Ontario city could get Canada's tallest observation wheel

A polarizing proposal by the provincial government to build a new observation wheel in Niagara Falls just took an unexpected turn.

Rather than constructing a brand-new Ferris wheel at Queen Victoria Park, which is located just opposite the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the owners of the existing Niagara SkyWheel next to Clifton Hill are pitching to expand the attraction into the "tallest observation wheel in Canada."

The Harry Oakes Company, which owns the 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel, recently wrote to Niagara Parks with a proposal to significantly expand and modernize the more than 20-year-old attraction.

According to the proposal, the updated wheel would "substantially" increase in height to become "one of the highest and most spectacular observation experiences in the world." The company also argued that expanding the existing, aging attraction would achieve many of the province's tourism goals in the region without building a second observation wheel on public parkland.

The company's president, Harry Oakes, wrote, "By substantially increasing its height to become the tallest observation wheel in Canada and combining it with the natural elevation of Clifton Hill, this project would create one of the highest and most spectacular observation experiences in the world, capturing the ambition of a landmark attraction while building on what is already working."

Back in December, the provincial government launched its multibillion-dollar Destination Niagara Strategy, which aims to create new attractions in the region to bring in 25 million visitors annually.

The strategy aims to build on the success of the region's new immersive flying theatre attraction, Niagara Takes Flight, through new features, including a "world-class observation wheel" similar to the Las Vegas High Roller and London Eye. 

However, that plan has faced significant backlash since it was unveiled, with residents, city councillors, and environmental advocates raising concerns about the impacts of placing a large structure, such as a Ferris wheel, on public green space.

In May, NDP MPP Wayne Gates even launched a petition against the plan, which garnered over 2,500 signatures within the first day of being posted.

Jack Landau

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has also thrown his support behind the alternative proposal from the Harry Oakes Company.

"Ferris wheel turn of events, NO FERRIS WHEEL AT QUEEN VICTORIA PARK," Diodati wrote on social media.

"Harry Oakes has proposed to modernize and replace our current Niagara Sky Wheel, stepping up to answer the call from Destination Niagara while simultaneously preserving the iconic natural views & green space within @niagaraparks. There won't be a second Ferris wheel in Queen Victoria Park."

Diodati added that if the proposal moves forward, the replacement attraction could potentially be completed in as little as three years.