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Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government wants to transform Niagara Falls into a bigger, year-round tourism powerhouse – with a major focus on attracting more “big, large casinos” and new entertainment-driven development.

Ford announced the vision on Monday alongside Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, describing a plan the government has reportedly referred to internally as “Vegas of the North.” The province says the goal is to increase what Niagara offers visitors, keep tourists in the region longer, and draw significant private investment.

What Ford is promising for Niagara Falls

At the centre of the strategy is a push to attract larger, world-class casino development, including what Ford described as Vegas-style mega projects tied to major hotels and entertainment.

Ford said Ontario wants to send a message to major casino operators – including U.S.-based companies – that Niagara Falls is open for business.

What the government says it wants to build

Ford’s vision includes the idea of large-scale projects designed to make Niagara a full entertainment destination, not just a quick stop.

Proposed concepts mentioned include:

• More casinos, including “big, large casinos”
• A Vegas-style mega casino connected to a major entertainment complex
• Billion-dollar hotel proposals with on-site attractions
• New entertainment venues (including live theatre)
• Cinemas and expanded restaurant options
• Developments located near theme parks and other activities

Ontario’s tourism targets for Niagara

Ford says the province wants to significantly increase Niagara’s tourism impact by:

• Doubling the number of visitors who come to Niagara every year
• Doubling the amount of time visitors spend in Niagara

The broader goal is to drive more spending in the region and encourage new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment investment.

Beyond casinos: food, wine, and culture

The strategy also highlights expanding Niagara’s appeal through experiences beyond gambling and attractions.

That includes:

• More food and wine-based experiences across the region
• Leaning into cultural tourism, including the Shaw Festival in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake

Transportation and infrastructure in the mix

The plan also points to transportation and access as part of Niagara’s long-term tourism growth.

Ford referenced existing or previously discussed efforts such as:

• Expansion plans for the QEW in Niagara
• The concept of twinning the Garden City Skyway
• Increased Niagara GO train service

Big-ticket ideas in the 44-page strategy

A 44-page strategy released Monday also lists possible future attraction upgrades, including:

• A 3.8-kilometre tram running through Queen Victoria Park
• A new observation wheel
• Redevelopment of the Niagara Parks Marina

What’s still unclear

While the vision is ambitious, the government also stressed the plan is not a finalized construction schedule.

Key unknowns include:

• When (or if) specific projects will be delivered
• Which private companies will submit proposals
• How projects will be funded
• Whether the province will provide partnership funding, and how much

The premier’s office indicated the strategy is meant to signal direction and attract proposals, with future phases determining what actually moves forward.

Why this matters

Niagara Falls is already one of Ontario’s biggest tourism draws, but the Ford government is pitching a bigger role for the region – positioning Niagara as a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy and a catalyst for growth through private-sector development.

Whether Niagara’s future looks more like “Vegas of the North” will likely depend on what developers propose next, and what level of government support follows.

source: Global News