The final designs for the new Ontario Place have been revealed, and the beloved Toronto landmark is getting a massive transformation that will completely reimagine the city’s waterfront.
On Monday, the Ontario government released updated plans for the public space, confirming it will include more than 50 acres of new green space, free public trails, beaches, playgrounds, interactive fountains, and event areas — designed to attract millions of visitors each year.
A map of the new Ontario Place.Government of Ontario | Handout
According to the province, the revamped Ontario Place is expected to attract up to 6 million people annually and create over 5,000 jobs in construction and tourism.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in what’s being called a “once-in-a-generation” project to restore and modernize the site, which has been underused and partially closed for years.
The province confirmed plans for a new, publicly owned parking structure to generate revenue for Ontario and make the area more accessible to visitors arriving by car. Once complete, Ontario Place will also be connected to the Ontario Line’s new Exhibition Station, providing a convenient transit option alongside GO and TTC service.
Premier Doug Ford said in a statement that the new Ontario Place will become a “world-class destination for families and tourists,” adding that the government’s investment will help protect jobs and grow the tourism economy “for decades to come.”
The province says the redesign will preserve the waterfront’s heritage while expanding public access and recreational space.
Visitors will be able to enjoy many attractions, including a revitalized Ontario Science Centre, Live Nation’s new all-season amphitheatre on the site of Budweiser Stage, and Therme Canada’s upcoming waterpark and wellness facility.
It will be divided into five themed zones: The Forum, The Mainland, The Marina, The Water’s Edge, and Brigantine Cove.
A new entrance will connect directly to Exhibition Station and serve as a hub for foot traffic, bike paths, and public transit access.
Brigantine Cove is reimagined with an urban beach, a scenic boardwalk, and an expanded children’s area featuring an interactive treehouse and turtle-shaped play structures.
Designated canoe and kayak launch points will be added throughout the park, along with natural stone lookout areas that offer sweeping views of Lake Ontario.
The Marina will also be upgraded, with open-air pavilions and flexible public spaces designed to host future amenities and community events.
At the heart of the park, an ample central forum space will accommodate markets, performances, and festivals. The space will be anchored by a one-acre splash fountain inspired by Ontario’s trillium flower.
On the East Island, a dedicated Indigenous Cultural Pavilion will serve as a welcoming gathering space for community-led programming, workshops, and cultural events.
Ontario Place’s design was led by Toronto-based landscape architecture firm LANDInc and shaped by feedback from over 9,000 people, including Indigenous communities, City of Toronto representatives, and the public.
It sits on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who say they’re encouraged to see their voices and perspectives reflected in the redevelopment plans.
The province estimates that once Ontario Place is fully operational, the new parking structure alone could generate as much as $60 million in gross revenue annually. The design and construction budget for the garage — which will have up to 3,500 spots — is capped at under $400 million and includes a landscaped berm to help blend it into the surrounding environment.
Ontario Place first opened in 1971 and was once one of the city’s most popular destinations. After years of decline and partial closures, the new plan aims to bring the site back to life and make it one of the largest downtown parks in Toronto, surpassing Trinity Bellwoods in size.
Still, the redevelopment hasn’t come without controversy. In April, a report by The New York Times raised concerns about Therme’s track record, alleging the company overstated how many spas it operates in Europe while pitching its proposal to Ontario.
Despite that, the provincial government awarded the Austrian company a 95-year lease — a 75-year agreement with the option to extend for another 20 years.
Construction timelines and opening dates have yet to be finalized, but when the project is complete, Ontario Place will be open year-round and fully accessible to residents and tourists alike — offering a free, inclusive waterfront experience in the heart of the city.
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