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Ford Government Considers Relocation of Ontario Place Parking
The provincial government of Ontario is exploring the possibility of relocating its planned parking facility for Ontario Place to a site north of the current location, as revealed through documents obtained via freedom of information requests. The proposal includes potential sites within Exhibition Place to fulfill the commitments made in a deal with a private spa provider.
Correspondence and meeting notes indicate discussions among city and provincial officials regarding the location of a new parking garage, moving away from the initial blueprint that aimed to construct an underground facility adjacent to Ontario Place, which is undergoing significant redevelopment.
This idea first emerged from Toronto’s Mayor Olivia Chow in late 2023, as she advocated for alternative solutions that would preserve the integrity of the city’s waterfront. The Ford administration expressed receptiveness to the plan during discussions aimed at reaching a broader agreement with the city, albeit without a formal commitment at that time.
An internal email from the Ministry of Infrastructure hints at a realization of this plan, stating that the recently finalized agreement requires the province to reconsider its original parking site at Ontario Place and explore options at Exhibition Place. However, a spokesperson from the Ministry indicated that no definitive decision has been made yet.
The government has a contractual obligation with Therme, the private spa developer, to provide 1,800 parking spaces along with additional spots for Live Nation and the Ontario Science Centre, with an estimated financial outlay of $307 million.
The agreement between the City of Toronto and the provincial government also includes Queen’s Park taking control over major roadways such as the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway, committing funds for transit infrastructure, and addressing issues such as homelessness.
New Deal with Toronto: Key Concessions and Challenges
In exchange for these concessions, Toronto yielded to the provincial government regarding the management of waterfront lands, effectively easing opposition towards the redevelopment projects at Ontario Place. The deal encompassed provisions for reviewing alternative parking locations, such as the proposed sites in Exhibition Place.
Documentation obtained suggests ongoing evaluations of various locations at Exhibition Place for the potential parking facility, with possibilities for either above or below-ground construction. Premier Doug Ford has indicated a preference against underground options, voicing that the province would rather not invest heavily in subterranean parking solutions.
Internal records from recent meetings indicate that the Ministry of Infrastructure is actively soliciting suggestions for viable parking locations, with considerations for both potential above-ground and below-ground facilities. Site evaluations included areas adjacent to the OVO Athletic Centre, as well as other parts of Exhibition Place, such as immediately south of BMO Field, which is projected to be a hub for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Potential Complications from Major Events
The construction timeline for any parking solution is further complicated by the impending 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will utilize Exhibition Place, making significant portions of it inaccessible until late fall 2026. The pressure from this global event poses a challenge for timely completion, as the contract stipulates the parking spaces must be operational before the spa’s anticipated opening in 2028, or the province risks incurring penalties.
Additionally, the annual Canadian National Exhibition, which transforms the area into a bustling venue every summer, raises concerns about the feasibility and timing of such construction projects. Former CEO of the CNE, Darrell Brown, expressed apprehensions regarding the parking plan, suggesting that it would fail to meet the spa’s needs and would not serve the CNE’s interests adequately.
Although Brown is no longer at the helm of the CNE, the organization remains engaged with ongoing developments concerning Ontario Place. A spokesperson mentioned that statements made by Brown might not represent the current official position of the CNE, emphasizing a commitment to monitor the situation closely.
As these discussions progress, it remains to be seen how the provincial government and city officials will navigate the complexities of redeveloping Ontario Place while considering community needs and the commitments made to Therme.
Source
globalnews.ca