Ontario Construction News staff writer
Niagara Parks has launched a request for proposals for a new visitor transportation system that will link sites around the core tourism area of Queen Victoria Park.
Currently, Niagara Parks operates transportation systems along the Niagara Parkway overlooking the falls. The Niagara Parks Act (1885) states the Commission construct and operate incline railways, aerial cars, lifts, and works to assist the public in reaching and viewing points of interest in the parks.
“The introduction of a new visitor transportation system at Niagara Parks has the potential to transform the guest experience within Queen Victoria Park, which welcomes millions of people each year due to its spectacular location overlooking the Falls,” said Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs. “Building on recent investments made at Table Rock Centre and the Niagara Parks Power Station, a new visitor transportation system will provide seamless connection for our guests, while alleviating traffic congestion within this popular tourism area.”
Queen Victoria Park includes the lands along the Niagara Gorge overlooking Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, including top attractions Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara City Cruises Boat Tour, WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls and the Niagara Parks Power Station
Recent improvements include the $22 million redevelopment of Table Rock Centre and there are also plans to redevelop the historic Toronto Power and Ontario Power Generating Stations.
The RFP will be guided by a “Connectivity Study” that examined future needs for visitor movement in the destination, the 10-year Strategic Plan and the Niagara Parks Act.
The new visitor transportation system is expected to:
- allow seamless travel and connection between key Niagara Parks sites, while also acting as a new visitor attraction and visitor demand generator for the area.
- create an environmentally sustainable and fully accessible solution that decreases carbon emissions and improves traffic congestion and visitor flow by reducing the number of vehicles within Queen Victoria Park.
- Provide a new revenue-generating opportunity for Niagara Parks.
For more information on the opportunity, including the link to the RFP document, visit niagaraparks.com/visitortransportation.