As widely reported in the media on February 1, 2012. The provincial government has slated Ontario Place for closure for at least 5 years subject to a future revtalization effort.
Ontario Place has been costing the province $20 million a year to operate. Only the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, the Atlantis Pavilion, the marina and the parking lot will remain open during this process. The Cinesphere and all other attractions are slated to close.
Unfortunately, the province has no revitalization plan. Efforts to develop such a plan have never materialized despite public consultation efforts in 2010 and 2011.
The purpose of this petition is to demonstrate public support to keep Ontario Place open at least until a revitalization plan is in place -- and to the extent possible -- to remain open through revitalization efforts.
We support the provincial government's aspirations for revitalizing the park but would emphasize the need to plan first, communicate that plan, and then take action to improve in a way that is compatible with existing users of the park.
Closing the park without a plan of action for 5 years or longer is inappropriate. We ask the province to respect the will of hundreds of thousand of Ontarians who annually enjoy the park to save Ontario Place.