Ontario Place needs more debate

Re Opinion: Why not move the Science Centre to Ontario Place?, Feb. 19

After seeing a number of prescriptions for Ontario Place from a variety of pundits across the media ecosystem, I think it is clear that what we really need is a robust consultation process.

It’s fairly easy to imagine ideas like an entertainment and educational institution such as the Science Centre being the main attraction. But there are bigger issues that have to be addressed. Access to the waterfront for the public, like the Trillium Trail, should be the first priority.

How does the new attraction allow for the free movement of people on the water’s edge so we have access to public amenities like the Martin Goodman trail, naturalized areas, water sports, beaches, swimming areas, etc?

What about transit solutions? Is the car to remain the only way to get there? Can you imagine a display at the new Science Centre on carbon pollution while incentivizing autos to visit the parking lots of Ontario Place?

Most significantly, there must be a master plan with Exhibition Place so that we can co-ordinate the building of a “world class,” publicly accessible jewel on the lake.

Finally, we need a newly constituted governance structure to include two community members on the board to ensure that the voices of the community are heard. The opportunity to create an attraction is fine, but ensuring maximum access to the public should be the driving priority.