Turning this project over to Waterfront Toronto is an obvious choice given their excellent track record. That said, turning a wasteland of parking into parkland and with no transit plan does not bode well for Ontario Place proper. Heartbreaking.
I still say that there should have been a Canada Square like deal done here, one or two levels of below-grade parking to generate income and pay for the landscaping project and then the green space on top. If Ontario Place is demolished in favor of more parkland and condos, then it's likely not needed.
The site is surrounded pretty much on all 4 sides by water - probably not the best candidate for an underground garage. Cheaper to consolidate all the parking (and access points to such) at the Ex.
The site is surrounded pretty much on all 4 sides by water - probably not the best candidate for an underground garage. Cheaper to consolidate all the parking (and access points to such) at the Ex.
Of all the locations that "deserves" a subway, this is probably a bit low on the list. Right on the bit about lack of convenient public transportation options however.
Where would you run the line? Any extension of the 509 or the 511 (both currently go to the Ex) could be done by running the line through the Ex grounds and over to Ontario Place although that would be problematic when the Ex is running.
Yeah, I thought of that, but it's so car centric I don't see it happening. For the most part, the streetcars are empty past Fort York and Fleet unless there is an event, so I'm not sure how much support there would be for the cost and upheaval of extending the streetcar. Maybe an OP bus from Union?
If Ontario Place actually became a year round destination (or if they add the residential component) like they're talking about, that might raise the streetcar usage in the area enough to justify the change. Also, if it's elevated there doesn't need to be any reduction in vehicle capacity. Ultimately, I'd like to see both OP and the Ex grounds better used so there's a reason to go there any day rather than just during special events.
A residential component would change things immensely. Both the 509 and 511 are currently over capacity at peak times because of the residential increase over the past few years. We're really looking forward to the new streetcars that will hopefully help that situation next year. Add a year-round attraction and/or more residential at OP and they'll need to do more than just extend the existing line though. Even with extra cars added during the Ex, it's a frustrating weekday commute for those weeks.
Edited to add: I'm totally forgetting about the proposed Fort York line from Union. Ontario Place could be served via that route.
This sounds like the Liberals getting even with the city for not backing their casino plan. If the Province's plans for OP doesn't require ths parking area anymore and there is no substantive transit to get people there, then they are clearly intending to do nothing with OP and by removing the parking and creating a park, they are ensuring no future government can do anything with OP either. This clearly was not decided with any input from either the city or Metrolinx so IMO, OP is being shelved.
