The newest vision for Ontario Place calls for the venue to be transformed from a derelict amusement facility into “a new public backyard” and world-class “urban park” that people would live, work and play in, details a report released Thursday morning.
The 55-page report, which was presented by John Tory, chair of the Ontario Place revitalization advisory panel, includes recommendations for a new public concert venue, a number of restaurants, cafes and shops, improved public transit to and from the lake-front facility and a low-rise residential component that would help the area become an active community all year round.
The report recommends keeping the iconic Cinesphere that marks Ontario Place on the Toronto skyline.
“The panel was unanimous in the belief that there is a fantastic opportunity to revitalize Ontario Place into a vibrant 21st-century, world-class destination, one that is fitting for the city in 2012 and beyond as opposed to some past time,” Tory said in delivering the report. “Ontario Place can once again be a special place that will draw a critical mass of people and bring a new level of excitement and energy to this beautiful and very unique waterfront location.”
The report was requested by Premier Dalton McGuinty back in February and was prepared by a panel of stakeholders.
It is now being considered by Ontario Tourism Minister Michael Chan, who released a statement Thursday morning thanking the panel.
“I would like to thank Mr. Tory and all the panel members for their hard work and advice over the past several months,” he said. “I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and responding in a timely fashion to how together, we'll revitalize Ontario Place.”
Chan wasn’t at the news conference but Tory told reporters he is not worried as the minister will need some time to review the report that he only received this morning.
“I’d rather he takes his time to look at it carefully and I’m optimistic that he is as determined to move ahead on this as I am,” Tory said.
Report features 18 recommendations
The report, which remains vague on the cost of the panel’s vision, features 18 recommendations on how to redevelop the facility.
Included among those recommendations are calls for a closer partnership with Exhibition Place and the construction of a research or education centre for excellence as well as shops, restaurants and even corporate headquarters. Tory said about 10 to 15 per cent of the 155 acre property should be set aside for residential development.
Though the report does not place any limits on the type of development allowed, Tory said no building should restrict access to the waterfront or affect sightlines.
“We make it very clear in the report what it is not supposed to be and that’s a wall of condos,” he said.
“The vast majority of the site should be reserved for an excellent urban park, but we do think people should live there as part of bringing the site to life 12 months a year,” he said. “It should be done with very strict rules and a great deal of discipline on behalf of the government, though. Any new projects must respect and enhance the natural beauty of the area.”
Private sector to help fund project
On several occasions during Thursday morning’s press conference at Queen’s Park, Tory referred to Chicago’s Millennium Park as a model for the Toronto project.
A 25-acre public space located just off the shores of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park was developed at a cost of $490 million -- half of which was raised through individual donors and corporate sponsors.
“Obviously there are a few more rich people in Chicago, but we have some of those people here as well and I believe that if we present the right opportunity whether it is for an excellent forum type place or an educational opportunity of some type, there will be people who want to be a part of that,” Tory said.
The provincial government had asked Tory to look at revitalizing Ontario Place back in February when it decided to shut down the facility until 2017 amid an annual loss of about $20 million.
Speaking with reporters after the news conference, NDP MPP Rosario Marchese said he understands the need for alternative funding models but says the government must not let corporations dictate the future of Ontario Place.
“I’m not convinced that we need the private sector for this venture to work, but if we are going to have the private sector -- which seems to be the essence of the proposal -- I believe the government must have a strong role to ensure that this stays a public space,” he said.
Marchese, who represents the riding Ontario Place is located in, said if the city is left to approve all development on Ontario Place land, a space filled with high-rise condominiums and office towers may await.
“Given the fact that they (the city) intensified my whole riding with condominiums I don’t see them saying no,” he said. “It’s a cash cow for them in terms of property taxes.”
Plan calls for $100 million in public transit improvements
Tory’s report recognizes the need for improved public transit to Ontario Place and calls for extending Dufferin Street southward in order to provide bus access and extending the streetcar loop from Exhibition Place to the front gates of the new Ontario Place.
On Thursday, Tory did not provide an exact price for the transit improvements but said the streetcar expansion alone could cost more than $100 million.
In an interview with CP24.com, Coun. Mike Layton said he’s concerned public transit is being treated as an afterthought.
“For any of this to work, including in particular residential, there needs to be an explanation of how transit will work and that is just not there, “ he said.
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