ontario place

Doug Ford reveals potential change of plans for Ontario Place parking garage

Even though much of the public remains staunchly opposed to aspects of Doug Ford's plan to revitalize Ontario Place — namely, the foreign-owned private megaspa that is taking over a swath of the greenspace — plans are still being formalized and construction still taking place behind locked fences.

One part of the project that has especially enraged people as of late is the seemingly unnecessary relocation of the Science Centre, which was in part to help justify a 3,000-spot parking garage promised to Therme.

The fact that an underground parkade of such magnitude was slated for the waterfront lands was enough of a blow when locals learned about it just last fall, but more shocking and confusing details about the structure keep emerging.

The latest is that it may not even be underground, but could end up an above-ground eyesore.

While responding to questions about the garage this week, Premier Doug Ford said that his team had not yet confirmed the parking design "because it costs so much to build underground."

He then said "We'd like to build as much on top without prohibiting the view" — a statement that has people up in arms.

"Here's a simpler solution... say it with me: WE DON'T NEED A PARKING GARAGE AT ONTARIO PLACE! We also don't need a private mega-spa on prime waterfront land. What is it that this Premier and government doesn't understand?" reads one response on X Wednesday.

"We can’t allow Ford's chaotic, back of the napkin scheme for Ontario Place to ruin Ontario’s waterfront. Our tax dollars should not be used to subsidize a parking garage for a private luxury spa," another added.

Along with the revelation, Ford has asked citizens to "stay tuned" on the matter, even suggesting the lot may go "on the other side," indicating plans are very amorphous at this stage — whether that means on the other side of the Ontario Place grounds or on the other side of Lake Shore Boulevard at Exhibition Place is unclear.

(As we know, some have argued that the entire spa be put on the CNE grounds, or at Marineland.)

As disgruntled constituents continue to wonder about the visual, ecological, and other impacts the garage will end up having — and where it will even be located — we continue to be left in the dark about parts of the plan and the planning process, much like with other aspects of the development.

Lead photo by

Lucas T Photography/Flickr


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