Niagara Parks will be entirely redeveloping its marina property along the south Niagara Parkway in 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, the waterfront property along the south Niagara Parkway has been owned and operated by Niagara Parks since the 1960s.
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 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.
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.
Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs says “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.”