Niagara Parks Marina to Become New Waterfront Destination through Substantial Redevelopment

• Niagara Parks is investing up to $19 million of its earned revenue to fund the redevelopment of its marina property
• Plans will establish the marina as a new recreational waterfront destination along the south Niagara Parkway
• Redeveloped marina will continue to be owned and operated by Niagara Parks

Fort Erie, ON – Niagara Parks will be entirely redeveloping its marina property along the south Niagara Parkway in the Town of Fort Erie over the next three years, with an investment of $19 million from its earned revenue. The goal of the redevelopment is to create a new recreational waterfront destination along the shores of the upper Niagara River with increased public access and amenities.

The only marina on the Canadian side of the upper Niagara River, 22 kilometres south of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, this prime waterfront property along the south Niagara Parkway has been owned and operated by Niagara Parks since the 1960s.

Niagara Parks’ vision for the redevelopment is to create a regionally unique, recreational destination appropriate to its location along the renowned Niagara Parkway on the banks of the upper Niagara River. The redeveloped marina will be a reflection of Niagara Parks’ mandate in action while serving the boating and recreational community across the Niagara region, as well as local residents and the visiting public who will be able to enjoy new public amenities and enhanced recreational access to the Niagara River shoreline.

The redevelopment plans include substantial upgrades to the site, increasing the number of dock slips to over 200, while also expanding public use of the marina through amenities such as a new restaurant and outdoor patio space, retail store, new public washrooms, areas for fishing, a new public boat launch and recreational public space throughout the waterfront area. The plans will also include infrastructure to support fishing charters and excursions.

Niagara Parks will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design-build of the new marina with Niagara Parks remaining the owner and operator of the site. The procurement and eventual redevelopment process will be guided by Niagara Parks’ goals for the project including maximizing water-based recreation and related amenities, enhancing public access and activities along the Niagara River shoreline, and ensuring financial sustainability and community benefit.

The new marina will become an improved waterfront destination along the south Niagara Parkway, supporting new visitation and tourism to the area while potentially attracting more future investment around the site and providing a positive economic impact for Niagara Parks, the Town of Fort Erie and the entire region. A key component of the redevelopment will be public consultation to gain feedback from existing slipholders and the local community.

For more details about the project, visit niagaraparks.com/marinaredevelopment.

“The Niagara Parks Marina remains a key priority for Niagara Parks and a site that holds great potential for supporting new and repeat visitation to the area. We know how beloved this site is within the local community and we are proud to invest in its redevelopment to establish the marina as a new recreational hub along the south Niagara Parkway, providing benefits both for local residents and those visiting for the first time,” said Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs.

“Niagara Parks’ planned redevelopment of its marina property will create a new recreational destination for the boating community, tourists and locals to enjoy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The improved public access and amenities that this new marina promises to offer will transform the Niagara River shoreline – benefitting the local economy and creating good-paying jobs.”