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| Monday, October 16th 2023 saw many people gather at Queens Park to protest the Mega-Spa redevelopment at Ontario Place. |
The ongoing legal battle over the redevelopment of Ontario Place is heating up, with a critical Court of Appeal hearing scheduled for next week. This case has captured public attention as environmental groups and citizens rally to preserve this iconic Toronto waterfront landmark.
The Case at a Glance:
- Who’s Involved? The appellants, Ontario Place Protectors (a coalition including Ontario Place for All and other advocacy groups), are challenging the Ontario government, represented by His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario and the Attorney General.
- The Core Issue: At the heart of the case is the redevelopment of Ontario Place. Critics argue that the process lacked fairness, transparency, and adequate public consultation. The government enacted the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act (ROPA), which restricts public oversight and legal challenges, raising concerns about environmental, cultural, and democratic impacts.
Key Developments:
- Public Trust Doctrine: The appellants argue that the Ontario government has violated the public trust doctrine, which mandates the protection of public resources like Ontario Place for the collective benefit. This principle has gained recognition internationally and is incrementally developing in Canadian law.
- Auditor General’s Findings: Recently, Ontario’s Auditor General released a report citing irregularities in the redevelopment process, including unfair advantages for certain developers and a lack of accountability in decision-making. This evidence will be presented during the hearing.
- Fresh Evidence Motion: The Ontario Place Protectors have filed a motion to admit the Auditor General's report as fresh evidence, underscoring its relevance and potential to impact the case outcome.
Why It Matters:
Ontario Place is more than a recreational area; it’s a heritage site, a critical green space, and a symbol of public access to waterfront lands. The court’s decision could set a precedent for how such spaces are managed and protected in the future.
How to Stay Engaged:
The hearing will be live-streamed, allowing the public to follow the proceedings closely.
Thursday, January 16th, 10AM
Ontario Place Protectors Court Appeal
Zoom link to virtually attend the court hearing
Passcode:171124