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Ministry of Tourism

Have your say Ontario: What is your vision for Ontario Place and Exhibition Place?


    TORONTO, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - The Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto
today launched a web site inviting Ontario citizens to share their ideas and
suggestions for the future of Ontario Place and Exhibition Place. Public input
will assist the Exhibition Place / Ontario Place Steering Committee in
developing a long-term strategy for the two venues.
    "It is important for us to hear from the people of Ontario," says David
Crombie, Chair of the Ontario Place Corporation and Co-chair, with Toronto
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, of the Exhibition Place / Ontario Place Steering
Committee. "We need to create an informed voice and a bold vision that
recognizes the public's interest and financial investment in these
properties."
    The joint Exhibition Place / Ontario Place Steering Committee is
exploring options to maximize the potential of the waterfront assets. One
option that is currently being considered is the merger of these two venues
for a combined area of 270 acres. Greater co-operation between the two venues
will help to create a world-class destination that will contribute to a
vibrant waterfront.
    A stakeholder meeting in October assembled experts in arts, culture,
design, heritage, recreation, entertainment, planning and business as a first
step to solicit feedback and to lead the public engagement. The ideas
generated at the meeting form the basis of the draft concept plan. The
stakeholder meeting summary report and draft concept plan are available at
www.op-ep.ca.
    "Generations of residents and visitors have walked through the gates of
Ontario Place and Exhibition Place," adds Crombie. "These are significant
historic landmarks that the public feels a strong attachment to. In order to
maintain these valued sites that are an integral part of the fabric of this
city and province, we're asking people across Ontario to answer the question,
'What do you want to see on these sites in 20 years from now?'
    Members of the public can log on to www.op-ep.ca to share their ideas.
All submissions must be received by December 24, 2004. Comments can also be
sent by e-mail, fax or regular mail to:

    Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation
    Tourism Agencies Unit
    15th Floor, 700 Bay Street
    Toronto, ON, M7A 2E1
    Email: haveyoursay@mtr.gov.on.ca
    Fax: 416-314-7003

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For further information: Media contacts: David Crombie, Co-chair, 
Exhibition Place/Ontario Place Steering Committee, (416) 365-0816 ext 233; 
Karen Thorne-Stone, Acting Executive Director, Toronto Economic Development, 
(416) 395-6152

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