Niagara Falls mayor expressed excitement for potential of provincial Destination Niagara plan
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati says the plan is to take Niagara Falls "from good, to great."
He, alongside other Niagara area mayors, joined Premier Doug Ford, other local politicians, and the Ministers of Tourism and Transport for a multi-billion dollar announcement at Table Rock Centre in Niagara Falls.
After taking the podium, the premier said the investment is for more tourism attractions, a theme park, attracting more casinos and expanding the airport runway.
It potentially includes an all-season electric tram running 3.8kms through Queen Victoria park. "With the ambitious goal of attracting 25-million annual visitors, and generating $3-billion of additional revenue, for Niagara every year. We want to double the number of visitors who come to Niagara every year, and we want to double the amount of time they spend in Niagara."
He says many people around the world know of Niagara Falls better than Toronto. "The highlight of every trip to Niagara is the falls itself, with the incredible Horseshoe Falls, and iconic attractions, like the Niagara City Cruises, or the Journey Behind the Falls... but the region has so much more to offer."
He also thanked people for buying Ontario wine, with sales up 70%.
Minister of Tourism Stan Cho pumped up Niagara by using his mom and dad as a reference. "The only reason she agreed to marry my dad, when he asked in South Korea, was because my dad was the only suitor who said he could show her Niagara Falls. I literally owe my life to this place."
The plan includes developing a world-class observation wheel in Niagara Falls, similar to London and Las Vegas.
Minister of Transport Prabmeet Sarkaria reminded the audience of QEW expansion plans and twinning the skyway.
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