The Ontario government has unveiled a multibillion-dollar plan to significantly expand tourism, entertainment and transportation infrastructure in the Niagara region, positioning it as a world-renowned, four-season destination and a larger driver of provincial economic growth.
Announced Monday in Niagara Falls, the Destination Niagara Strategy is designed to attract 25 million visitors annually and double the region’s tourism impact, generating an additional $3 billion in gross domestic product for Ontario each year. The province says the strategy will support local businesses, create good-paying jobs and help protect Ontario’s economy at a time of broader global uncertainty.
“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,” Premier Doug Ford said. “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 strategy focuses investment and development across five pillars: tourism attractions, world-class gaming, wine and culinary tourism, arts and culture, and transportation development. Together, the initiatives are intended to encourage longer visitor stays, attract new markets and strengthen Niagara’s position as one of Ontario’s most important economic engines.
Tourism attractions form a central component of the plan. The province highlighted the ongoing revitalization of the Toronto Power Generating Station into a boutique hotel, alongside potential projects such as a new theme park, redevelopment of the Ontario Power Generating Station, a new observation wheel and the revitalization of the Niagara Parks marina. Niagara Parks is also launching procurements to develop a world-class observation wheel, redevelop the historic Ontario Power Generating Station into a new guest experience and transform the Niagara Parks Marina at Miller’s Creek into a major recreation destination.
Gaming is another major focus, with the government looking to build on existing casino and gaming operations and explore options to expand to multiple world-class casino destinations. The province says expanded gaming could attract new hotels, entertainment venues and high-end dining, further strengthening Niagara’s tourism offering.
“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.”
The plan also places a strong emphasis on wine, culinary and agritourism, building on Niagara’s status as Canada’s largest wine-producing region. Investments are expected to support grape growers, wineries, restaurants and the broader beer and spirits sector, while promoting Niagara as a global culinary destination.
Arts and culture are another pillar, with continued provincial support for institutions such as the Shaw Festival and other cultural venues and events across the region. The province says these investments will help preserve Niagara’s heritage while creating immersive visitor experiences tied to the region’s history and cultural traditions.
Transportation development under the strategy includes plans to expand the Queen Elizabeth Way in Niagara, twin the Garden City Skyway, increase GO Transit service and improve air access through the Niagara District Airport. The government is also exploring a potential Niagara River Line attraction, a fully accessible, all-season automated electric tram running 3.8 kilometres through Queen Victoria Park, offering elevated views of Niagara Falls while connecting visitors to major attractions.
“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.”
Niagara currently welcomes more than 13 million visitors annually and supports a $3-billion tourism industry that represents about six per cent of the region’s GDP and more than 40,000 jobs. Provincial officials say the Destination Niagara Strategy is intended to build on that foundation, positioning the region for long-term growth and reinforcing its role as a globally recognized tourism destination.
