Toronto 
Ontario government today announced major changes to Ontario Place and plans to move Ontario Science Centre.
The new details shared by the provincial government describe “its exciting vision for the redevelopment of Ontario Place into a world-class, year-round destination, complete with expanded parkland, beaches, waterfront access and family-friendly entertainment.”
The plans include a previously announced year-round concert venue by Live Nation and West Island development by Therme Group into an all-season destination including spa, pools, waterslides, botanical spaces to relax, as well as sports performance and recovery services.
The redevelopment aims to make Ontario Place a cultural and recreational landmark, attracting visitors of all ages.
Ontario Place’s future public spaces and parkland will feature new trails, picnic areas, lookout points, event spaces, and improved waterfront access.
Ontario says a new public marina, improved transportation options, and an underground parking facility with electric chargers will offer increased convenience for visitors.
Key heritage and recreational features such as the Cinesphere, Pod complex, marina, Trillium Park, and William G. Davis Trail will be modernized.
The Ontario Science Centre will relocate to Ontario Place, offering family-friendly, science-based educational programming in a state-of-the-art facility, utilizing the historic Cinesphere and pod complex.
The recommended designs include five distinct areas: Water’s Edge, Brigantine Cove, the Forum, the Marina, and the Mainland. Final design for public spaces will be completed later this year.
Water’s Edge will provide increased access to the waterfront with an extended William G. Davis trail, natural stone terraces, piers, lookout points, and a restored shoreline.
Water’s Edge/Ontario.ca
Brigantine Cove will include a canoe/kayak launch, children’s play village, floating wetlands, a small beach, and a new pathway.
Brigantine Cove/Ontario.ca
The Forum will serve as a space for cultural and community events like concerts, markets, art festivals, and celebrations. It will also feature an interactive, all-season play fountain.
Forum/Ontario.ca
The marina will be rejuvenated to include waterside cafes, boating amenities, cultural programming, and new retail, dining, and family-friendly activities.
Marina/Ontario.ca
The Mainland will house a welcoming plaza and a year-round waterfront promenade, offering a unique event and festival space with pavilions and an urban beach.
Mainland/Ontario.ca
Therme Canada‘s design for the West Island features 12 acres of new public space and landscaping, including a public beach, waterside trail, cultural event spaces, and aquatic habitats. The expanded William G. Davis trail will connect various play and relaxation areas, improving access to the waterfront, multi-use trails, lookouts, and a public play area.
West Island
Therme Canada | Ontario Place Proposed West Island Development At-A-Glance
- Shoreline restoration to protect the West Island from flooding, erosion, and high-water levels
- 47,540m2 / 11.8 acres of year-round, freely accessible public space for all to enjoy
- 1.35 Km of enhanced trails around the entire West Island, including the extension of the William G. Davis Trail and connection to the Martin Goodman Trail. This is a 36 per cent increase in the West Island trails compared to what existed previously
- A 3,426m2 / 0.9-acre public beach right in downtown Toronto
- 5,400m2 / 1.3 acres of new wetlands to help return clean water to the lake, support local wildlife, and build climate resiliency
- 16,463m2 / 4.1 acres of green roof that connect the building to the surrounding natural landscape
- Restoration and improvement of existing heritage gathering areas on the eastern and western sides of the Ontario Place West Island
- The creation of 25,566m2 / 6.3 acres of new aquatic habitat for native species
Live Nation will introduce a new all-season entertainment facility, welcoming thousands more fans and retaining the grassy lawns of the amphitheater.
Live Nation Venue/Ontario.ca
Ontario says this redevelopment will create a cultural and recreational landmark, revitalizing Ontario Place as an iconic destination on Toronto’s waterfront for locals and visitors alike.
Upgraded transit and people movers will connect Ontario Place to the Ontario Line subway terminus at Exhibition Place.
Per the news release, site servicing work will begin this spring to upgrade and modernize Ontario Place’s existing infrastructure, such as water, electrical, and gas services. A construction company will be selected following a competitive procurement process launched last year. Further details about the Ontario Science Centre’s relocation and development partners Therme Canada and Live Nation will be provided later.
