New Hotel & Casino Planned for Niagara Falls

Plans for a major redevelopment in Niagara Falls have been approved, with a new hotel and casino set to reshape the city's skyline. The project will involve transforming the Oakes Hotel site into a 60-storey building, making it the tallest structure in the city and potentially one of the tallest hotels in the country. The approval for the redevelopment was granted by the city council in early October, marking one of the most significant developments in Niagara Falls in decades.

A New Landmark in the Tourist District

Located in the heart of Niagara Falls' tourist area, the new complex will stand near Horseshoe Falls, offering 1,140 hotel suites and 126 residential units. The casino will be situated on the second floor, although details on its size have not yet been released. In addition, the new building will feature an on-site restaurant to complement the resort.

Impact on Local Gaming and Economy

The new hotel and casino are expected to have a considerable impact on Niagara Falls' gaming industry. For years, Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara have dominated the local market, but this new addition is likely to bring increased competition to the area.

The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with the Niagara Falls City Council projecting that it will attract millions of dollars in investment and create over 2,500 full-time and part-time jobs. The redevelopment has been met with enthusiasm from local officials, with Mayor Jim Diodati referring to the project as a "new jewel in the crown of Niagara Falls," and Councillor Patel calling it a "game-changer" for the city's tourism and skyline.

Construction Timeline

While there is no finalized construction timeline yet, demolition of the current Oakes Hotel will not begin until the developer is prepared to start building. It is hoped that construction will begin within the next year.

Though it may take some time before the project is completed, the redevelopment of the Oakes Hotel is expected to bring lasting changes to the hospitality and gaming landscape in Niagara Falls.