Background on La Ronde
La Ronde amusement park, located in Montreal, Canada, has been a significant attraction, drawing approximately 4.5 million visitors each year. The park was previously owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which faced challenges in recognizing La Ronde’s cultural value. In 2009, Six Flags filed for bankruptcy and later merged with a competitor in 2024.
As part of a strategic move, Six Flags has sold La Ronde to EPR Properties, a real estate investment trust, in a deal valued at $342 million. This transaction is part of a larger agreement that includes seven amusement parks across North America, spanning more than 1,600 acres and featuring over 400 attractions.
Management Transition
La Ronde will now be managed by La Ronde Operations Inc., which is owned by Kieran Burke. Burke has a history with the park, having previously served as its manager, and expressed a personal connection to La Ronde, stating, “I have a special affection for La Ronde, having attended Expo 67 as a child.” His experience is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the park’s operations.
Initial reactions to the sale have been mixed. Roger La Roche, a local observer, noted that while there is a small chance Burke understands the park’s significance to Montreal families, he emphasized that “Six Flags never understood exactly what La Ronde was.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the future direction of the park under new management.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada expressed optimism regarding the sale, 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 collaboration is seen as essential for enhancing the park’s offerings and ensuring its continued success.
As part of the transition, La Ronde will honor season passes already sold for the 2026 season, ensuring that loyal visitors will not be affected by the change in ownership. The sale is expected to be finalized within a month of the announcement, marking a new chapter for the iconic amusement park.
