The Ontario government has unveiled the final designs for the Ontario Place redevelopment, which includes a new Therme wellbeing resort.
Per a press release, the reimagined Ontario Place will offer more than 50 acres of public trails, expanded green spaces, playgrounds, interactive fountains, new beaches, event spaces, and an updated marina.
Additional attractions will include the Ontario Science Centre and the Therme Canada water park and wellness destination.
Ontario Place is expected to welcome up to six million visitors every year, and the project will create 5,000 jobs in the construction and tourism sectors, and boost the economy across Toronto and the region.
“Therme Canada is excited to play a role in the reimagination of Ontario Place,” said Adam Vaughan, senior advisor of Therme Canada.
“Today’s announcement is another step forward in the revitalization of this amazing waterfront destination.
“The parkland the province has announced today, combined with the new beach and parks Therme is delivering on the West Island, will create a huge new waterfront public space for Ontarians to enjoy.”
The final designs for Ontario Place, informed by consultations with First Nations and Indigenous groups, were led by design firm LANDInc.
Ontario Place first opened to the public in 1971. When the reimagining is complete, Ontario Place will be one of the largest public parks in downtown Toronto.
In October, the Ontario government published its lease agreement with Therme Canada. This came after Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice rejected two legal challenges to the plans for Therme Canada.
Critics of the project have said it would destroy the site’s wildlife habitats and vegetation.
As part of the lease agreement, Therme Canada will spend $700 million to construct its new destination on Toronto’s waterfront.
Of this, $500m will go towards building the Therme facility itself, and the remaining $200m will be spent on around 16 acres of public park space, shoreline protection, trails, parkland, gardens and a new beach.
