Niagara Parks has launched a call for proposals process for companies to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a new visitor transportation system across its various assets.

The aim of the new system, says Niagara Parks, is to enhance guest experiences while linking Niagara Parks sites and experiences with a focus on the core tourism area of Queen Victoria Park.

The Niagara Parks Act states that the Niagara Parks Commission must provide and operate various railways, aerial cars, lifts, and works to help the public reach and view points of interest. The commission says this proposals process can help create a modern transportation system that meets the growing demands of guests, while addressing challenges related to traffic and flow throughout the popular tourism area.

“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 encompasses the lands that hug the Niagara Gorge overlooking Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, including some of the destination’s top attractions like Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara City Cruises Boat Tour, WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls and the Niagara Parks Power Station, as well as restaurants, shopping, gardens and pathways.

Over the past several years, Niagara Parks has made significant investments in the area, from opening the new Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel, to the $22-million redevelopment of Table Rock Centre. There are also plans underway to redevelop the historic Toronto Power and Ontario Power Generating Stations, potentially adding two additional guest experiences and visitor demand generators for the area.

The new visitor transportation system will:

• 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,
• reduce carbon emissions and improve traffic congestion and visitor flow by reducing the number of vehicles within Queen Victoria Park, and
• provide a new revenue-generating opportunity for Niagara Parks, while reducing operating expenses.