ONTARIO PLACE
Ontario Place is renowned as Toronto’s cultural, leisure, and entertainment parkland. Located on the picturesque waterfront, it offers an escape from the city without ever having to leave. When the park initially opened in 1971, it featured a range of attractions, including a waterpark, marina, amphitheatre, and the iconic IMAX Cinesphere, making it a popular destination and a testament to Ontario’s economic achievements. Though it faced closure in 2012, Ontario Place has undergone significant revitalization efforts to restore its status as a premier waterfront attraction, seamlessly blending recreational spaces with new cultural and entertainment facilities.
The first phase of the revitalization vision began with the opening of the 7.5-acre Trillium Park and the 1.3-kilometre William G. Davis Trail, transforming a former parking lot into a vibrant waterfront park. In January 2019, the Ontario Government initiated the redevelopment of Ontario Place. This process saw significant milestones, including a formal Call for Development in May 2019 and the announcement of a phased, multi-partner modernization approach in July 2021. Public consultations and environmental assessments began in October 2021 and March 2022, respectively.
Image Reference:
Loozrboy. Cinesphere, at Ontario Place, in 2012, when it was closed for several years. 27 May 2012, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cinesphere,_at_Ontario_Place,_in_2012,when_it_was_closed_for_several_years(7157561345).jpg