Province eyes Fort Erie marina in new Niagara tourism strategy

Brent Jones
December 15, 2025 at 8:19 PM

Plans to revitalize the Niagara Parks marina at Miller’s Creek in Fort Erie are part of a new provincial tourism strategy aimed at expanding Niagara’s visitor economy, according to a news release issued by the Ontario government this week.

The province announced the launch of its Destination Niagara Strategy on Monday, outlining a long-term plan to grow tourism across the region through new attractions, infrastructure upgrades and private-sector partnerships.

While much of the strategy centres on Niagara Falls, the release identifies the Niagara Parks marina at Miller’s Creek as a potential site for redevelopment into what the province describes as a “world-class recreation destination.”

The Miller’s Creek marina lands were purchased by the Niagara Parks Commission in 1957. Credit: Niagara Parks

According to the release, the province is working with Niagara Parks to seek private-sector partners to redevelop the marina, which sits at the mouth of the Niagara River in Fort Erie. No timeline or cost estimates were provided, and the project remains in the early planning and procurement stage.

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop welcomed the province’s broader focus on tourism investment in the region, saying the strategy recognizes opportunities that extend beyond Niagara Falls.

“We are very excited about the focus that the province has put on Niagara through its recognition of the significant opportunities to build on and expand a vibrant tourism sector,” Redekop said in the release.

“Whether modernizing gaming, promoting wine and culinary experiences, supporting the arts, culture and heritage of the region or simply making it easier to visit Niagara, this is a strategy that is sure to reap enormous benefits.”

The provincial strategy aims to attract up to 25 million visitors annually across Niagara and double the region’s tourism impact, generating an additional $3 billion in annual economic activity provincewide, according to the release.

Fort Erie’s marina is one of several Niagara Parks properties identified for potential redevelopment as part of that effort.

The announcement also references transportation improvements intended to support tourism growth, including highway expansion and increased GO service, which could affect cross-border and regional travel into Fort Erie. However, the release did not outline any Fort Erie-specific transportation projects.

Niagara Parks officials say they will be launching a series of procurement processes tied to the strategy, including the marina project. Details on bidding opportunities will be posted through Niagara Parks’ procurement channels.

The province says the Destination Niagara Strategy is intended to be rolled out over several years, with projects proceeding as partnerships and approvals are secured.