Image Courtesy of TCLF
In late March 2022, the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) submitted a letter to the Province of Ontario expressing its concern in regards to the redevelopment proposal for Ontario Place. In that letter, it was noted that:
Ontario Place has long been regarded – both here and internationally – as an iconic achievement in both the Ontario and the Canadian landscape realms. The CSLA Cultural Landscape & Legacy Committee certainly considers this site one of Canada’s greatest cultural heritage landscape achievements and a precedent for professional innovation and urban renewal on our waterfronts.
The CSLA affirmed that this cultural heritage landscapes should neither be overwhelmed conceptually nor physically with redevelopment that removes the foundation of the landscape realm.
More recently, The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), through its 7 November 2023 Landslide Update stated that the cultural landscape of Ontario Place remains in serious jeopardy. Furthermore TCLF offered suggestions on how to get involved:
Individual voices from the international heritage, landscape and design community can help by speaking publicly to the significance of Ontario Place as an internationally significant cultural landscape. Please consider incorporating the following key points (developed by Ontario Place for All) in letters and emails to key officials and to outreach to international media:
- Ontario Place’s integrated landscape design (by Michael Hough) and architectural design (by Eberhard Zeidler) are internationally recognized as significant examples of modernist design.
- Ontario Place was placed on “at risk” lists of sites of international significance with both the World Monuments Foundation and the Cultural Landscapes Foundation in 2020.
- Ontario Place’s landscape and architectural design are uniquely inseparable and excellent examples of modernist design of this period. The public nature of the landscape and its access to Lake Ontario are significant features of the design, which involved creation of islands and beaches, lagoons, breakwaters, native plantings and dunes that protect the unique architecture of the pods and Cinesphere, and mitigate the effects of the lake for pedestrians.
- Introducing a spa and parking lot threaten the significant cultural landscape value of the site and its significant natural habitat.”
Canadian supporters are encouraged to write emails to MPs and MPPs write personal testimonials as letters to the editor, write to the Premier’s office, and emails of support and encouragement to City champions: Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Ausma Malik, MPP Merit Stiles (leader of the Ontario official opposition), MPP Michael Schreiner (Green Party leader).
Landscape architects have demonstrated their great contributions to the ecological, social and economic viability of the iconic Ontario Place. As such, landscape architects will be vital in providing the continuity for Michael Hough’s seminal work and will be instrumental in its reimagining its future making as a major attraction and destination.
We will continue to press the Province to take a closer look at – and to understand – the significance of the landscape integrity of Ontario Place and how to restore its heritage landscape character to re-create a treasured and dynamic waterfront landmark.