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Premier Doug Ford’s Proposed Niagara Falls Observation Wheel Cancelled
By Drooid · · How we work
Ford’s Observation Wheel Plan Scrapped
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a plan to build a new observation wheel in Queen Victoria Park that would give visitors a “bigger, better and bolder perspective” of Niagara Falls. The project was part of the provincial “Destination Niagara” strategy, internally nicknamed “Vegas of the North.” In late 2025 the government launched a request for proposals (RFP) for a private firm to design, build, finance and maintain a “world-class observation wheel.” The proposal was withdrawn after the owner of the existing Niagara SkyWheel offered a redevelopment that the province deemed a viable alternative.
Background: Existing SkyWheel Redevelopment
Harry Oakes, owner of the Niagara SkyWheel through HOCO Entertainment, submitted a letter of intent to replace the current attraction with a 250-foot ferris wheel, which would become the tallest in Canada. The Niagara Parks Commission, which oversees tourism attractions, evaluated the proposal and determined it provided a viable alternative to a new wheel in Queen Victoria Park. Consequently, the commission cancelled the RFP process.
Verbatim Quote
- “Our work behind the scenes has paid off,” — Jim Diodadi, niagara mayor
Data & Statistics
- Proposed new observation wheel: location — Queen Victoria Park; size not disclosed.
- Redeveloped SkyWheel: planned height — 250 feet, slated to become Canada’s tallest ferris wheel.