The Ford government has officially pulled back the curtain on the final designs for the redevelopment of Ontario Place—and let’s just say, this is no minor facelift. With renderings released by Therme Canada and Live Nation, the site is set to become a multi-use waterfront destination, blending entertainment, wellness, culture, and nature along the Toronto shoreline.

While the revitalization plan hasn’t come without its share of political heat and public debate, the province says the vision is bold, ambitious, and rooted in long-term growth.

🌊 What’s Planned for Ontario Place

Let’s break down what’s coming to the reimagined waterfront:

• Therme Canada Spa & Waterpark: A family-friendly wellness destination with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and year-round attractions.

• New Ontario Science Centre: A relocation of the current facility into a state-of-the-art space designed to inspire and educate.

• Live Nation Amphitheatre: A revamped, all-season venue for concerts and performances.

• Above-Ground Parking Structure: Publicly owned, revenue-generating, and aimed at easing visitor access.

But it’s not just about buildings—green space is central to the design. Expect everything from a new beach and canoe launch to treehouse playgrounds, boardwalks, and a turtle-themed splash zone.

🏞️ Park & Public Space Highlights

According to the province, this will be “a destination for all of Ontario.” Here are some standout features:

• Urban Beach & Brigantine Cove: A fully public area with boardwalks, a children’s treehouse, and turtle-shaped play structures.

• Canoe & Kayak Launches: Ideal for summer paddling, with stone lookout points for soaking in Lake Ontario sunsets.

• Revitalized Marina: Featuring open-air pavilions and flexible programming space.

• Public Forum Space: A central hub for outdoor markets and festivals, complete with a splash fountain shaped like Ontario’s trillium.

• Indigenous Cultural Pavilion: A 3,400 sq. ft. gathering place for workshops and community-led programs.

With integration into the upcoming Ontario Line and easy access to walking and cycling paths, the space is also designed to be transit-connected and walkable.

💰 The Controversy & Cost

Of course, it wouldn’t be Ontario Place without some drama. A scathing report from the Auditor General in December revealed the province’s projected costs have ballooned by $1.8 billion since the project began in 2019, with taxpayers potentially on the hook for $2.2 billion.

The City of Toronto has also warned that the redevelopment could worsen traffic congestion, particularly during large events.

Still, the province is doubling down on the benefits:

• 5,000 jobs in construction and tourism

• New revenue from parking and increased tourism

• Year-round attractions that promise economic impact beyond downtown Toronto

🌅 A Vision for the Future

Love it or question it, Ontario Place is on its way to becoming a year-round lakefront destination. From sunset boardwalk strolls and cultural spaces, to paddle-friendly beaches and festival zones, the redesign promises to be bold, immersive, and unlike anything Toronto has seen before.

We'll be keeping a close eye as construction begins and timelines firm up—but one thing’s for sure: the Ontario Place of the future is going to look very different from the one we’ve known.