Ontario Place’s landmark Cinesphere dome and futuristic pods could be demolished under Premier Doug Ford’s plan to redevelop the shuttered, once beloved educational waterfront park.The government is not, apparently, ruling out a waterfront casino, giant ferris wheel or megamall and hotel, attractions Ford pitched for Toronto’s downtown waterfront while he was on city council from 2010 to 2014.Tourism Minister Michael Tibollo said in a Friday news release the Ford government is soliciting international proposals on how to turn Ontario Place, closed in 2012 amid slumping attendance, into “a spectacular world-class, year-round destination to visit in North America.“Our vision for Ontario Place will make it an impressive attraction that could include exciting sport and entertainment landmarks, public parks or shopping. We could also have places for recreation, for people to come together and to hear great music at the existing amphitheatre.”Guidelines for bidders say Ontario wants to attract “local, provincial and international visitors — with potential landmarks such as sports and entertainment attractions, and retail.”Both the east and west islands are being opened for total change. “The areas available for development includes the Ontario Place islands, mainland, pods, and the Cinesphere,” the guidelines state.“Proposals may be for a portion of the site or for the entire site,” and the province intends to reserve only 7.5 acres for parkland on the 155-acre site. “Submissions that propose the use of any part of Trillium Park will be required to develop new park land of an equivalent size at the site.”The guidelines says there will be no condos or other residential development, and no sale of land, only long-term leases.The Ford government vision — shopping, sports, entertainment, with scant parkland and a potential bulldozing of the landmark architectural features ̵ ...
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