Today, the Ontario government provided an update on Toronto’s perpetually closed theme park, Ontario Place. The venue has taken another step towards revitalization, with plans to not only revamp the space south of Exhibition Place along Lake Ontario, but also relocate the Ontario Science Centre to the venue.

An aerial view of the recommended design for Ontario Place, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

The plans will bring the Ontario Science Centre to a brand-new home in a custom-built facility. Its exact location is yet to be determined, but will include the upgraded Cinesphere and POD complex, which remain iconic structures when one envisions Toronto’s waterfront. The new home is being characterized as a more prominent location for the centre, which currently sits near the southwest corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Don Mills Road.

Looking southwest to the current location of the Ontario Science Centre, image retrieved from Google Street View

The announcement includes recommended design concepts for the venue, including new trails, parklands, and Indigenous culture features. The recommendation outlines distinct areas for the site that would be free for visitors. The province is looking to improve Ontario Place with family-friendly options for visitors to enjoy at no cost, as well as retail and commercial spaces.

The five areas include the Water’s Edge, Brigantine Cove, Forum, Marina, and Mainland.

Design for Water's Edge, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

The Water’s Edge would feature natural stone terraces for visitors and scenic views of Lake Ontario. The Brigantine Cove is set to offer activities including a children’s play village and canoe/kayak launch. The Forum would be set up for community events like concerts and markets.

Design for Brigantine Cove, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

Design for the Forum, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

The Ontario government intends to rejuvenate the Marina space with waterside cafes, and cultural programming. Finally, the Mainland would feature a year-round promenade to form a new plaza for festivals and events.

Design for the Marina, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

Design for the Mainland, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

The government is not only working with Ontario Science Centre, but also Therme Group and Live Nation to bring additional and rejuvenated attractions to the venue. On the West Island, the Therme Spa is proposed as a paid attraction with newly added parkland around it. Meanwhile, the Concert Venue from Live Nation is proposed for year-round events on the East Island. In that regard, the Province is currently finalizing an agreement for what would be a brand-new amphitheatre that could house 20,000 attendees and retain the grass lawn element for seating on the site of the current Budweiser Stage.

Design for Live Nation's Concert Venue/East Island, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

The Science Centre is to be further integrated into Ontario Place through underground parking with electric bus and vehicle chargers. Visitors will have new transit options set to connect the venue with Exhibition Place, Exhibition GO station, and the future Ontario Line southwestern terminus. There will also be additional pedestrian and bicycle paths to access the site, with the William G. Davis Trail, currently built along the water's edge in Trillium Park on the East Island, being extended across the entire site.

Design for Therme Spa/West Island, image courtesy of the Government of Ontario

The Province has outlined its goals to create a more family-friendly space that will also attract tourists and bring an estimated four to six million visitors to Ontario Place yearly. Further details as to the exact location and makeup of the Ontario Science Centre buidings is set to be provided at a later date.

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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