Province Taking Next Steps to Build Ontario Place
Press Release
June 24, 2025
Project will result in 5,000 new jobs, more than 50 acres of free public space and a new revenue-generating parking structure
TORONTO — The Ontario government has unveiled the final designs for the new Ontario Place public space, marking a major milestone in the transformation of Toronto’s waterfront that will create 5,000 jobs in the construction and tourism sectors and boost economic growth across Toronto and the region. The province also announced a new, publicly owned parking structure at Ontario Place, which will generate revenue for the province and help the public conveniently 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 family-friendly 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 reimagined 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.
“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.”
The new public park at Ontario Place will preserve key heritage and recreational features of the site while connecting to all the new attractions and features, all while offering free public access to the waterfront for residents and tourists alike to explore year-round.
Quick Facts
- The provincially owned parking structure is anticipated to generate up to $60 million in gross revenue annually once Ontario Place reaches full operation.
- Targeted design and construction costs for the up to 3,500-spot parking structure are less than $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 first opened to the public on May 22, 1971.
- Once complete, Ontario Place will be one of the largest public parks in downtown Toronto — 14 acres larger than Trinity Bellwoods — creating more green space for families and visitors to enjoy.
- As part of the development, the park will be fully rehabilitated and remediated with new shoreline protection features, flood mitigation measures and soil remediation work to ensure Ontario Place remains a safe destination for future generations.
- The new features and designs for the park at Ontario Place were informed by public engagement and consultation, including input from over 9,300 people, Indigenous communities, the City of Toronto and other key stakeholders.
Quotes
“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.”
– Angela Clayton
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Ontario
“Ontario Place holds a special place in our city’s diverse heritage and LANDinc is honoured to lead the design of this public waterfront park, establishing the green heart of this world-class destination. These designs carefully integrate landscape architecture, infrastructure and the natural environment, driven by our commitment to urban park revitalization, the transformation of public spaces and the celebration of Indigenous cultures. In collaboration with our talented team, this project embodies the province’s vision of creating vibrant, sustainable and welcoming spaces for all — residents, visitors and future generations.”
– Patrick Morello
Senior Principal, LANDinc
“Therme Canada is excited to play a role in the reimagination of Ontario Place. Today’s announcement is another step forward in the revitalization of this amazing waterfront destination. The parkland the province has announced today, combined with the new beach and parks Therme is delivering on the West Island, will create a huge new waterfront public space for Ontarians to enjoy.”
– Adam Vaughan
Senior Advisor, Therme Canada
“For the past 30 years, our amphitheatre has presented and hosted some of the biggest and best Canadian and international artists. The revitalization of our iconic amphitheatre into a modernized, year-round venue is an important step for Live Nation Canada — it gives us the opportunity to grow and improve our legacy so that we can entertain fans, support artists, create jobs and provide ancillary economic benefits for decades to come.”
– Wayne Zronik
President of Business Operations for Live Nation Canada
“The revitalized public spaces at Ontario Place will help restore it as a world class destination, complement beloved waterfront destinations like Sugar Beach and Love Park, and anchor exciting new landmarks such as Biidaasige Park on Toronto’s soon to launch new island, Ookwemin Minising.”
– Chris Glaisek
Chief Planning and Design Officer, Waterfront Toronto
Additional Resources
Related Topics
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Travel and Recreation
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Media Contacts
Hannah Jensen
Premier’s Office
Hannah.Jensen2@ontario.ca
Ana Sajfert
Minister Surma’s Office
Ana.Sajfert@ontario.ca
Ministry of Infrastructure Media Line
Communications Branch
MOI.Media@ontario.ca
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