New plans for Ontario Place
The Ontario government has released new renderings for a large parking facility planned at Ontario Place, adding another major project to the long-running redevelopment of Toronto’s waterfront site.
Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho presented the design for the five-storey garage, which the province says will support visitors, public transportation and electric vehicles.
Space for 3,500 vehicles
The structure will include 3,500 parking spaces and will replace the existing garage south of Lake Shore Boulevard West.
The development will be built above ground on the same general site as the current parking facility.
Hundreds of electric charging stations
The project includes 680 electric vehicle charging stations, making EV infrastructure one of the main features of the new garage.
The design also provides space for up to 100 bicycles and includes a dedicated area for buses to pick up and drop off passengers.
Taxpayers to cover $198 million cost
The provincial government estimates that construction will cost taxpayers $198 million.
Ontario says the garage will generate approximately $60 million in annual revenue once it becomes operational, although the government did not provide further detail in the announcement about how that figure was calculated.
Pomerleau selected to lead construction
The construction contract has been awarded to Pomerleau Inc., which will serve as the project’s construction lead.
Arcadis Professional Services has been chosen to oversee the design.
Government defends the investment
Cho said the contract demonstrates that the parking garage can be completed at a cost the government considers reasonable and respectful of public funds.
He also emphasized that the facility is expected to produce ongoing revenue for the province.
Part of a broader waterfront redevelopment
The garage is the latest element in a series of ambitious and costly proposals connected with the redevelopment of Ontario Place.
The project adds transportation and parking infrastructure to a site that has already been the subject of extensive planning, public debate and government investment.