Press Release: Councillor Ausma Malik Welcomes Decision to Defer City Land Exchange at Ontario Place

Thursday, April 20 2023 – Councillor Ausma Malik (Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York) welcomed the decision of General Government Committee to adopt her recommended motion to defer consideration of a land transfer being demanded by the Ford government until City Council makes a decision on the development application for Ontario Place.

“The decision today means that we will consider the Province’s proposed land exchange only when City Council has made a decision on the full Ontario Place development application, following further public consultation -- that is the right thing to do,” stated Councillor Malik.

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.

“Now was not the right time to make a decision that enables exchange of City lands. Ontario Place is too important for anything less than a full public process and a decision made with complete information and thoughtful review,” added Councillor Malik.

The Committee also required the Province to provide Toronto City Council with a copy of the lease with the private tenant on the West Island site of Ontario Place; and for the Federal Government to express its interest or disinterest in the lands at Ontario Place before the report returns for consideration.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

Nora Cole
[email protected]
437-551-6977
Office of City Councillor Ausma Malik
Ward 10, Spadina–Fort York