New 5-star hotel in Niagara Falls moves forward

Last November, it was revealed that a National Historic Site in Niagara Falls that has been vacant since 1974 was slated to become the beloved tourist town’s first five-star boutique accommodation.

Now, a year later, the Niagara Parks Commission has announced that the province has given it the green light to proceed with a project that will transform the Toronto Power Generating Station into a hotel that will boast a theatre, restaurants, a museum, an art gallery and a public viewing area that will overlook the falls.

According to a Niagara Parks news release, the museum and gallery will be free. 

The project will be funded entirely through a $200 million investment by Society Developments in collaboration with Pearle Hospitality, an Ancaster-based company that operates the Elora Mill, the Pearle Hotel and Spa in Burlington, the Ancaster Mill and other luxury properties in Ontario.

Beyond becoming an entertainment mecca, the NPC says the development will also create “good-paying, sustainable jobs.” 

A rendering of the hotel’s restaurant

“This transformative investment to restore and reimagine the Toronto Power Generating Station is welcome news for Niagara,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, in a statement. 

“The restoration of this historic monument to our region’s legacy of energy innovation is part of our government’s plan to support Niagara as a key tourist destination, not only attracting visitors from coast to coast in North America, but from around the globe.”

The current entrance to the Toronto Power Generating Station

The historic property, designed by architect E.J. Lennox, is located on the banks of the upper Niagara River, overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. According to Niagara Parks, the property was built in 1906 and supplied electricity to communities throughout the province until it closed in the mid-70s.

“Redevelopment plans will restore and preserve the iconic heritage building and transform it into a globally significant visitor experience,” the NPC said in a 2023 news release.

Rendering of a front patio cafe

Last year, the NPC said it had four goals for the property: Restoration of the heritage building, creation of a new guest experience that does not exist in Niagara or Ontario at the moment, payment of rent to Niagara Parks (and coverage of all restoration and redevelopment costs) and economic investment that will benefit both Niagara and Ontario. 

The generator hall

“Niagara Falls offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for travellers from around the world and our government believes in its potential as an economic driver for the Niagara Region,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, in a statement. 

“We are proud to support the transformation of the Toronto Power Generating Station into a spectacular hotel that will create a world-class experience for all visitors, helping the region grow as a top-tier international tourist destination.”

Rendering of the Hall of Mirrors event space

The NPC, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, will retain property ownership. With the Ontario government’s approval and a lease agreement in place, Pearle Hospitality will become NPC’s newest tenant.

“This is great news for the whole Niagara Region. This project will give the Toronto Power Generating Station a new purpose and identity, while creating new jobs, encouraging tourism sector growth and stimulating the local economy,” said Bob Gale, Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission.

Last year, Niagara Parks said the project could create up to 9,000 jobs and could be completed in 2027. 

Hotel room rendering

All photos courtesy of the Niagara Parks Commission