Ontario unveils final designs for Ontario Place redevelopment

The Government of Ontario unveiled the final designs for the new Ontario Place public space, including a new, publicly owned parking structure, which will generate revenue for the province and help the public 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 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.”

The new 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.

“Infrastructure Ontario is proud to be part of the new Ontario Place, bringing this iconic destination back to life. The public realm design you see today was informed and developed through significant public engagement, Indigenous engagement, and stakeholder input. The new parking structure will ensure easy access to the site. Together, we will be creating an Ontario Place for everyone to enjoy,” said Angela Clayton, interim president and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario.

Targeted design and construction costs for the up to 3,500-spot parking structure are approximately $400 million. The structure will include a large, landscaped berm along the north side to help blend the structure into the surrounding area.

“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.”

Featured image: (Government of Ontario)