Ford government unveils design plans for Ontario Place

The provincial government has revealed the final design plans, renderings and a projected layout map of Ontario Place.

The revamp of Ontario Place will include a new parking structure on the east side, a spa on the west island built by the Austrian company Therme, green spaces that are open to the public and more.

A new above-ground parking structure is being built on the east-end of Ontario Place. The parking structure is planned to be able to accommodate up to 3,500 vehicles.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford told media at a press conference outside Ontario Place Tuesday that the parking garage alone will cost taxpayers $400 million.

He added that the return on investment will be $60 million, which Ford called an “incredible return.”

Brigantine Cove will be another public access space with an Indigenous-inspired cultural pavilion with features spirited by Indigenous storytelling.

This area will include a family-friendly beach, children’s playgrounds and areas for recreational activities.

A new area called the Forum will offer space for concerts, markets and more. The Forum will also feature a fountain surrounded by a splash pad. It will have illuminated pathways at night with symbols that honor Indigenous cultural heritage.

The marina is also getting a makeover with added open-air park pavilions, new slips for boats and spaces for public events. A boardwalk will connect the eastern and western marina along the waterfront.

The images provided by the provincial government show the southern shoreline of the space, called Water’s Edge, which will be an improved space by the water with views of Lake Ontario and will include picnic areas for patrons.

Ontario Place’s mainland will serve as the front doors to the space featuring marquee gateways, plaza spaces, promenades and transportation points.

There have been no set dates announced for when construction might be completed on the revamp of Ontario Place, but Ford said his hope is that it will be open to the public by 2029.

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