One of Toronto’s most beloved entertainment venues is finally reopening, after being shuttered for nearly a decade.
Today (July 30), the Government of Ontario announced that Ontario Place and its surrounding attractions will be transformed into a year-round entertainment venue. Ontario Place has been closed since 2012, when the Ontario government slated it for redevelopment. The massive outdoor venue originally opened in 1971.
In a video announcement posted via Instagram, Premier Doug Ford says that 50 years after its original debut in the city, the new project “will attract visitors from around the world, and deliver an exciting, inclusive, and family-friendly experience.”
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However, not all agree with the Premier’s positive outlook.
Ontario Place for All, an emerging grassroots community with a goal of keeping the current Ontario Place (and its 155 acres) a publicly accessible space, says it’s going to cost the public too much money to enjoy Ontario Place, if the Ontario government’s plans take shape.
“These plans put Ontario Place totally out of reach of the ordinary Ontario family,” says spokesperson Cynthia Wilkey. “I expect it could cost them $100-$150 to enjoy any of the facilities currently on the drawing boards.”
Wilkey is also concerned the Premier refused to answer questions about how much the taxpayer will spend to support the new “pay for play” attractions. “Previous estimates put remediation of the site at $100 million. Will it be more?” Wilkey asks.
The Government of Ontario announced today that three private companies, Écorécréo, Therme and Live Nation have been chosen to shape the future of Ontario Place. “The COVID pandemic has taught us all the importance of open and publicly accessible parkland for preserving the health of a community,” says Wilkey. “Ontario Place has been a lifesaver and any significant Government shift to “pay to play” attractions is a serious misstep.”
“I’m incredibly proud that we’re going to bring Ontario Place back to life and revitalize it into the world-class tourist destination that it once was,” Premier Ford said, via an Instagram video. “Our plan will create unforgettable memories for the next generation of visitors, while creating good jobs, and play an important role in Ontario’s social and economic recovery.”
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Spokesperson Ken Greenberg says the promise of a website and information sessions does not equal real public consultations. “From the day it first announced its intentions,” says Greenberg, “the Ontario government has conducted negotiations for this publicly-owned facility behind closed doors.
Ontario Place for All says it is also concerned about the fate of the award-winning heritage features that are already there.
“There is no mention of a Heritage Conservation Management Plan, which is essential to the protection of the Cinesphere, Pods and innovative landscape design.,” Greenberg says. “We also have no idea exactly how the three proposals will be integrated into the rest of the features of Ontario Place, including Trillium Park and the William G Davis Trail.”
Ontario Place for All says that it will continue to advocate for a long-term vision for Ontario Place that respects the core principles supported by thousands of Ontarians.
