Yesterday, the unthinkable happened—Ontario Place’s forested areas, home to trees that have stood for decades, were cut down as part of the redevelopment efforts. This destruction represents more than just the loss of greenery; it’s a symbol of the ongoing privatization and commercialization of one of Toronto’s most cherished public spaces. The removal of these trees signals a drastic shift in the character and future of Ontario Place, raising critical questions about the direction in which this redevelopment is heading.
With the natural beauty of Ontario Place being stripped away, we must ask ourselves: Who is truly benefiting from this redevelopment? The recently signed lease between the Ontario government and Therme Canada offers some alarming insights into how this transformation may limit public access, increase environmental risks, and shift the financial burden onto taxpayers. As the lease was recently posted to the Ontario Place Protectors website, I took a deep dive into what’s wrong with this lease and why we need to take a stand for Ontario Place before more of it is lost.
1. 75-Year Lease – A Long-term Privatization of Public Land
One of the most pressing concerns is the 75-year term of this lease. By locking Ontario Place into such a long-term agreement, the government is effectively privatizing a public asset for nearly a century. This means future generations will have limited say in how this land is used or developed. Why should we give up control of such an important public space for so long?
2. Limited Public Access
The lease references “Therme Public Areas,” but the specifics on public access remain vague. There’s a risk that large parts of Ontario Place will become privatized for commercial purposes, reducing the free access that residents have historically enjoyed. Public space should remain public, and any encroachment by private interests threatens this principle.
3. Environmental Risks
Article 8 of the lease addresses environmental risk management, hazardous substances, and the potential for contamination. Construction and commercial activity on the waterfront could lead to environmental degradation, affecting the surrounding ecosystem and water quality in Lake Ontario. Any mishandling of these risks could have long-term consequences for our environment.
4. Financial Burden on Taxpayers
The Ontario government is contributing $25 million toward the project, raising concerns about the financial transparency and accountability of this deal. Why are public funds being used to subsidize a private development that restricts access to what was once a fully public space? This use of taxpayer money should be questioned, especially when the public may see limited benefits from the project.
5. Noise, Traffic, and Community Impact
The lease also discusses noise levels and operational restrictions, but with such a large commercial project, there’s a significant risk of increased noise, traffic, and disturbance to the local community. The construction of a large car park further amplifies this issue, as it will bring more vehicular traffic into the area, increasing congestion and air pollution. This not only affects nearby residents but also goes against the environmental values that should be guiding development in such a prominent public space.
6. Termination and Accountability Concerns
The lease allows for various conditions under which the agreement can be terminated or altered, but these provisions could expose the government (and by extension, taxpayers) to significant financial liabilities. If Therme Canada cannot meet its obligations, the public could be left with an unfinished or financially unsustainable project.
Call to Action
Stay informed, speak out, and join the movement to protect Ontario Place. Visit SwimOP.com and other advocacy groups like OntarioPlaceForAll.ca and OntarioPlacePrectors.com to get involved in preserving our public spaces.