Province Backs Airport Modernization to Strengthen Tourism and Regional Economic Growth
The Ontario government is investing nearly $10 million to advance the expansion of Niagara District Airport, a move aimed at preparing the facility for future commercial passenger service while supporting tourism, business investment and long-term economic growth across the Niagara region.
Announced by the Ministry of Transportation on July 20, the funding will support design work and critical infrastructure improvements as part of the airport’s long-term master plan. The project is expected to modernize the airport into a regional transportation hub capable of accommodating future passenger operations while enhancing connectivity throughout southern Ontario.
Provincial officials say the investment aligns with broader efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and strengthen Niagara’s position as one of Canada’s leading tourism destinations.
“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.”
Infrastructure Upgrades Form Part of 20-Year Airport Master Plan
Terminal, Runway and Airside Improvements Planned
The provincial funding will help advance Niagara District Airport’s 20-year master plan, which outlines a phased transformation of the airport into a modern regional gateway.
Planned work includes upgrades to the airport terminal, construction of new service buildings and improvements to taxiways, aprons and runway infrastructure. These upgrades are intended to provide the foundation needed to accommodate future growth and support the eventual introduction of commercial passenger flights.
The airport is jointly owned by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the City of Niagara Falls and the City of St. Catharines, serving as a regional aviation asset for both business and tourism activities.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, said the investment complements the province’s broader economic strategy for the region.
“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,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “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.”
Airport Expansion Supports Destination Niagara Strategy
The airport project forms part of Ontario’s Destination Niagara Strategy, a multibillion-dollar initiative launched last year to expand tourism, improve transportation infrastructure and strengthen cultural attractions throughout the region.
The strategy aims to increase annual visitation to 25 million people while doubling Niagara’s tourism impact, contributing an additional $3 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product. Planned investments include improvements to highways, public transit and air transportation to better connect visitors with the region.
Niagara currently attracts more than 13 million visitors annually. The region’s tourism industry contributes approximately $3 billion to the economy and supports more than 40,000 jobs.
The province is also advancing other transportation projects in the region, including twinning the Garden City Skyway bridge along the Queen Elizabeth Way. GO Transit has also expanded rail access to Niagara Falls, with service operating seven days a week between Union Station and Niagara Falls.
Regional Leaders Welcome Provincial Investment
Municipal leaders across Niagara said the funding will strengthen regional connectivity while supporting business growth and future tourism opportunities.
“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.”
— Jim Diodati, Mayor, City of Niagara Falls
“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.”
— Mat Siscoe, Mayor, St. Catharines
“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.”
— Gary Zalepa, Lord Mayor, Niagara-On-The-Lake
“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.”
— Greg Wight, Chair, Niagara District Airport Commission
With planning and design work now moving forward, the province expects the investment to lay the groundwork for future commercial air service while supporting Niagara’s growing role as a tourism, business and economic hub within Ontario.