Background on La Ronde
La Ronde amusement park, located in Montreal, Canada, has a rich history, having been built for Expo 67. It was acquired by Six Flags in 2001 for approximately $30 million CAD. Since then, the park has been a significant attraction, drawing around 4.5 million visitors annually and featuring over 400 attractions.
Recent Developments
In a recent announcement, it was revealed that La Ronde has been sold by Six Flags to EPR Properties for a total of $342 million CAD. This sale is part of a larger transaction involving seven amusement parks across North America, with La Ronde being the only Canadian park included in the deal.
The management of La Ronde will transition to La Ronde Operations Inc., which is owned by Kieran Burke, who has a history with the park, having managed it previously. Burke expressed his personal connection to La Ronde, stating, “I have a special affection for La Ronde, having attended Expo 67 as a child.” This sentiment reflects the park’s significance to both Burke and the community.
Reactions to the Sale
Reactions to the sale have varied. Roger La Roche, a former manager, noted that “Six Flags never understood exactly what La Ronde was,” indicating a hope that the new management might better appreciate the park’s value to the city of Montreal. He added, “There is a small but still existing possibility that he understands what the family part is … the importance of the park for the city of Montreal.”
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada also shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with the new managers to boost La Ronde’s appeal and contribute to making Montreal the best tourism destination in the world.” This optimism suggests a commitment to enhancing the park’s role in the local economy and tourism sector.
Looking Ahead
The sale is expected to be finalized within a month from the announcement, with season passes already sold for the 2026 season being honored. This transition marks a new chapter for La Ronde, which has been a staple of Montreal’s entertainment landscape since its inception.
As the park prepares for this change in ownership and management, observers are keen to see how the new leadership will influence its operations and overall appeal. The future of La Ronde may hold exciting developments as it embarks on this new journey under EPR Properties.