Construction set to begin on first phase of Ontario Place revitalization
The provincial government says it will start the first phase of its planned Ontario Place revitalization in the next few months.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Coteau says construction is expected to begin soon on the first phase of the project — a new urban park and waterfront trail expected to open in 2016.
He says the next stage will be an environmental assessment and land use plan to prepare for development of the remainder of the grounds.
The province has earmarked $100 million for the first phases of the revitalization project.
But Coteau says there are no plans to incorporate residential development — such as condos — into the site because the space is being set aside for the use of the public.
Plans for later phases include the expansion of live music performances, a “canal district” of waterfront shops and restaurants and a hub for “culture, discovery and innovation.”
Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Liberals talked about revitalizing the space during the provincial election campaign, with Wynne pledging no condos would be built there.
Ontario Place opened in May 1971, but was closed in 2012 as the number of visitors dwindled and the province, struggling to rein in a $15-billion deficit, said it could no longer afford to keep it open.
Image source: Government of Ontario