In a bold move that has already sparked heated debate across Toronto, Premier Doug Ford unveiled ambitious plans for a $400 million underground parking garage at Ontario Place, positioning it as a cornerstone of the waterfront’s transformation. The announcement, made during a press conference on Tuesday, represents one of the most significant developments in the province’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the iconic lakefront destination.
“This isn’t just about parking—this is about reimagining how Ontarians access and enjoy our waterfront,” Ford declared, standing before renderings of the proposed structure. “When completed, this facility will serve as the gateway to a world-class entertainment and recreational space that benefits all Ontarians.”
The massive underground facility will accommodate approximately 2,100 vehicles and will be constructed beneath the western portion of Ontario Place. According to provincial officials, the parking structure will feature state-of-the-art design elements, including EV charging stations, smart parking technology, and integration with public transit connections.
Critics, however, have been quick to question both the cost and necessity of such an extensive parking facility. City Councillor Shelley Carroll voiced concerns about the project’s price tag. “Four hundred million dollars for a parking garage raises serious questions about priorities when we’re facing challenges in healthcare and education,” she stated in response to the announcement.
Environmental groups have also expressed alarm over potential impacts on the lakefront ecosystem. The Ontario Waterfront Preservation Alliance released a statement calling for more comprehensive environmental assessments before construction begins, noting that “major infrastructure projects like this require careful consideration of their ecological footprint.”
Ford defended the investment by highlighting anticipated economic benefits. “This project will create hundreds of jobs during construction and support thousands more once the entire Ontario Place revitalization is complete,” he asserted. The Premier added that the parking facility is essential to accommodate the expected increase in visitors to upcoming attractions, including the Therme spa and water park complex, set to open in the coming years.
The provincial government maintains that the garage represents just one component of a broader vision for Ontario Place that will include expanded public spaces, enhanced access to Lake Ontario, and new cultural venues. Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma, who joined Ford at the announcement, emphasized that “approximately 70 percent of the site will remain public space, with improved connections to trails and parkland.”
Transportation experts have offered mixed reviews of the plan. Urban mobility consultant Maria Vasquez noted that “while parking is necessary for a destination of this scale, the province should consider how this investment balances with public transit improvements to the site.” The province has indicated that discussions are ongoing with the TTC and Metrolinx about enhanced transit options to complement the parking infrastructure.
Construction on the parking garage is slated to begin in 2025, with completion targeted for 2028—timing that aligns with the broader redevelopment schedule for Ontario Place. The province has committed to maintaining public access to portions of the site throughout the construction period, though specific details on phasing remain unclear.
As Toronto’s waterfront continues its transformation, this latest announcement raises important questions about urban development priorities: In an era of climate consciousness and shifting transportation habits, does investing hundreds of millions in parking infrastructure represent forward-thinking urban planning, or is it a missed opportunity to prioritize more sustainable transportation solutions for Toronto’s iconic lakefront?
