Recently, some politicians have accused the Ford government of attempting to assert control over City-owned land at Exhibition Place in Toronto, describing the move as an "unconscionable land grab." This concern arises from new legislation introduced by the Progressive Conservative (PC) government earlier this month, which aims to amend the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act that oversees a $2.2 billion redevelopment plan for the Ontario Place site.
The legislation details changes that could lead to the north of Princes Boulevard being designated as part of the Ontario Place project, put under provincial control. Critics argue that if the bill passes, it could allow the province to exercise authority over previously City-owned land.
Notably, the full specifics of the plan remain undisclosed, prompting backlash from local politicians and members of the opposition. Chris Glover, an Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP) Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), raised concerns about the government's intentions, questioning what the Ford administration plans to do with Exhibition Place and emphasizing the lack of transparency in the process.
Deputy Mayor of Toronto Ausma Malik also expressed her concerns, noting that the legislation was advanced without prior notification to the City or to those involved with Exhibition Place. She asserted that if the proposed changes align with current suspicions, they would be unacceptable and warrant opposition.
In response to the mounting fears, Tourism Minister Stan Cho has attempted to mitigate concerns, asserting that this legislation is not intended to seize control of Exhibition Place. He described it as a "backstop measure" necessary for infrastructure work related to the Ontario Place project and emphasized its role in enhancing collaboration between provincial and municipal authorities.
Cho stated, "Amendments to the 'Rebuilding Ontario Place Act' make it easier for all partners to come to the table, including the City of Toronto, to identify areas of collaboration while removing duplicative processes to get shovels in the ground for the transformation of Toronto’s iconic waterfront" and insisted that the province does not aim to take over Exhibition Place.
Despite these reassurances, critics are skeptical. Glover highlighted legislative powers granted to the provincial government through this bill, indicating that the government could circumvent environmental and heritage laws, thus allowing for extensive development on the site without local oversight. "They could do whatever they want," he warned.
Exhibition Place is a significant venue in Toronto, regularly hosting public events and major festivals. It has been home to the Canadian National Exhibition for 145 years and the Royal Winter Fair for 103 years. Additionally, BMO Field, located at Exhibition Place, is set to host matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. The City of Toronto emphasizes that this venue attracts millions of visitors annually and serves as a vital economic contributor to the region.
