The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to review an appeal from a group challenging the legality of a law that paves the way for significant changes at Ontario Place. The iconic urban park in Toronto, established in 1971, featured attractions such as a large-screen movie theater, play areas for children, and pavilions suspended over the water.
Ontario’s government intends to revamp Ontario Place by incorporating a luxury spa managed by a private enterprise. The coalition known as Ontario Place Protectors has contested the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, contending that it shields governmental actions from judicial scrutiny, thus violating the Constitution. They also claim that exemptions from environmental and heritage regulations, as well as municipal noise bylaws, represent a breach of public trust.
Previous challenges to the legislation were rejected by lower courts. Despite political opposition to the redevelopment, the Court of Appeal upheld the government’s decision, emphasizing that the court is not a venue for settling political disputes but rather for assessing legal and constitutional compliance.
The coalition pursued permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, which has granted the request without providing reasons, signaling the significance of the issues at hand. Eric Gillespie, the group’s lawyer, expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision and highlighted the broader implications of the provincial law on future projects.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford dismissed the coalition as “crazy lefties” and expressed confidence in the transformative vision for Ontario Place. The Supreme Court is yet to schedule a hearing for the case, expected to take place later this year.