NDP says its uncovered potential phase 2 plans for Ontario Place redevelopment
Posted March 20, 2024 12:22 pm.
Last Updated March 20, 2024 6:29 pm.
Internal government documents obtained by the NDP show the Ford government is looking at a potential phase II to the controversial Ontario Place redevelopment plan that would involve filling in part of the lake near the eastern island close to Budweiser Stage.
The result would be 25 additional acres of land which documents say could be used for retail and restaurant space, raising new questions about what the government’s actual vision is for the lakefront attraction.
“Did the premier change the laws to try and get away with his secret plan to pave over Lake Ontario,” asked NDP Leader Marit Stiles during question period at Queen’s Park on Wednesday. “What are the real plans and which of the premier’s insider friends are set to benefit.”
“It’s no, no, no, no, to everything we do. Let’s leave it just the way it was, weeds going up, no one’s going to Ontario Place, it just sat absolutely bare. Or let’s go with our plan that’s going to be the number one tourist attraction, not just in Ontario, but in Canada,” Premier Ford fired back while not directly addressing the phase II proposal.
Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma wasn’t much more forthcoming outside the legislature.
“What was presented in April with the new Science Centre, the amphitheatre, the water park is what we’re building,” said Surma.
When asked specifically again about the phase two landfill option she reiterated, “Again, what we presented in April is what we are building today.”
Liberal MPP John Frasier says he has an issue with the secrecy surrounding the plan.
“Just like peeling back layers of an onion, there’s another piece we didn’t know about.”
Green Party Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy said Ontarians deserve a clear answer from the Ford government.
“At every opportunity, this government has failed to be honest with Ontarians about their scheme to tear up Ontario Place,” she said in a statement. “If the government paves over Brigantine Cove, what’s next? A casino? A megamall?”
The Ford government has faced mounting scrutiny over the timeline for the redevelopment of the iconic waterfront park, specifically a 95-year lease handed to Austrian-based Therme Group to build and operate a water park and what is described as a European-style bathing centre.
Questions also surround the government’s decision to move the Science Centre from its current location in North York, prompting Ontario’s auditor general to launch a pair of audits last fall.
