Exhibition Place could see massive makeover for year-round use
· Toronto Sun
Let’s go to the Ex — of the future?
The Exhibition Place grounds, popular during the summer months, could see a massive makeover into a year-round festival space and gathering place.
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Earlier this month, the Exhibition Place Board of Governors endorsed a plan which seeks to revitalize the parks, paths and buildings at the 192-acre grounds following a presentation by the Ex’s CEO Don Boyle.
The Exhibition Place Vision Plan and Concept Scenario , if it comes to fruition, will transform the site from a collection of event venues to an interconnected, year-round civic destination.
It would build on the existing infrastructure to enhance the space and make it more pedestrian-oriented and flexible to host major events, festivals and other uses for residents and visitors.
Concepts of what the grounds would look like include a festival plaza, which will accommodate approximately 20,000 people, a park south of BMO Field, a revitalized food building, and a market area.
Green spaces and gathering areas
The artist renderings, by Toronto landscape architect STUDIO tla, also show green spaces and gathering areas in what could be the most significant development for the property in decades.
“We are excited to take this important step forward in realizing the future of Exhibition Place,” Boyle said in a statement following the plan’s endorsement on April 16.
“This vision builds on the site’s rich history while positioning it to better serve Toronto.”
Other groups with a stake in the projected revamp include the CNE and Liberty Entertainment Group, which owns the Liberty Grand entertainment complex on the grounds.
“By evolving Exhibition Place from a collection of venues into an interconnected campus, the plan is designed to reduce pressure on city streets, support Toronto’s growing festival and events sector, and strengthen the city’s position as a global destination,” Boyle said.
Why revitalize grounds now?
The plan, years in the making, would coincide with the current redevelopment of Ontario Place and the future subway stop on the Ontario Line, which reached a major milestone earlier this month when it was announced that tunnelling had begun .
In addition, the city’s western waterfront continues to evolve with an increased focus on public access while pedestrian and cycling paths would be integrated more seamlessly.
The city says Exhibition Place hosts more than 350 events and festivals a year , including the Canadian National Exhibition and Honda Indy, and attracts 5.3 million visitors annually.
City councillor Ausma Malik, who represents Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York and who sits on the Exhibition Place board, said the plan is about revealing its “full potential” and transforming the grounds into a “vibrant year-round destination for major events and community recreation.”
Ric Amis, who chairs the West Side Community Council and Parkdale Residents Association, welcomed efforts to modernize the area , which also includes Coca-Cola Coliseum, Horticulture Building, Better Living Centre, and a hotel.
However, Amis’ letter to Malik warned that any changes should be made with the utmost care for nearby residents and that the site “does not become overly oriented toward major events at the expense of everyday use.”
There is no start date or timeframe for the ground’s remodelling as talks will continue between the Exhibition board, CEO, city planners and the province.