Wednesday, April 12 2023 – Councillor Ausma Malik (Ward 10, Spadina–Fort York) along with representatives of Ontario Place for All called attention to the strongly critical staff report on the Ontario Place development application being considered today at Toronto East York Community Council (TEYCC).
Councillor Malik underscored how City staff identified that the application fails to meet the intent of Ontario Place as a green, publically accessible park, pushes people into cars and thousands of subsidized parking spaces instead of using planned transit, and fails to meet our climate leadership goals including removing 900 trees. She also questioned why the Province hasn’t followed its own rules by refusing to conduct an Environmental Assessment for the West Island on this government-led project on public lands.
When the Province first announced its plans for Ontario Place, the City took some important steps including planning for a robust and genuine public engagement that will look in-depth at all aspects of the proposal. Today, the public will begin to have its voice heard at Toronto East York Community Council through feedback on the City update report. Later this week the City’s first public consultation meetings will take place on April 15 (in-person at the Beanfield Centre) and April 18 (virtual).
“This public engagement is critical to making a decision on the future of Ontario Place. The Province needs to listen to Torontonians,” stated Councillor Malik.
“These City consultations will finally allow the public to have a real conversation about what the future of Ontario Place should look like,” added Norm Di Pasquale, Co-Chair of Ontario Place For All.
Throughout the development proposals process, the City of Toronto has consistently asked the Province to engage in a transparent and meaningful way. Last week, as the local City Councillor for Ontario Place, Councillor Malik formally refused to provide consent to expedite a land exchange being demanded by the Ford government.
“I believe it is wrong to consider any land exchange before the City Council has made a decision on the development application for the proposed private spa,” stated Councillor Malik.
Councillor Malik called on all candidates for Mayor of Toronto from across the political spectrum to stand up for Torontonians when it comes to Ontario Place rather than alongside Doug Ford. Candidates need to defend the City’s interests and its ability to secure the best outcome for a green, accessible waterfront for all at Ontario Place.
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For more information, please contact:
Chris Haskim
[email protected]
416-428-2793
Office of City Councillor Ausma Malik
Ward 10 - Spadina–Fort York
