Premier Doug Ford has intentions to redevelop Niagara Falls, but some Ontarians think the provincial government has bigger fish to fry.
At a news conference regarding the Ontario Line in East York on Wednesday, Ford revealed his thoughts for developing yet another project.
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The premier said that he’s been in talks with the Niagara region and the mayor, Jim Diodati, to reassess the “monopoly” that Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment currently has on the two casinos in the amusement destination. The U.S.-based company has taken over operations since 2019 and has a 21-year contract with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Ford described the gaming service provider as a “good operator,” but says that revitalizing the region is beyond just casinos.
“There’s a tremendous opportunity with 11 million tourists coming down to Niagara,” Ford said to the media.
“It’s not all about gambling, it’s about the destination and bringing families there.”
Ford described the region as “not very appealing” after about one kilometre in, and said he wants to clean it up to make it more modern, in hopes of attracting more tourism and further economic development.
“There’s a whole market south of the border… we would love to have them come up and spend a weekend,” the premier said.
“I think it will turn out really well.”
Niagara Falls is already expected to foresee major development changes in the near future. Alongside plenty of condo projects, the region is also proposing the construction of two 58-storey towers which will house various amenities, such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and a brand new casino.
Ontarians haven’t taken to Ford’s comments very well, with some believing there are much larger issues in the province that should be focused on.
“Booze and gambling, just what Ontario needs,” one X user said.
“We don’t wanna be Las Vegas. We want good jobs that pay more than minimum wage,” another user on X wrote.
“The priorities I think are so important for Ontario to address – healthcare, education, housing – are so far removed from what the Premier thinks about,” another user said on the platform.
There are a few Ontario residents, however, that think the project may actually do well to revitalize the area.
“Good idea to bring revenue and attract more tourists,” an X user commented.
“Agreed it’s in need of a facelift,” another person said.
“Why not? The revenue would be phenomenal,” one user wrote.
