The Ford government has officially submitted Ontario Place’s revised application to the City of Toronto. In the petition, they said they believe the revised proposal will address many of the concerns raised about the original proposal. Accordingly, its construction is expected to begin this month.
We believe that many of the concerns that have been raised over the past few months have been addressed in this new proposal. The revised proposal was submitted on Wednesday.
The project drew strong criticism from community groups and local politicians, as the large parking lot and large-scale spa and water park at Ontario Place constricted public space. It is being built by Austrian company Therme.
A press release issued by the province on Thursday said that the removal of a large number of trees and forests will begin this month to make the site suitable for construction. Along with that, the construction of gas, water and electrical infrastructure will also begin.
With the new proposal, the province has managed to allay public concerns. To improve accessibility and public spaces, we have modified the bridge that connects the Therm’s establishment to the mainland. By changing the bridge we now include public parks on the roof on both sides. As a result, the range of public space will increase by four acres.
This change has been brought about in partnership with First Nation communities. Along with that we have reduced the overall size and scope of the building.
They reduced the size of the building by 25 percent. However, critics do not consider this reduction to be enough.
