Province reveals final designs for Ontario Place redevelopment

Key Takeaways:

• The Ontario government has revealed final designs for a large-scale transformation of Ontario Place into a public waterfront destination featuring over 50 acres of green space, beaches, playgrounds, event areas, and an Indigenous Cultural Pavilion.
• The project is expected to create 5,000 jobs in construction and tourism and includes a publicly owned 3,500-spot parking structure anticipated to generate up to $60 million annually, with improved connections to transit and cycling infrastructure.
• The redevelopment was shaped through extensive public and Indigenous consultations, with commitments to preserving cultural heritage, enhancing sustainability through shoreline and soil remediation, and providing year-round public access.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government has released final designs for the redevelopment of Ontario Place, outlining a major overhaul of the waterfront site that aims to create thousands of jobs and draw millions of visitors annually.

“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.”

The project includes a new public park with over 50 acres of green space, trails, urban beaches, playgrounds, event venues, a revamped marina, and an Indigenous Cultural Pavilion. Provincial officials say the revitalization will generate about 5,000 jobs in construction and tourism, and contribute to long-term economic growth for Toronto and the surrounding region.

“This marks a key milestone in transforming Ontario Place into a world-class destination,” the province said in a statement Tuesday.

In addition to new public features, the government also announced a 3,500-spot, publicly owned parking structure that is expected to generate up to $60 million in gross annual revenue. The $400-million facility will include a landscaped berm to integrate with the surrounding area.

The redevelopment will include connections to the future Ontario Line subway at Exhibition Station, as well as cycling and pedestrian pathways throughout the site. Once complete, Ontario Place will be one of the largest public parks in downtown Toronto, 14 acres larger than Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said the site had suffered from neglect in recent decades and that the new plan would return the landmark to the people of Ontario. Final designs were developed by design firm LANDInc and were shaped by public consultations involving more than 9,300 people, as well as input from Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

Ontario Place sits on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Chief Claire Sault said the inclusion of an Indigenous Cultural Pavilion and preserved green space reflects a “meaningful engagement” and offers a chance to “honour the past while building a shared future.”

Five themed zones — the Forum, the Mainland, the Marina, the Water’s Edge, and Brigantine Cove — will structure the new park. Features will include an urban beach, interactive playgrounds, lookout points, canoe and kayak launch sites, and a large central fountain shaped like Ontario’s trillium emblem.

The broader Ontario Place redevelopment will integrate the new Ontario Science Centre, a revitalized Live Nation amphitheatre, and a wellness and water park by Therme Canada. Officials say the public areas will remain free to access year-round.

Environmental upgrades are also planned, including shoreline protection, soil remediation and flood mitigation measures to ensure long-term sustainability.

Originally opened in 1971, Ontario Place was once a flagship cultural and recreational site in the province but has been largely dormant for years. The current project aims to re-establish it as a vibrant and accessible destination for both residents and tourists.

Here are the design renderings: