This week, Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, reaffirming its role as a global convening power. This follows the successful G7 Leaders’ Summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta earlier this year. These back-to-back high-level gatherings underscore Canada’s capacity, and responsibility, to invest in permanent infrastructure for hosting global events. Ontario, with its strategic advantages, should lead this national effort.

Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency: A Year of Global Leadership

In 2025, Canada assumed the presidency of the G7, hosting two major summits that captured global attention:

- June 15–17, 2025: The G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, brought together heads of state to address climate change, global economic resilience, and digital governance.

- November 11–12, 2025: The G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake convened top diplomats from G7 nations and invited partners including Ukraine, India, Brazil, and South Korea. The agenda focused on Ukraine’s sovereignty, energy security, and multilateral cooperation.

These events showcased Canada’s diplomatic credibility and logistical capability. But they also revealed a gap: Canada lacks a permanent, large-scale venue designed to host such events efficiently and repeatedly.

Why Canada Needs a Dedicated Global Events Hub

Hosting global events is more than a ceremonial honor, it’s a strategic asset. Here’s why:

- Economic Growth: Events like the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and TIFF have generated billions in tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure investment.

- Global Influence: Hosting summits, expos, and cultural festivals enhances Canada’s soft power and global standing.

- Cultural Diplomacy: Events foster cross-cultural exchange and showcase Canadian innovation, diversity, and values.

- Crisis Readiness: A permanent venue allows rapid deployment for emergency summits or humanitarian coordination.

To maintain this momentum, Canada must build a world-class, multi-purpose facility capable of hosting everything from G20 summits to global fashion weeks.

Ontario: The Ideal Leader for Canada’s Global Venue

Ontario is uniquely positioned to lead this national initiative:

- Toronto’s Global Reach: As a financial, cultural, and tech hub, Toronto already hosts major events like TIFF and Collision Conference.

- Infrastructure Advantage: Pearson International Airport, GO Transit, and a dense highway network offer unmatched connectivity.

- Political Proximity: Ontario’s closeness to Ottawa ensures seamless coordination for security and protocol.

- Cultural Diversity: Ontario’s multicultural population makes it a natural host for inclusive, globally representative events.

The Vision: A Mega Resort and Global Events Complex

Ontario should develop a flagship complex, an iconic venue that becomes Canada’s answer to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands or Dubai’s Expo City. Key components could include:

1. Global Convention Centre

- Modular halls for summits, expos, and forums

- Translation booths, media centers, and VIP suites

2. Olympic-Grade Sports Facilities

- Stadiums and arenas for international tournaments

- Esports and adaptive sports infrastructure

3. Fashion and Arts Pavilion

- Runways, galleries, and design labs

- Hosting fashion weeks, biennales, and cultural showcases

4. Luxury Resort and Accommodations

- Five-star hotels, spas, and fine dining

- Designed for diplomats, celebrities, and tourists

5. Sustainable Design

- Net-zero emissions, green roofs, and smart energy systems

- Model for climate-resilient architecture

6. Security and Accessibility

- Integrated command centers for RCMP and local police

- Fully accessible design for all abilities

Strategic Location: Between Toronto and Niagara

Locating the complex between Toronto and Niagara Falls offers:

- Tourism Synergy: Proximity to wine country, casinos, and natural wonders

- Cross-Border Access: Easy entry for U.S. delegates and visitors

- Development Potential: Ample space for large-scale, future-proof construction

This corridor could become Canada’s “Global Gateway”—a year-round destination for diplomacy, culture, and commerce.

Funding and Governance

A project of this scale requires a robust public-private partnership (PPP), involving:

- Federal and provincial governments

- Real estate and hospitality developers

- Event management firms and international investors

A dedicated body, perhaps the Canadian Global Events Authority, could oversee planning, operations, and international bidding.

Learning from Global Leaders

Canada can draw inspiration from:

- Singapore: Marina Bay Sands hosts global security and economic forums.

- France: Paris’s Palais des Congrès and Stade de France support both diplomacy and sports.

- UAE: Dubai’s Expo City is a model of integrated, sustainable event infrastructure.

Ontario’s complex could blend these models, grounded in Canadian values of inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.

The Time Is Now

The G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara this week reaffirmed Canada’s role as a global convener. But to sustain this leadership, we must invest in infrastructure that matches our ambition.

Ontario has the vision, capacity, and global appeal to lead this transformation. By building a world-class mega resort and events complex, we won’t just host the world, we’ll shape it.

Let’s make Ontario the epicenter of Canada’s global future.