Niagara Falls could get elevated pod transit system but controversy already brewing

Yet another proposed Niagara attraction is facing criticism over plans for public land, just as the controversy surrounding a potential second Ferris wheel begins to die down.

Niagara Parks is working to advance plans for a new elevated electric tram system by Queen Victoria Park, but the proposal is already raising questions from local Niagara officials like MPP Wayne Gates about how public green space could be used.

On Wednesday, Gates noted that he has several questions about what he described as the latest "gondola-style mega attraction," including how much of Queen Victoria Park, which sits across from the Falls, could be handed over to a private company.

"Residents, I believe, have legitimate questions. How much of their public green space in Queen Victoria Park is being handed over to a private company? What decisions are open to the public consultations? Consultation should have been done before any decision or contract is signed," Gates said.

The proposed system, referred to as the Niagara River Line, would be an all-season, automated electric tram running approximately 3.8 kilometres one-way or 7.6 kilometres for a round trip. Niagara Parks describes the project as a new "visitor transportation system" that would provide travel through the tourism area of Queen Victoria Park.

The new mode of transportation would be privately funded, and if approved, would replace the WEGO buses currently operating within the park and to local attractions and hotels. The elevated track would sit above the ground and run along the inland side of the park, away from the Niagara River and Niagara Parkway.

Rendering of the passenger capsules. Photo: Niagara Parks.

According to Niagara Parks, the tram would feature panoramic glass passenger capsules, with five stations from Clifton Hill to Rapidsview Park, including Grand View station, Casino-Surge station, Table Rock station (near the Niagara Takes Flight attraction), Toronto Power station, and Rapidsview station.

The Commission says the proposed system is intended to reduce traffic in the area, improve the pedestrian experience, and preserve "the parklike character of Queen Victoria Park." Throughout its history, Niagara has operated many visitor transportation systems, including "view mobiles," funiculars, and most recently, the WEGO bus system.

Niagara Parks is planning to announce the winning proponent this fall, with public consultations to follow.

The criticism against the tram system comes just after a potential second observation wheel in the region had faced pushback from local residents, politicians, and environmental advocates over plans to put the massive structure on public green space.

Gates was also among those who opposed the proposal, and even launched a petition against it that collected more than 2,500 signatures on its first day.

The original proposal was envisioned as a major tourist attraction, with the province comparing it to observation wheels like the London Eye and the High Roller in Las Vegas. Following its criticism and a private-sector proposal that made the redevelopment of the existing Niagara SkyWheel a viable option, plans for the proposed attraction were scrapped.

In response to the proposal, Harry Oakes, president and CEO of HOCO Entertainment, had sent Niagara Parks a letter outlining plans to redevelop the more than 20-year-old Niagara SkyWheel, which, the Commission says, demonstrated that financing is in place to drive the project forward.

Through its redevelopment, the existing Niagara SkyWheel will be replaced with a new 250-foot Ferris wheel, making it the tallest one in Canada.