adma said:
Yeah: at the present, in that blurb, I see *nothing* hinting at endangerment there. And remember: the sphere'n'pods are just a small quotient of the entire Ontario Place space...
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I wish I was not in my car when I heard it but I did hear an interview with someone talking about the geotechnical surveys that are about to commence. He was talking about how more advanced we were now in our knowledge of these areas and updating the reports to today's standards may mean the existing structures do not pass current tests/standards.

I even forget what station I was on at the time but it was likely 680.
 
TOareaFan said:
He was talking about how more advanced we were now in our knowledge of these areas and updating the reports to today's standards may mean the existing structures do not pass current tests/standards.
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Sounds almost like the self-serving quackery that leaves the insurance and real estate industries claiming that heritage is a net liability...
 
Yeah, why would you put residential there:confused:

Former deputy premier critical of Ontario Place plans

TORONTO – The former deputy premier of Ontario is slamming the McGuinty government for its vision for Ontario Place.

“I’m just aghast that the government of Ontario thinks that the solution for the future of Ontario Place includes this God-awful trade-off with condominiums at the waterside,†says George Smitherman. “I’m really quite shocked that with all the experience that we have in Toronto with that condominium-at-the-waterside trade-off that that became a big part of the formula for the renewal of Ontario Place.â€

Smitherman, the former Liberal cabinet minister who placed second in the run for mayor in 2010, says the province and the city need to work together on a plan to redevelop Ontario Place and Exhibition Place.

“To allow these two kissing cousins to operate as if they have nothing to do with each other is just stupid,†he says. “Their cultures have emerged with such separation that it deprives us as Ontarians and Torontonians of the right vision. The planning of Ontario Place separate from Exhibition Place, which is just as badly in need of a breath of new life, is disheartening.â€

Smitherman wants both properties held by one government or at least treated as one jointly-governed entity. He says Lakeshore Boulevard, which divides Ontario Place and Exhibition Place, shouldn’t be seen as a barrier. “It would be very easy to cantilever over it and have a new green canopy that actually connects the two.â€

Smitherman dismisses as“ridiculous†a proposal by John Tory to set aside up to 15 per cent of the 40 hectares of land at the former theme park for residential development.

“I was really quite disheartened. It’s a sad lack of vision and foresight for our city.â€

Smitherman says condos simply don’t belong at Ontario Place. “If you pay $950 a square foot for your waterside condo how long are you going to tolerate the Honda Indy, the Caribbean Carnival parade, the CNE, the Amphitheatre and the [proposed] new Forum? These things are incongruous,†he says. “Why would you contaminate this playground with a few thousand people who are not going to tolerate the noise?â€
More............http://www.globaltoronto.com/former...+of+ontario+place+plans/6442707952/story.html
 
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He's spot on everything except his talk about a casino.

Assuming we can't get this decision reversed, is there any way to make future residents of the area sign a legally binding waiver acknowledging the priority of existing cultural/recreational events in that area over their own comfort?
 
I agree, he is right about the condos and the future problems that would come with that but I wonder why he is pushing the casino so hard? Might he have something to gain from that? I think a casino here would not be a good thing. I wonder why Smithermen thinks it would? I would much prefer a hotel over condos. At least that keeps it tourist and entertainment/leisure focused. Ontario Place needs to be first and foremost, a great tourist attraction.
 
Torontovibe said:
I agree, he is right about the condos and the future problems that would come with that but I wonder why he is pushing the casino so hard? Might he have something to gain from that? I think a casino here would not be a good thing. I wonder why Smithermen thinks it would? I would much prefer a hotel over condos. At least that keeps it tourist and entertainment/leisure focused. Ontario Place needs to be first and foremost, a great tourist attraction.
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Well, he's chair of a business consulting agency, so I wouldn't be surprised if he had been hired by one of the potential casino operators.

I'm no fan of casinos, but quite frankly I'd rather a casino take up that 15% of space than condos. At least the entertainment aspect of the area wouldn't be in so much jeopardy then. Tory's plan or something like it, without the condos would be my preference though. An updated, modernized Ontario Place/Exhibition Place, free to access with year-round attractions and public spaces.
 
Hey, did anyone ever considered combing Ex grounds and OP "mainland" portion to form some kind of World Village?
We live in one of the most cosmopolitan cities on this planet, why not celebrate it year round?
I can imagine all this area creatively subdivided into quarters representing continents characterized by unique architecture and theme. Individual countries, willing to participate within these continental quarters could present their culture, traditions, technology, achevements, etc.
It could be a really fine representation of a wild variety in food choices, retail merchandise, entertainment facilities.
Many festivals celebrating ethnic holidays could spill over to occupy such place.
Well, I think we can even try convincing most ethnic communities to chip-in?
It could be a place for everyone to get entertained.
Just a thought..
 
^^

I was thinking the same thing. Ontario Place should have a building to showcase Ontario and promote our accomplishments/businesses but it should also take advantage of our great ethnic diversity by celebrating both nationality and ethnicity. It gives OP a built in market. They should build a large, enclosed building (like a convention centre space) that could be used to celebrate and showcase all countries and ethnicities around the world. (kind of like a permanent mini expo) This centre could celebrate the national day of every country in the world, so no matter where you come from, you get a chance to celebrate your place of birth. (we do have people from practically every country in the world) It could howcase the culture, food, tourism and accomplishments of all the world's countries. It could also be used for many of the large ethnic festivals already held around Toronto. It's greatest use would be in the colder months, when it is too cold to hold festivals outdoors. Why have all these festivals only in the summer? They should be held all throughout the year. This gives OP a huge market right here in Toronto, that's just waiting to be developed. Toronto has proven, that if you put on a good festival, with entertainment and food, people will come by the masses. Every weekend at Ontario Place would practically be guaranteed a large crowd. If OP spends the money and does this right, it would be a massive success.

They could also use this international theme to tie into co-sponsorships with international governments, businesses and people around the world. I think there would be a lot of opportunities to tap into international money for this. If any place should have a world showcase that celebrates the whole world, it's Toronto!
 
What is this, 1912? Aren't we a little past the 'come marvel at the cultures of the world' thing?? Besides, Disney did it already back in 1982 with Epcot.

... and yes, condos are a bad idea too. Are we that fresh out of original ideas in this city?
 
Tewder said:
What is this, 1912? Aren't we a little past the 'come marvel at the cultures of the world' thing?? Besides, Disney did it already back in 1982 with Epcot.

... and yes, condos are a bad idea too. Are we that fresh out of original ideas in this city?
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If you restrict your imagination to already known samples then YES, seems like you have no clue of what this thing could become.
Epcot? pleeeease...

I can see many ethnic groups managing their own facilities, showcasing what they think is best represenation of their country of origin.
Torontovibe has pointed out also possibilities of international sponsorships.
For instance (not perpetuating stereotypes here, nevertheless) Nokia could support Finland, Skype Estonia, BMW Germany, Suzuki Japan and Petronas Thailand etc.
whatever the willing party and association... as long as it is accepted by the ethnic group.
It could be a truly fun place, full of diversified cultural experiences and excellent food outlets!
Face it, there are almost 200 nationalities represented in this city!
There is no other place like it, possibilities are endless.
You can strike it down as another Epcot.. or you can see it as something totally unique in the world.
 
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Any idea can be criticized as not being original. In this day and age, how many original ideas do you see in entertainment/amusement parks/tourist attractions? It's not that you need completely unique ideas, it's how it's executed. If you do it right, it will work. When you combine something that's educational and fun, you can incorporate all kinds of things. Look at Nuit Blanch, it was not original but it's a huge success. Torontonians love to be part of large events that contain a social aspect, as well as a few surprises.

The ethnic/international festivals and parties, are just a natural progression, from what's already successful in Toronto. Why not have a central place for these events, that can be used year round? It can be used for more than just multi-cultural events. It should be a multi-purpose space that can be used for many different kinds of things. The main point is to turn OP into a year round attraction and also keep the large ethnic festivals going all year round too. Those festivals bring in a whole lot of tourists, so year round attractions will just help to keep them coming, even in the fall and winter. I see it as just playing up our strengths and a large multi-cultural population (that loves it's native festivals) is what we already have.

Of course, Ontario Place needs to be a whole lot more than just that one thing. I only see it as one piece of the puzzle. The over-all purpose of Ontario Place should be to experience culture, entertainment, education, as well as promote Ontario and just have FUN!
 
Aren't we already getting a cultural village down on Queens Quay, or am I mistaken? I don't think it's a bad idea, but if it becomes a permanent installation I'd rather it be located on the Ex grounds. OP is such a nice outdoor space, I'd hate to build any more large indoor structures there.
 
Torontovibe said:
Any idea can be criticized as not being original. In this day and age, how many original ideas do you see in entertainment/amusement parks/tourist attractions? It's not that you need completely unique ideas, it's how it's executed. If you do it right, it will work.
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No it won't. It'll be about as successful as Olympic Spirit Toronto. There was a reason that International Caravan ended. It was a dated idea who's time had come.

I like the fact you are thinking though, just not the direction.
 
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