The Provincial government today released final designs for the redevelopment of Ontario Place, including confirmation of a controversial above-ground parking structure near the waterfront. The 3,500-space garage would be built east of the site’s main entrance, between Lake Shore Boulevard and Lake Ontario, serving visitors to the forthcoming Therme Canada spa, a relocated Ontario Science Centre, and a modernized Live Nation amphitheatre. 

Parking structure, image courtesy of Province of Ontario

The Province’s decision to proceed with an above-ground structure follows months of scrutiny over the garage’s scale, placement, and impact on waterfront views. While alternative locations, including Exhibition Place, were considered, the government is bound by lease terms requiring parking to remain within 650m of the Therme Canada facility. Premier Doug Ford defended the move as a practical and economic choice, emphasizing the garage’s expected $60 million in annual gross revenue once the site is fully operational. The plan includes a landscaped berm along the structure’s northern edge intended to buffer views of the structure from key public areas, helping to preserve a park-like character while accommodating large visitor volumes.

Ontario Place map, image courtesy of Province of Ontario

A new entrance plaza would link with cycling routes, pedestrian walkways, and transit infrastructure, including GO Transit and Ontario Line 3 at Exhibition station. The design aims to streamline visitor movement between key attractions on the West, East, and Mainland sections of the site, with improved wayfinding and direct connections to public spaces, waterfront trails, and cultural venues.

Despite its scale, the parking structure would be but one piece of a plan that also brings new public parkland across the Ontario Place site. Landscaped zones such as Brigantine Cove and a new Forum (not an amphitheatre this time) are set to feature new beaches, playgrounds, canoe launches, and gathering spaces, while boardwalks and lookout points would frame the shoreline.

Live Nation East Pavillion, image courtesy of Province of Ontario

The broader redevelopment will deliver a mix of public amenities, cultural institutions, and recreational features across the site’s East Island, West Island, and Mainland sections. More than 50 acres of public space are planned, including expanded beaches, interactive fountains, playgrounds, and naturalized lookout points along the shoreline. The marina is set to be upgraded with open-air pavilions and spaces for future programming, while The Forum — to be a central gathering area this time — will feature a one-acre splash fountain shaped like the Ontario trillium, and host markets and festivals throughout the year.

Therme, image courtesy of Province of Ontario

The site will also house several attractions, including a relocated Ontario Science Centre, a revitalized Live Nation amphitheatre, and Therme Canada’s spa and waterpark complex. The design team, led by LANDinc, organized the site into five zones to balance landscape restoration with visitor circulation: The Mainland, Brigantine Cove, The Marina, The Water’s Edge, and The Forum. New access points for kayaks and canoes, transit and trail connections, and upgraded shoreline protection measures form part of the site’s environmental strategy, while architectural elements across the site reflect consultation with Indigenous communities and public stakeholders.

Marina, image courtesy of Province of Ontario

A 3,400ft² Indigenous Cultural Pavilion is planned for Brigantine Cove on the East Island, offering space for community events, workshops, and cultural programming. The province and its design team say the pavilion, along with the preservation of green space and integration of Indigenous perspectives, reflects a commitment to honouring the land’s history while supporting inclusive public use.

Brigantine Cove, image courtesy of Province of Ontario

Construction across the site is expected to advance in phases, with work on the Therme Canada facility and Ontario Science Centre potentially beginning as early as spring 2026. The province aims to open major components of the redevelopment by 2029, including the amphitheatre, marina, cultural pavilion, and expanded parkland.

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on these developments, but in the meantime, you can learn more about them from our Databases file, linked below. If you’d like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

* * *

UrbanToronto has a research service, UTPro, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe — from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.