The Supreme Court of Canada has granted an appeal from a group challenging the constitutionality of a law that could lead to significant changes at Ontario Place. Located on the Toronto waterfront and established in 1971, Ontario Place featured attractions such as a theater, play areas for children, and pavilions overlooking the water.
The Ontario government’s redevelopment plan for Ontario Place includes the addition of a luxury spa to be managed by a private company. The coalition Ontario Place Protectors contested the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, arguing that it shields government actions from legal review, thus violating the Constitution. They also claimed that exemptions from environmental and heritage regulations and municipal noise ordinances undermine public trust.
Despite previous rejections in lower courts, the coalition pursued an appeal to the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal upheld the government’s right to proceed with the redevelopment, emphasizing that the court’s role is not to address political disagreements but to assess the legality of the legislation. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case without providing reasons yet.
Eric Gillespie, the lawyer representing Ontario Place Protectors, expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision to consider the case. He highlighted the potential implications of the legislation beyond Ontario Place, warning that similar exemptions could set a precedent for other government projects nationwide.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford dismissed the group’s concerns, labeling them as “crazy lefties” during a press briefing. Despite the legal challenge, Ford remains steadfast in his commitment to transforming Ontario Place into a premier destination and expressed enthusiasm for the project’s completion.