Niagara Falls ferris wheel dispute shifts to other Ford proposal

Opponents of Premier Doug Ford’s Niagara tourism plans are turning their attention to another proposal after the province dropped plans for a second ferris wheel in Queen Victoria Park. The original idea was part of the government’s Destination Niagara strategy, which also called for an electric tram and a new observation wheel to give visitors different views of the falls. Local officials and residents pushed back, arguing that another ferris wheel was unnecessary and could alter the park’s character. Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates said he gathered support through petitions and town halls, while Mayor Jim Diodati said he never supported the ferris wheel plan and later helped promote expanding the existing SkyWheel instead. The province then said it would not move ahead with the second wheel. Gates is now focusing on the proposed allseason electric tram, which the government says would connect attractions across Queen Victoria Park. Diodati described it as a green transportation system rather than a tram and said public meetings will be held before any decision is made. The province did not say whether it remains committed to the plan.