Toronto Ontario Place | ?m | ?s | Infrastructure ON

[christiesplits]

I took a quick walk through the revitalized section last night and found it to be quite pleasant.

At the same time, I couldn't help but feel like the design was a tad small or provincial. It felt like it would feel more appropriate in a city like Kingston or Windsor.

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

At the same time, I couldn't help but feel like the design was a tad small or provincial. It felt like it would feel more appropriate in a city like Kingston or Windsor.

I think there is a very strong push towards "naturescapes" outside Central Waterfront.

AoD

 

[Avenue]

I took a quick walk through the revitalized section last night and found it to be quite pleasant.

At the same time, I couldn't help but feel like the design was a tad small or provincial. It felt like it would feel more appropriate in a city like Kingston or Windsor.

Yeah, I don't think this park is interesting enough for crowds to go through all that trouble to get to it.

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

Yeah, I don't think this park is interesting enough for crowds to go through all that trouble to get to it.

It's not really intended as a destination in and of itself - that's the job of Ex/OP at large. I do wish we have better high quality "beaches" along the lines of Sugar Beach at the waterfront - we have already established that as a way to draw people in.

AoD

 

[ADRM]

Yeah, I don't think this park is interesting enough for crowds to go through all that trouble to get to it.

I don't totally get the "all that trouble to get to it" piece that some have reiterated -- one of the few good bike routes we have in the city goes directly past it and there's a massive surface vehicular parking lot directly beside it. Sure, it's rapid transit-deficient, but I don't think it's quite the issue some have made it out to be.

 

[Avenue]

I don't totally get the "all that trouble to get to it" piece that some have reiterated -- one of the few good bike routes we have in the city goes directly past it and there's a massive surface vehicular parking lot directly beside it. Sure, it's rapid transit-deficient, but I don't think it's quite the issue some have made it out to be.

A huge majority of people living in downtown Toronto don't own cars and cycling there isn't an all-ages all-skill levels activity. This area is very suburban/car oriented/single use. Unless you put some irresistible attractions there the attendance won't be much no matter how giant of a parking lot you have there.

 

[PinkLucy]

Yeah, I don't think this park is interesting enough for crowds to go through all that trouble to get to it.

Perhaps not, but it's great for people living in the area. I've been a couple of times now and it's a pleasant place to be. There were quite a few people there (my latest visit was this morning) but it was so crowded as to be unpleasant.

 

[NBGtect]

 

[LUVIT!]

The park looks lovely.

 

[skycandy]

The place was hopping on a perfect holiday Monday. Including salsa dancing in the pavilion.

 

[Marcanadian]

Looks like I wasn't the only one to venture there this weekend. People are definitely getting their mileage out of this space:

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Canada 150 by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

 

[marcus_a_j]

The park is superb. I was probably within spitting distance of @Marcanadian for the CN Tower fireworks. It was an excellent vantage point (as the photos above show).

 

[Benito]

Love the field of lupins. Great photos @skycandy and @Marcanadian

 

[jje1000]

I wonder what potential partners might come up with and with what concepts (and how extensive those concepts will be in reconfiguring Ontario Place).

Also intriguing that the next phase includes only the West Island rather than a wholesale revitalization of the entire park- I also wonder if future phases might also involve revitalizing some currently untouched public realm aspects of the East Island as well- Trillium Park was a good first step, but there's still a large portion that's unchanged.

At the heart of the vision is a culture, discovery and innovation hub on the West Island with new programming and/or facilities that have an eye towards a futuristic, fun, learning and entertaining environment.

https://www.ontarioplacewestisland.com/

Search is on for an Innovative Partner at Ontario Place's West Island
Province Taking Next Step in Transforming Iconic Waterfront Site

The province is seeking a partner for Ontario Place's West Island as it moves ahead on transforming the site into a vibrant, year-round waterfront destination that is innovative, fun and engaging for residents and visitors of all ages.

The search is on for an anchor partner that will help realize the province's vision for the West Island of Ontario Place as a vibrant hub for culture, discovery and innovation. Any proposal must protect and enhance public access to the waterfront and visitors' ability to enjoy this unique public asset, including retaining the Cinesphere and pods. Residential or gaming uses will not be permitted.

Finding a partner for the West Island is the next phase in transforming Ontario Place into a year-round waterfront destination. The first phase, the Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail, was completed in June 2017 as part of Ontario's 150th anniversary celebrations and adds 7.5 acres of new park land to Toronto's waterfront.

While this process is underway, Ontario is upgrading the Cinesphere, creating event spaces out of two existing pods and animating the West Island for various events including four Ontario150-themed festivals.

Transforming Ontario Place into an innovative and exciting public space is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick Facts

• Ontario has launched a call for submissions to secure an anchor tenant on the West Island. The call, which closes on September 29, 2017, invites submissions from organizations with development concepts that will attract a wide range of visitors to the site.
• Ontario Place is open for people to enjoy and, as part of Ontario’s 150th anniversary celebrations, is hosting several themed and free events throughout the year.
• The Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail was completed in June 2017, welcoming people back to a spectacular piece of Toronto’s waterfront for the first time in over forty years.

https://news.ontario.ca/mtc/en/2017...ve-partner-at-ontario-places-west-island.html

Province seeks Ontario Place development proposals but rules out residential use

TORONTO -- Ontario is calling on developers to pitch ideas for revitalizing Ontario Place and creating new public attractions on the site of the former theme park on Toronto's waterfront.

The province issued a call for submissions Friday asking developers to pitch their own innovative, futuristic plans for the west island of Ontario Place.

The government put few limits on the proposals, but says public access to the site must be preserved and there can be no casinos, residential development or large-scale music events.

The land is to remain in public hands, but long-term leases will be allowed.

The province closed Ontario Place to the public five years ago due to falling revenues at the government-owned theme park and tight provincial finances.

Last month, the province opened the new Trillium Park and William G. Davis recreational trail on Ontario Place's east island.

http://www.cp24.com/news/province-s...osals-but-rules-out-residential-use-1.3493199

 

[NBGtect]

This is the selfie-generation. I envision massive, life-like Ontario wildlife sculptures throughout the park. I'd go just to see a huge moose and goose.

One of my favourite memories of OP as a kid was the nods to Northern Ontario and the log ride. I'd do more of that, with similar themed rides, except on a grander scale. We need more whimsy.

Throw in a range of high-end to fast food restaurants, art and cultural museums in the pods dedicated to Ontario art and history, and with event venues.

Thankfully no gaming or residential allowed.