The Ontario government has recently made an announcement signaling the potential arrival of more casinos in the Niagara Region as it has agreed to terminate the current exclusivity rights. Premier Doug Ford unveiled the Destination Niagara initiative in December, aiming to attract double the number of visitors to the area by introducing multiple new casinos, a theme park, an expanded airport, and other developments.
Ontario’s interim minister overseeing tourism, culture, and gaming disclosed that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) has struck a deal with MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. to permit additional casino operators. Under the agreement, MGE will relinquish its exclusivity rights while retaining control over Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara. OLG is scheduled to initiate a procurement process later this year to identify potential new casino operators.
Meanwhile, Wayne Gates, the NDP member representing Niagara Falls in the provincial parliament, has highlighted local resistance to one aspect of Ford’s Destination Niagara plan, which involves the installation of a second ferris wheel near the falls. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati previously expressed skepticism regarding Ford’s proposal, stating that the idea of a ferris wheel in Queen Victoria Park lacks support from the community.
For additional information on the controversy surrounding the proposed ferris wheel in Niagara Falls, you can refer to the following articles:
1. Ford government proposal for 2nd observation wheel in Niagara Falls, Ont., getting push back
2. Ford government’s observation wheel proposal for Niagara Falls, Ont., ‘a dead issue,’ mayor says