Niagara Parks cancels giant ferris wheel plan for Queen Victoria Park

The Niagara Parks Commission has cancelled plans to build a giant observation wheel in Queen Victoria Park near the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The decision follows significant public opposition, including a town hall meeting where approximately 700 to 1,200 citizens expressed concerns regarding the impact of an amusement-style ride on the scenic greenspace.

The cancellation occurred after HOCO Entertainment, which currently operates the Niagara SkyWheel on Clifton Hill, proposed a major redevelopment of its existing attraction. HOCO Entertainment plans to replace the current SkyWheel with a 250-foot observation wheel, which would be the tallest of its kind in Canada.

Niagara Parks CEO David Adames stated that adding a second observation wheel in the area would be redundant. The commission commended the investment in the existing SkyWheel as a way to realize the tourism potential of the Clifton Hill area instead of developing the historic parklands.