MPP Wayne Gates’ town hall packs Club Italia to address Ford’s Ferris wheel plans

NIAGARA FALLS — MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) hosted a standing-room only town hall at Club Italia last night to hear the communities' concerns and to push back against Doug Ford’s proposed Ferris wheel in Queen Victoria Park.

“Last night, we packed Club Italia,” said Gates. “I’ve done a lot of town halls, and I have never seen a crowd like that. This room was the public consultation Niagara residents deserved before an RFP ever went out and put in jeopardy Queen Victoria Park, a beautiful greenspace next to one of the greatest natural wonders in the world.

“HOCO Ltd., a local operator, has put forward a second proposal to invest in our current Ferris Wheel to ensure Queen Victoria Park is not touched. There has been no formal cancellation of the RFP from the Premier, his Minister, or the Niagara Parks Commission.

“Doug Ford and his government refused to consult. It has become increasingly clear over the past few weeks that Niagara can support smart investment without paving over our greenspace. Residents want more than just public comments; they want confirmation from the Premier that he will direct Niagara Parks to formally withdraw his RFP for a second Ferris wheel at Queen Victoria Park.”

MPP Gates wrote a letter signed by nearly 1,000 attendees calling on the Premier to protect Queen Victoria Park, and direct Niagara Parks to formally withdraw the RFP. Photos from the event can be found here and here.