Avoiding environmental and transparency concerns, the Ford government will use a robust new planning tool to push for the redevelopment of Ontario Place.
On Friday, the provincial government announced that it had enacted an Enhanced Zoning Ministerial Order (eMZO) to accelerate plans for the popular coastal recreation area. Issued by unilateral decree from Queen’s Park, the eMZOs also allow the government to participate in parts of Toronto’s plan-making process.
“To ensure that the reconstruction of Ontario Place continues without delay, the government has issued an Order from the Minister of Enhanced Zoning (eMZO) to grant progression approvals for new and existing land uses at Ontario Place,” said Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. in a statement. ” Building on last year’s historic new agreement with the City of Toronto, the province is taking the next steps in its plan to rebuild Ontario Place into a world-class, year-round destination with expanded parks and public spaces, a waterfront steward, a new public marina and family-friendly entertainment.
According to the government’s statement, the eMZO will allow the province to control site plans, open up public spaces on the East Island, and expand public spaces and parks on the West Island as a component of the redevelopment of Ontario Place.
The government’s plan for Ontario Place has met with strong public opposition, primarily due to the loss of green domain and secret transfers of land on long-term lease to Therme. The Austrian hotel developer has secured a 95-year lease from the government to build a personal spa at Ontario Place on Toronto’s West Island waterfront, lately used as a picnic area and popular park.
The decision to lease the land to Therme was made behind closed doors and presented to the public as a closed deal.
“Ontario Place for All is disappointed that the MZO procedure is being used to borrow city-owned land from Ontario Place and place it under the title of a personal MegaSpa for 95 years,” said Norm Di Pasquale, co-chair of the advocacy organization. . , in an emailed response, the organization is fighting the government’s plan in an ongoing legal challenge.
“Given this government’s history of corruption with respect to MZOs, handing over the MZO tool to the Ministry of Infrastructure sets a terrible precedent for our public institutions,” he said.
The organization is concerned that the Ford government’s questionable moves to privatize Ontario Place could be implemented in other public establishments in the near future, Di Pasquale added. prepares to wipe out the West Island. “
The organization said the West Island redevelopment task would remove the ecosystem that has thrived for five decades — about 840 trees — adding more than 600 mature trees. All contours of the existing floor plans and landscape designed by architect Michael Hough will be leveled. It will also fill lagoons and waterways, destroying approximately 36,000 square meters of aquatic habitat to add approximately 12 acres to the island.
Last year, the Ontario Auditor General announced that he would conduct value-for-money audits on the redevelopment of Ontario Place, West Island, and on the resolution to move the Ontario Science Centre on the Toronto waterfront to Ontario Place.
The province’s plan to rebuild Ontario Place includes a renovated Live Nation amphitheater, as well as a park and boardwalk available to the public. The Cinesphere, home to the world’s first IMAX theater, will be retained as a component of this plan. The province will provide a $650 million contribution to the existing infrastructure and preservation of historic elements of the site. These projects include a new underground car park with 2,000 spaces and another six hundred spaces on the ground floor.
“Ontario Place will feature more than 50 acres, adding approximately 40 football fields, public parks, beaches and green spaces,” the government said. “With the new Ontario Science Centre and Therme Canada’s year-round destination for laughter and wellness, as well as the renovated year-round Live Nation Concert Hall, Ontario Place will offer reports that all ages can enjoy.
Although Therme and the Ford government have refrained from publicly disclosing the main points of the contract, citing confidentiality, the Austrian company has said it will inject close to $1 billion into Ontario Place. This monetary commitment includes $350 million to build the 65,000-square-foot personal spa and another $100 million for parts that will remain available to the public.
The company says the long-term contract is key to recouping its multimillion-dollar investment. Since the initial lease was granted, Therme has modified its progression request to allocate approximately 16 acres of public park on West Island for a new beach, boardwalk, and motorcycle trails.
The province owns most of the Ontario Place site, approximately 16 acres controlled by the City of Toronto. Toronto initially opposed the redevelopment of Ontario Place and the relocation of the Ontario Science Centre, but later allowed the province to take over the redevelopment of Ontario Place as part of a settlement.
Last year, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told the National Observer Canada that she wants to work with the province to meet its climate goals. Chow expressed anger over the environmental impact of the Ontario Place proposals. He underlined the importance of public participation and continuity. discussion with those who advocate for a sustainable progression that does not compromise grass habitats.