Ford government unveils new Destination Niagara Strategy

The Ford government has unveiled its Destination Niagara Strategy, which it says is a new 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 government says the multi-billion-dollar strategy will create new world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture, improve local transit and aim to attract 25 million annual visitors. All of this, according to the Ford government, is designed to double the region’s tourism impact and create an extra $3 billion impact on the province’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.”

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, the government’s lone MPP from Niagara Region, also issued a statement as part of the announcement. 

“This transformative investment in Niagara as a world-class, four-season tourism destination is another example of how our government is protecting Ontario,” said Oosterhoff. “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.” 

The Destination Niagara Strategy has five key pillars, where investment will be targeted: tourism attractions, world-class gaming, wine and culinary tourism, arts and culture, and transportation development. 

In terms of tourism attractions, the Strategy includes broad plans to develop “exciting new attractions and visitor experiences,” targeted at appealing to new tourists and encouraging longer visits. The government is pointing to projects like the revitalization of the Toronto Power Generating Station into a new hotel, which is already underway, as well as new ideas like theme parks, the redevelopment of the Ontario Power Generating Station, a new observation wheel and the revitalization of the Niagara Parks Marina, as keys to the tourism attractions pillar of its Strategy. 

The government is looking to partner with the private sector to build these new attractions, and Niagara Parks will be launching a series of procurements to see these projects become reality. The government is also launching a Request for Information to explore options for a new signature theme park attraction. 

For gaming, the government envisions looking at opportunities to expand the market to multiple world-class casinos, which it says will in turn attract new hotels, entertainment, and dining. 

For wine and culinary tourism, the government is largely focused on further showcasing and promoting Ontario’s internationally recognized wine and culinary sectors, as well as promoting broader culinary tourism. 

In terms of arts and culture, the government is pointing to investments in opportunities like the Shaw Festival and other events and venues. 

When it comes to transportation development, the government is placing a key emphasis on infrastructure projects, such as expanding the QEW in Niagara, twinning the Garden City Skyway, continuing to increase regional GO service, and leveraging the Niagara District Airport by issuing a request for proposals to improve air access.  

In addition, the government is working on a potential new Niagara River Line attraction, which would be an all-season automated tram running 3.8 kilometres through Queen Victoria Park. 

“We are protecting Niagara’s globally recognized tourism sector and unlocking the region’s enormous potential as an economic engine of the province,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho. “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.”