Tallest observation wheel in Canada proposed for southern Ontario

Southern Ontario could soon get the tallest observation wheel in Canada.

The current owner of SkyWheel in Clifton Hills, the Harry Oakes Company, reportedly wrote to Niagara Parks last week with a proposal to expand the SkyWheel in Niagara Falls.

The company wants to expand the existing Niagara SkyWheel and would “substantially” increase “its height to become the tallest observation wheel in Canada,” the Harry Oakes Company said in a message to Niagara Parks.

The new wheel “one of the highest and most spectacular observation experiences in the world.”

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati is supportive of the plan.

In a Facebook post, Diodati said he is in favour of scrapping earlier plans for a second wheel in Queen Victoria Park.

“Ferris wheel turn of events, NO FERRIS WHEEL AT QUEEN VICTORIA PARK!” Diodati said. “Harry Oakes has proposed to modernize and replace our current Niagara Sky Wheel, stepping up to answer the call from Destination Niagara while simultaneously preserving the iconic natural views & green space within @niagaraparks. There won’t be a second Ferris wheel in Queen Victoria Park”

The Niagara Parks Commission had given private sector companies until June 23 to submit proposals to build a second wheel in Queen Victoria Park as part of the Destination Niagara plan.

But the idea of building the observation wheel in the park came up against opposition.

Wayne Gates, Niagara Falls MPP for Niagara Falls launched a petition against the idea, saying the city doesn’t need a second wheel and that it would destroy the park’s green space.

Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake MP Tony Baldinelli welcomed the new plan.

“Excellent news for Niagara Falls!” Baldinelli said. “Instead of building a second wheel in Queen Victoria Park, this plan enhances an attraction that’s already a success, boosts our tourism economy, supports local employment, and preserves the views that define Niagara Falls.”

Lead photo: Markus Winkler