Controversial Ontario attraction cancelled after major backlash

A controversial plan to build a massive second observation wheel in the Niagara region has officially been scrapped following significant pushback over the proposed attraction. 

The Niagara Parks Commission revealed on Monday that it has cancelled its Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a new observation wheel in Queen Victoria Park, writing that a private-sector proposal has made the redevelopment of the existing Niagara SkyWheel a viable option. 

The decision comes after the Ford government's original plans faced criticism from local residents, politicians, and environmental advocates, who expressed concerns about placing the massive structure on a public green space.

The RFP was launched back in December as part of the province's Destination Niagara Strategy, which aims to double the number of visitors to the region each year and attract new private sector investments.

The proposed second observation wheel was originally envisioned as a major tourism attraction, with the province comparing the concept to other observation wheels around the world, like the London Eye and the High Roller in Las Vegas. 

The proposal was almost instantly met with criticism, including from NDP MPP Wayne Gates, who launched a petition opposing the plan that collected more than 2,500 signatures on the first day. 

Following the release of the RFP, Harry Oakes, president and CEO of HOCO Entertainment, also sent Niagara Parks a letter outlining plans to redevelop the more than 20-year-old attraction. Since then, Niagara Parks says Oakes and his company have developed a detailed business case for the proposed redevelopment and demonstrated that financing is in place to drive the project forward.

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

"With the proposed SkyWheel redevelopment now supported by a business case and in the advanced planning stage, Niagara Parks has determined that there is a viable alternative to proceeding with a new observation wheel in Queen Victoria Park. As a result, the Commission has cancelled the RFP process," the Commission wrote in a press release. 

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has previously expressed his support for the redevelopment of the existing Niagara SkyWheel, noting that the replacement attraction could be completed in as little as three years. 

"As the future largest observation wheel in Canada, it will create a landmark attraction that draws new visitors, supports local businesses and strengthens Niagara's position as a world-class tourism destination," Oakes said. 

"I look forward to this exciting new chapter and want to thank all our partners, including the residents of Niagara, for their support. Their pride in this community and commitment to welcoming visitors from around the world are a big part of what makes Niagara such a special place."