The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to review an appeal filed by a coalition challenging the constitutionality of a law that could lead to significant transformations at Ontario Place. The popular urban park along the Toronto waterfront, established in 1971, featured attractions like a large-screen theater, children’s play areas, and pavilions suspended over the water.
Ontario’s government intends to revamp Ontario Place by incorporating an upscale spa managed by a private entity. The coalition known as Ontario Place Protectors has contested the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, asserting that it shields governmental actions from judicial oversight, thereby infringing upon the Constitution. They also claim that the Act’s exemptions from environmental and heritage regulations, as well as local noise ordinances, violate public trust.
Previous challenges brought before lower courts were rejected, with the Ontario Court of Appeal upholding the dismissal. Justice Grant Huscroft, representing a unanimous Court of Appeal, acknowledged the opposition to the redevelopment project but emphasized that the courts are not a platform for settling political disputes. He concluded that the contested provisions of the Act do not contravene the law or the Constitution.
Subsequently, the coalition sought permission to appeal from the Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear the case without providing detailed reasons. Ontario Place Protectors’ lawyer, Eric Gillespie, expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision and emphasized the broader implications of the provincial legislation on future ventures.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford dismissed the coalition as “crazy lefties” for pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court, highlighting his commitment to developing Ontario Place into a premier destination.
The Supreme Court is yet to schedule a hearing for the case, but it is expected to take place later this year.