ONTARIO-The Ontario government has unveiled the final designs for the new Ontario Place public space.
Officials say the project will create 5,000 jobs in the construction and tourism sectors and boost economic growth across Toronto and the region. The province also announced a new, publicly owned parking structure at Ontario Place, which will generate revenue for the province and help the public conveniently access Ontario Place’s many attractions, including public beaches, trails and parks, the state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre, Live Nation’s revitalized year-round amphitheatre and Therme Canada’s family-friendly waterpark and wellness destination.
“We’re rebuilding Ontario Place into a world-class destination for families and tourists, with convenient connections for visitors coming by car, GO train or the Ontario Line’s nearby Exhibition Station,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The investments we’re making will help keep 5,000 workers on the job, despite the economic uncertainty caused by President Trump’s tariffs, and will help protect and grow Toronto and Ontario’s tourism sector for decades to come.”
According to the province the reimagined Ontario Place will offer more than 50 acres of free public trails, expanded green space, playgrounds, interactive fountains, new beaches, event spaces and an updated marina, all designed to create a world-class waterfront destination that will attract up to six million visitors every year.
“For too long, Ontario Place was neglected and without a vision, falling into disrepair,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Now, 54 years after welcoming its first visitors, our government is returning this iconic park to the people of Ontario. During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever that we protect Ontario by investing in places of identity and culture and help keep workers on the job, no matter what.”
Highlights from the final designs for Ontario Place include:
- A new entrance that will serve as a gathering and transit hub, connecting visitors to the new Exhibition Station on the Ontario Line, lakeside walking, cycle paths and onsite parking.
- A reimagined Brigantine Cove featuring an urban beach, boardwalks and children’s playgrounds, including a multi-level interactive treehouse and turtle-shaped play structures.
- New canoe and kayak launch sites and natural stone lookout points throughout the park will provide sunset views across Lake Ontario.
- The Ontario Place marina will become a vibrant hub, with open-air pavilions, boardwalks and spaces for future programming and amenities.
- A new forum space at the park’s centre will provide ample space for outdoor markets and festivals and showcase a one-acre splash fountain, with a core shaped like Ontario’s iconic trillium.
- An up to 3,400 square foot Indigenous Cultural Pavilion on the East Island, offering a dedicated space for community gatherings, workshops and other learning programs.
“Ontario Place was once an iconic tourist attraction and a cornerstone of our province’s cultural and recreational landscape,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important to support the places and experiences that celebrate our heritage and culture while protecting local jobs and economic growth. This transformation will breathe energy into Toronto’s waterfront while drawing visitors from near and far for generations to come.”
The designs, informed by consultations with First Nations and Indigenous groups, were led by design firm LANDInc and showcase an accessible and inclusive green space organized into five zones: The Forum, The Mainland, The Marina, The Water’s Edge, and Brigantine Cove, which will feature the Indigenous Cultural Pavilion.
“Ontario Place is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and we are pleased to see our voices reflected in this redevelopment,” said Claire Sault, Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “Through meaningful engagement, the inclusion of an Indigenous Cultural Pavilion and the preservation of green space, this project represents an opportunity to honour the past while building a shared future. We look forward to continuing this partnership to ensure that the spirit, stories and stewardship of the land are respected and celebrated for generations to come.”
“For the past 30 years, our amphitheatre has presented and hosted some of the biggest and best Canadian and international artists. The revitalization of our iconic amphitheatre into a modernized, year-round venue is an important step for Live Nation Canada — it gives us the opportunity to grow and improve our legacy so that we can entertain fans, support artists, create jobs and provide ancillary economic benefits for decades to come.” said Wayne Zronik, President of Business Operations for Live Nation Canada.
The new public park at Ontario Place will preserve key heritage and recreational features of the site while connecting to all the new attractions and features, all while offering free public access to the waterfront for residents and tourists alike to explore year-round.
Ontario Place first opened to the public on May 22, 1971. No timeline for the opening of the reimagined space has been announced.
