the arts, culture and heritage of the region or simply making it easier to visit Niagara, this is a strategy that is sure to reap enormous benefits."

- Wayne Redekop

Mayor of Fort Erie

"Niagara-on-the-Lake is proud to be a part of Niagara’s growth as a leading, year-round destination and this provincial investment reflects the province’s continued commitment to our region. Thank you to Minister Cho and the province for all your support. This funding will help us to enhance what visitors love about our town and region, while creating local opportunities and ensuring Niagara continues to thrive as a global tourist destination."

- Gary Zalepa

Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake

"Today’s announcement represents an exciting and significant investment in the future of Niagara as a global tourist destination. This provincial funding will help us realize our vision by modernizing gaming, enhancing and expanding attractions, improving access to the region, promoting our world-class wine and culinary experiences and supporting the arts, culture and heritage that make this community so unique. Niagara-on-the-Lake is fortunate to be a part of such a beautiful and thriving region and is grateful for the recognition and support of the provincial government. It's initiatives and funding opportunities like these that continue to strengthen our economy and position our region as a leader on the global stage for generations to come."

- Erwin Wiens

Deputy Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake

"Niagara is a global brand that has drawn tourists from around the world for over two centuries. With recent investments that have elevated and modernized that brand, from new attractions to the upcoming redevelopment of Toronto Power Hotel into Niagara Falls’ first five-star accommodation property, we are introducing even more reasons to visit this iconic, bucket-list-worthy destination. The Destination Niagara Strategy outlines a bold vision for Niagara, further establishing its role as a global tourism icon for generations to come."

- David Adames

CEO, Niagara Parks Commission

"Niagara Parks shares the province’s vision for Niagara as a premier, world-class destination that shines bright on the global stage. Through transformative investments into sustainable tourism growth, we aim to elevate guest experiences, encourage longer stays and provide a significant economic impact, all while contributing to our dual mandate of stewardship and tourism."

- Bob Gale

Chair, Niagara Parks

"Ontario’s investment in Niagara strengthens its position as a premier entertainment and tourism hub and reinforces the province’s commitment to a modern, competitive gaming sector. This support will allow OLG and our partners to enhance the visitor experience, drive new economic activity and create long-term benefits for the people and businesses of the Niagara Region. We look forward to working with Premier Ford, Minister Cho and local stakeholders to bring this vision to life and ensure Niagara continues to grow as a world-class destination."

- Jim Warren

Chair, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)

"As Niagara’s largest cultural charity, and one of its most important tourism generators, the Shaw Festival is thrilled to see these continuing investments into the region. We want to thank the Ford Government for recognizing the economic and cultural opportunities to help make Niagara an even greater tourism engine than it already is."

- Tim Jennings

Executive Director and CEO, Shaw Festival

"This funding represents a powerful step forward for Niagara and for Ontario’s tourism economy. Improving access to the region, enhancing attractions and investing in culture and culinary experiences will create lasting value for residents, visitors and tourism operators. Destination Ontario is proud to champion initiatives that enrich our province and contribute to vibrant, resilient regional economies."

- Todd Halpern

Chair, Board of Directors, Destination Ontario

"Today’s announcement is a meaningful boost for Niagara’s tourism community. These investments will strengthen the experiences that make the region so special, including its world-class attractions, renowned wine country and vibrant cultural, culinary and heritage offerings. They also reflect a shared commitment to supporting Niagara’s long-term success. We look forward to continuing our work with partners across the region to build on this momentum and inspire visitation from around the world."

- Vincenza Ronaldi

President and CEO, Destination Ontario

Additional Resources

• Destination Niagara

• Visit Niagara Parks

• Ontario Supporting Tourism Growth in Niagara

• Ontario Investing $13 Million to Protect Workers in Niagara Region

• 2025 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Protect Ontario 

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org