Ontario Place can be used in many ways
Re Residents rally to support a revitalized public space, Jan. 13 Ontario Place is an irreplaceable jewel set on Toronto’s waterfront. It has been enjoyed by millions of visitors in times past. However, through a generation of neglect and bad management, it has been allowed to rust and decay. Personally, I am glad the Ford government is stirring the pot in order to see if there is any interest in reviving the site. Here is my vision for the future of the combined lands of Ontario Place and the CNE grounds, which are literally joined at the hip. First, their location is serviced by road, rail, water, air and transit. There are ongoing year-round trade and consumer shows, sports events, concerts in multiple venues, the Cinesphere, the Marina and so on. Toronto gets to use these grounds to their full potential during the summer to hold the Caribana crowds. Just as easily, the site could host a half-million people to see the Stones, the Pope, or a festival. There are millions of people with fond memories of entertaining days and nights at Ontario Place. The solution is obvious: Re-open the park and make some decisions about gambling and other public suggestions. Additionally, plan improved internal transit, such as an extension of streetcar service around the grounds. Make it again a great park for the people! Richard Cassel, Toronto In the 1980s, Ontario Place was a favourite destination for our young family because it offered a day by the lake with something for all of us. After taking the kids to play at the waterpark and other attractions, you could have a glass of wine or a cold beer on a patio and have a nice meal then see a movie or enjoy a show. The licensed patios were replaced with fast food stands as Ontario Place tried to become Canada’s Wonderland South and it lost its identity. Bill Schwartz, Whitby I sincerely hope Doug Ford’s government does not plan a second Toronto casino at Ontario Place. We already have an excellent casino that ties into a world-class racetrack at Woodbine. Parking is abundant and highways lead right to Woodbine. Jobs are being created in Rexdale, as the facility is expanded with a theatre, restaurants and a hotel. Why would a politician even think of creating a second casino that would only compete and cut into the profit of the one we have? Rexdale’s councillor is Michael Ford. Can’t he speak to his uncle about this? Judy Midgley, Toronto