MPP Oosterhoff Welcomes Launch of Destination Niagara Strategy
December 15, 2025
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 Gross Domestic Product every year.
“This transformative vision for 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.”
“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 Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.
“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, including developing exciting new attractions and visitor experiences, building on the success of existing casino and gaming experiences, showcasing Niagara’s exceptional agritourism and internationally recognized wine and culinary sectors, celebrating the region’s rich heritage and history by investing in iconic cultural opportunities like the Shaw Festival Theatre and improving and expanding transportation options.
“We are protecting Niagara’s globally recognized tourism sector and unlocking the region’s enormous potential as an economic engine of the province,” said Hon. 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, redevelop the historic Ontario Power Generating Station to create a new guest experience and revitalize the Niagara Parks Marina at Miller’s Creek into a world-class recreation destination.
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 Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
“In Niagara, we are 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 Parks shares the province’s vision for Niagara as a premier, world-class destination that shines bright on the global stage,” said Bob Gale, Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission.
“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.”
“From downtown Niagara Falls to historic Niagara-on-the-Lake to the rich and fertile Niagara Benchlands and beyond, the Destination Niagara Strategy is set to bring wide-ranging benefits to all of Niagara,” said Rob Foster, Acting Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
“We welcome the strategic investments included in this plan – such as $41 million invested in irrigation pipelines to help farmers in Niagara – that show the government’s commitment to spurring economic growth not only through world-class attractions, but also through targeted investments in infrastructure and programs that give Niagara the economic foundation it needs to succeed.”
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.