The Ontario government announced its plan to revitalize Ontario Place into a world-class destination. As the redevelopment moves forward, public input will be critical to support the planning and development of the site, including input from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Mark Saunders, special advisor for Ontario Place, will continue to engage with the City of Toronto, Indigenous communities, project stakeholders, businesses and community groups that have interest in the Ontario Place site.
Therme Group, Live Nation, and Écorécréo Group will help deliver an inclusive and family-friendly experience that will play a key role in the province’s post-pandemic recovery as a tourism destination and as a display of Ontario’s strong cultural identity.
“The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are pleased to be working with Ontario in the spirit of partnership to bring Ontario Place back to its rightful place as a cherished and celebrated part of our Toronto waterfront,” said Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “We have been very encouraged by the willingness of both Ontario and development partners to see this project as more than just a tourist destination, but as a celebration of this place and its history and cultural significance.
“The Mississaugas of the Credit see the redevelopment of Ontario Place as another significant and visible opportunity to provide education and promote reconciliation. And as the Treaty First Nation, we take seriously our responsibilities to ensure that all Indigenous voices are heard, respected and reflected in what will surely become an iconic development not only for Ontario but for Canada and the world.”
The province searched for the best partners from around the world to work with on the redevelopment of Ontario Place. Potential development partners on this unique opportunity were assessed against four primary areas of consideration: alignment with the government’s vision of a world-class, year-round destination; concept viability; delivery certainty; and costs and benefits to the province, as well as public feedback and input provided through consultations conducted by previous governments.
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of Ontario Place this year, there is no better time to bring this iconic destination back to life,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By taking this first step with our world-class development partners, as well as the City of Toronto and Indigenous communities, we will deliver a renewed Ontario Place that provides year-round entertainment for all ages and interests. As we continue to engage and consult with the community, Ontario Place will realize its full potential as a long-term economic generator for the people of Ontario.”
The transformation of Ontario Place will include three new major attractions:
Therme Group is building Therme Canada | Ontario Place, a family-friendly, all-season destination offering something for all ages, including pools, waterslides, botanical spaces to relax, as well as sports performance and recovery services. Outside, people will enjoy more than eight acres of free, publicly accessible gathering spaces, parkland, gardens and beaches.
Live Nation is redeveloping the existing amphitheatre into a modern, year-round indoor-outdoor live music and performance venue that will attract world-class artists and events. Protecting the iconic amphitheatre lawns, the new venue will have an expanded capacity of 20,000 in the summer and close to 9,000 in the winter, offering a unique indoor-outdoor experience with operable exterior walls to accommodate events, rain or shine.
Écorécréo Group is building an affordable, all-season adventure park for all ages. This new, environmentally friendly attraction will include aerial obstacle courses, net-based aerial adventures, ziplines, climbing walls, escape rooms and many other activities. Écorécréo Group will also operate Segway, quad-cycle, canoe and kayak rentals at the site.
Starting in August, the government will launch the next phase of engagement through Ontario.ca/OntarioPlace, providing an opportunity for all Ontarians to share how they would like to experience a redeveloped Ontario Place. Virtual public information sessions will also be held in the fall with planning and development consultations related to the site-wide environmental assessment, heritage, and site servicing to follow later in the year.
A redeveloped Ontario Place will not include casinos or condos and the land will not be sold. Ontario Place will remain open to the public 365 days a year, with free public access and a waterfront experience that can be enjoyed by all.
“We are committed to working with the City of Toronto, Indigenous communities and organizations, and other key partners to make this vision a reality and to guide collaboration and future development of the Ontario Place and Exhibition Place sites,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Our government is committed to engaging and keeping the public and stakeholders informed. As we move forward, public input will be critical to support the planning and development of the site. More information about upcoming consultations related to redevelopment planning will be provided later this summer.”