Niagara Falls, ON – The Niagara Parks Commission has cancelled its Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a new observation wheel in Queen Victoria Park following a significant new private sector commitment to redevelop the existing Niagara SkyWheel.
Following the release of the RFP, Niagara Parks received a Letter of Intent from Harry Oakes, President and CEO of HOCO Entertainment, outlining plans for a major redevelopment of the Niagara SkyWheel, which has operated for more than 20 years and has established itself as a cornerstone of the Niagara Falls visitor experience.
Since then, Mr. Oakes and HOCO Entertainment have developed a detailed business case for the proposed redevelopment and demonstrated that financing is in place to advance the project. The redevelopment will see the existing Niagara SkyWheel replaced with a new 250-foot Ferris wheel, making it the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada, along with improvements to the surrounding Clifton Hill plaza.
With the proposed SkyWheel redevelopment now supported by a business case and in the advanced planning stage, Niagara Parks has determined that there is a viable alternative to proceeding with a new observation wheel in Queen Victoria Park. As a result, the Commission has cancelled the RFP process.
Issued on December 15, 2025, the RFP for a new observation wheel in Queen Victoria Park was launched in alignment with the province’s Destination Niagara Strategy, which aims to double the number of visitors, extend length of stays, raise Niagara’s global profile and attract new private sector investment to the region. A new observation wheel was proposed as a potential new tourism attraction supporting one of the strategy’s five key pillars. Niagara Parks is very pleased that this process has catalyzed a significant private sector investment from a well-established local business to redevelop the existing Niagara SkyWheel and deliver what will become the tallest observation wheel in Canada.
Niagara Parks also recognizes the leadership and strong support of the City of Niagara Falls and Mayor Jim Diodati in helping champion and move this major redevelopment forward.
Niagara Parks continues to advance strategic projects supporting the multibillion-dollar Destination Niagara Strategy, which aims to establish the region as a world-renowned tourism destination, support local businesses and call for new world-class attractions.
Quotes
“The Niagara Parks Commission remains committed to supporting the Province’s Destination Niagara Strategy by fostering investments that enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Niagara’s position as a world-class tourism destination. The Niagara SkyWheel attraction is a cherished part of the Niagara Falls experience and we commend Harry Oakes and HOCO Entertainment for investing in its future as a truly world-class attraction.” – David Adames, Niagara Parks CEO
“The major expansion of the Niagara SkyWheel represents an exciting investment in the future of Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill and a big step toward realizing the full potential of the Region, in alignment with the Destination Niagara Strategy. As the future largest observation wheel in Canada, it will create a landmark attraction that draws new visitors, supports local businesses and strengthens Niagara’s position as a world-class tourism destination. I look forward to this exciting new chapter and want to thank all our partners including the residents of Niagara for their support. Their pride in this community and commitment to welcoming visitors from around the world are a big part of what makes Niagara such a special place.” – Harry Oakes, President, HOCO Entertainment
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