How very sad. All our dreams – a “special park” for kids, young people, families, seniors – almost gone.
We used to dream about enhancing the sites with a sensory garden for those with sight and hearing problems – of using the Cinesphere for the occasional educational presentation – of easier access via direct TTC – and even the possibility of a very special hotel on site. One that would be world class and unique – one that would be built over the water (Ontario Place is man made) – with a lobby reached under the water – with an aquarium surrounding the lobby – we even talked about how exciting it would be coming to the check-in counter with a shark staring at you – and we did indulge in trying to guess how much money would be made from such a venture – and how proud we Ontarians would be having created it.
We introduced a charge to all those advertising signs on the Lakeshore either on overhead or on the grass. At first there was indignation – after all – why should special friends have to start paying for what they got for free. But eventually, when the numbers reflected a $250,000 drop in the deficit, everyone came on board.
Why didn’t the effort to find new revenue for Ontario Place continue? Why not seek out exciting and unique attractions? The water park was a fabulous hit – the Cinesphere as well – built in crowd pleasers. Why not consider expanding into the Exhibition grounds? They have lost money forever. Surely we could start a dialogue.
But it looks like nothing much is going to happen – no matter what the possibilities could be. Why not? Condos instead? Yuck!
Are the same back room guys still calling the shots? True, John Tory is a Conservative. But he is also a close personal friend of David Peterson. So the image of “no politics in this exercise” might be a bit premature.
Who are those developers with the proposals for Ontario Place that the province so quickly approved? Who are the principals of their numbered companies and corporations? What are their ties to the not so squeaky McGuinty government?
Let’s not roll over so fast. Ontario Place was special – with unlimited potential. Don’t give up yet. Ask the questions – demand the documented assurances that those who are involved with John Tory’s group have NO ties to those wanting to develop it. And you can only get that with real documention-not vague platitudes given by McGuinty on a windy tarmac with no questions allowed.
What has the government done for us lately? Cancelled building projects with penalty clauses? E-Health? Ornge? Billions of dollars wasted that have to be covered by us, the taxpayers.
And our Ontario Place? Maybe a vague memory … or maybe not.
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