The Ontario government has launched the Destination Niagara Strategy, a provincial tourism plan that includes the Niagara Parks Marina at Miller’s Creek among proposed tourism and infrastructure initiatives across the region.
The strategy outlines how the province plans to support tourism growth in Niagara through targeted development, transportation improvements and expanded visitor experiences. The plan aims to attract 25 million visitors each year and double the region’s tourism impact, adding an estimated 3 billion CAD ($2.1 billion USD) annually to Ontario’s gross domestic product.
Under the tourism attractions pillar, Niagara Parks is expected to pursue private-sector partnerships connected to a number of sites. These include the Niagara Parks Marina, alongside projects such as the redevelopment of the Ontario Power Generating Station and other proposed visitor attractions in Niagara Falls.
The Niagara Parks Marina has operated as a seasonal boating facility for decades. The site was used for shipbuilding, repair and metal fabrication between 1903 and 1930 before being purchased by the Niagara Parks Commission in 1957. A small boat launch opened in 1965, followed by the development of the current marina in 1968.
When it first opened, the marina had 54 boat slips. The facility now operates 110 seasonal slips and includes a public boat launch, day-use trailer parking, visitor parking, a bike repair station and water filling facilities.
The Destination Niagara Strategy is intended to support the region’s tourism sector and local employment. Niagara’s tourism industry currently supports more than 40,000 jobs.
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.”
In addition to tourism attractions, the strategy includes four other priority areas: gaming, wine and culinary tourism, arts and culture, and transportation development. Proposed transportation plans include expanded highway capacity in Niagara, increased GO Transit service, and further exploration of air access through Niagara District Airport.
Wayne Redekop, Mayor of Fort Erie commented: “We are very excited about the focus that the province has put on Niagara through its recognition of the significant opportunities to build on and expand a vibrant tourism sector.”
