Niagara District Airport is set to receive nearly $10 million from the Ontario government for planning and infrastructure work aimed at preparing the facility for future commercial passenger service.
The provincial funding will advance the airport’s 20-year master plan and cover design work for terminal improvements, new service buildings and upgrades to taxiways, aprons and runway infrastructure.
The airport, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is jointly owned by Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake. It currently serves general aviation and other aircraft operations, but regional officials have identified commercial passenger service as part of its long-term future.
The province says the investment is intended to improve access to Niagara, support the tourism sector and create opportunities for local businesses and employment.
“Niagara is a major contributor to Ontario’s economy, and our government is investing in transportation infrastructure that will allow one of the most renowned tourist destinations on the planet to continue to thrive for generations to come,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our nearly $10-million investment in Niagara’s airport will support improved passenger air services, helping to make it faster and easier for millions of tourists to visit Niagara each year.”
The airport project is being tied to the province’s broader Destination Niagara Strategy, which was launched last fall.
That strategy includes proposed investments in tourism attractions, arts and culture, highways, transit and air access. The province has set a target of attracting 25 million visitors to Niagara annually and generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s gross domestic product through increased tourism activity.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, said the airport investment is intended to support both tourism growth and regional employment.
“This $10 million investment to advance the expansion of Niagara District Airport is another example of how our government continues to bring critical infrastructure dollars and good-paying jobs to Niagara,” Oosterhoff said. “This support for our regional airport is part of the Destination Niagara Strategy and our plan to protect Ontario by not only attracting more visitors from across North America, but around the globe.”
The funding does not establish a date for the beginning of commercial passenger flights. Instead, it supports the planning, design and infrastructure work considered necessary before the airport can accommodate future expansion.
Niagara District Airport Commission chair Greg Wight said the announcement moves that preparatory work forward.
“Today’s investment is a major step forward for Niagara District Airport and the Niagara region. With the province’s support, we are advancing the planning and design work that underpins our vision for the airport — to strengthen regional connectivity, support tourism and economic growth, and enhance Niagara’s ability to compete for investment, businesses and visitors. We thank the Government of Ontario for its partnership and commitment to Niagara’s long-term success.”
Municipal leaders from the three communities that own the airport also welcomed the announcement.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said the expansion could eventually connect Niagara directly with major destinations.
“This is a key piece of the plan to ensure Niagara is set to reach its full potential! We can’t wait for Niagara District Airport to become a go-to hub for passenger air travel and to connect Niagara to major destinations around the globe.”
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe said the project could create economic opportunities beyond the airport itself.
“Today’s investment is a transformative moment for the Niagara District Airport and our entire region. Modernizing our airport is about more than infrastructure, it’s about creating new opportunities for residents, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors from around the world, and laying the foundation for future commercial passenger service. This investment will help unlock Niagara’s full tourism potential, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our regional economy for generations to come. We are grateful for the province’s partnership and commitment to our community’s future.”
Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said an expanded airport could improve travel options and reduce pressure on existing transportation routes.
“The Niagara District Airport is a valuable asset jointly owned by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the City of Niagara Falls, and the City of St. Catharines, and today’s investment reflects its growing importance. Thoughtful expansion has the potential to strengthen regional connectivity, improve travel options for local residents, reduce pressure on transportation corridors like the QEW, and further unlock the economic opportunities created through Destination Niagara. As our region continues to emerge as one of Ontario’s next engines of economic growth, investments like this help ensure we’re ready to seize those opportunities together.”
