Massive new multi-purpose waterfront park is coming to Ontario place

May 2 2018, 12:17 am

Toronto’s waterfront is going to undergo some serious changes, as the province has announced its plans for a huge multi-use park.

Daiene Vernile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was at Ontario Place today to reveal the City’s plans for developing more green space on the iconic property, which includes the design for Celebration Common, a new multi-purpose waterfront park that will be roughly the size of 14 football fields.

“We have made tremendous progress on our vision to revitalize Ontario Place and bring new life to this iconic destination. The design of the new park boosts public access by providing an ideal location for festivals, cultural events and recreational activities,” said Vernile.

“Celebration Common illustrates the wonderful progress we are making to transform Ontario Place into a vibrant year-round destination along Toronto’s spectacular waterfront.”

The park, which is being designed by award-winning firm DTAH, will play host to various open-air cultural activities, festivals, community events and activities as well as an outdoor play area for kids and a beach where locals and visitors can play outdoor sports or simply enjoy the waterfront.

Through a system of pedestrian and bike trails, Celebration Common will connect to other parts of Ontario Place, including the new Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail and the recently reopened Cinesphere.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the conceptual design is the first step in the multi-step design process.

The next step would be preparing a schematic design of the park, which will be completed by fall 2018.

waterfront park

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the conceptual design for Celebration Common features:

  • Green space for casual events and displays of public art
  • Kids’ Exploration Outcrop, an innovative outdoor play area
  • Festival Plaza, with a splash pad and skating rink, for events and seasonal activities
  • North Beach area for recreation and activities such as beach volleyball or paddling
  • Echo Beach, a flexible space for festivals and events
  • Arrival Plaza and Celebration Walk, a flexible space that could feature a variety of visitor amenities, including food trucks
  • Woodland lookout, with unique views of Ontario Place, the natural surroundings and the city skyline.
  • Capacity for major festivals, while also accommodating smaller events and casual use year-round.

Before construction can begin on Celebration Common, an Environmental Assessment (EA) must be completed.

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