Ontario’s Government Breathes New Life to Waterfront Site
The Voice of Canada News:
Ontario’s Government for the People is working quickly on making progress in bringing Ontario Place back to life, and making it a world-class, year-round tourist destination by signing a new deal with Cirque du Soleil to deliver programming on the site in 2019.
The government recently announced it was launching an Expression of Interest process to invite ideas and concepts from potential proponents who may have an interest in the long-term development of the Ontario Place site, which has been closed since 2012. The Expression of Interest process will open this spring and will encourage potential partners from around the world to take a fresh look at Ontario Place while signalling that Ontario is open for business.
In the meantime, the government is taking immediate steps to transform Ontario Place and attract residents and tourists to the site by partnering with Cirque du Soleil. The internationally recognized company will bring its unique brand of entertainment and artistry to the shores of Lake Ontario. The company expects to offer 80-90 shows during the fall of 2019.
“While we keep one eye on the long-term development of the Ontario Place site, our government is also working to help people reconnect with this iconic piece of property on Toronto’s Waterfront,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I can’t think of a better suited and more internationally recognized company than Cirque du Soleil to partner with and bring family-oriented entertainment and excitement back to Ontario Place.”
“Partnering with an organization like Cirque du Soleil will reinvigorate a space that has been neglected and under-utilized,” said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Bringing high profile programming like this to Ontario Place will also allow us to explore further short-term activations elsewhere on the site to help attract visitors from Ontario and abroad.”
“We are excited to bring back a Cirque du Soleil touring show to Ontario Place; an important location for Ontario residents renowned for its large-scale entertainment events,” said Finn Taylor, Senior Vice-President of Touring Shows at Cirque du Soleil.
