New renderings show the reimagined Ontario Place, which the Ontario government boasts will offer more than 50 acres of free public trails, expanded green space, playgrounds, interactive fountains, new beaches, event spaces and an updated marina. All the changes to the public space have been designed to create what the province says will be a world-class waterfront destination that will attract up to six million visitors annually.
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Redesigned Ontario Place The Ontario government has released the final designs for its revamp of Ontario Place, with new renderings showing a completely transformed space alongside some familiar landmarks.
Therme spa and waterpark In 2021, the province announced its intention to move forward with redeveloping the west island of the waterfront property into a massive private waterpark and spa despite intense public criticism.
Map of Ontario Place A finalized map of the new public space shows the placement of the spa and waterpark—run by the European company Therme—along with a marina, the Ontario Science Centre, Budweiser Stage, a public forum, Brigantine Cove, and a parking structure.
Therme spa and waterpark In an announcement on Tuesday, Premier Doug Ford said the redesign of Ontario Place will create 5,000 jobs in the construction and tourism sectors, boosting economic growth across both Toronto and the region.
New Budweiser Stage One of the existing sections of Ontario Place getting a facelift is the popular summer concert destination Budweiser Stage, which is owned by Live Nation.
Food and drink pavilion The entertainment company plans to revitalize the space into a year-round amphitheatre, with renderings showing a more open concept layout on the east side of the main stage.
Ontario Science Centre The Ontario Science Centre will be relocated to a new facility “in the heart of Ontario Place.”
Ontario Plaza A new entrance—dubbed the Mainland—will serve as a gathering and transit hub, connecting visitors to the new Exhibition Station on the Ontario Line, lakeside walking, cycle paths, and onsite parking. The Mainland will also feature Ontario Plaza, an open space complete with vendors and a secondary, smaller stage.
Treehouse There are also several new children’s playgrounds set to be built on the Ontario Place grounds, including a multi-level interactive treehouse.
Turtle playground A turtle-shaped play structure is another new feature designed for children, complete with slides and multiple climbable structures.
Canoe launch and Indigenous cultural pavilion New canoe and kayak launch sites are located throughout the park, including one right outside an all-new, four-season Indigenous cultural pavilion, designed as a space for community gatherings, workshops, and educational and cultural programming.
East bridge The space will also feature a pedestrian bridge that the province says will facilitate the passage of canoes and kayaks while enhancing water quality.
Marina The Ontario Place marina—with a view of the iconic Cinesphere pod—will be revamped into a vibrant hub with boardwalks, and the province says it also hopes to add commercial opportunities like retail, dining, and cafes.
Marina pavilion The marina will also feature open-air park pavilions for rest and versatile plazas for public events.
Brigantine Cove A reimagined Brigantine Cove is a new element of Ontario Place that the province says it envisions as a “haven for gatherings and children’s play” with a restored and naturalized shoreline.
Beach The cove will feature a family-friendly urban beach, complete with areas for recreational activities and supporting amenities like washrooms and changing rooms, as well as boardwalks.
North shore A new public, year-round north shore promenade will connect the east and west sections of Ontario Place, bordering the beach overlooking Brigantine Cove.
South shore The province says the southern shoreline will extend the water's edge inland, creating a sequence of terraces that lead toward the lake and form an expansive park area.
South shore Running across the entire site, the extended William G. Davis trail will run along the south shoreline, with updates to address flooding and wave uprush risks.
Forum A new forum space at the park’s centre will provide ample space for outdoor markets, festivals, and showcases.
Indigenous languages rock bluff It will also feature an Indigenous languages rock bluff wall, which the province says will serve as a “welcoming beacon for visitors” while celebrating and bringing awareness to the diversity of Indigenous languages.
Forest There will also be additional green spaces throughout the forum, including a forested area complete with trails and seating.
Fountain Part of the forum also includes a one-acre splash fountain that the public can go into, with a core shaped like Ontario’s trillium flower. The government says it will be the largest of its kind in the province and will illuminate at night.
Japanese Temple Bell The Japanese Canadian Centennial Temple Bell will be relocated to an elevated area along the water’s edge, overlooking the waterfront promenade and lake to the south.
Parking structure For visitors to Ontario Place, the province is building a new onsite, above-ground parking structure, with up to 3,500 spaces for vehicles.
