TORONTO - The first stage of construction of the new urban park and waterfront trail at Ontario Place, a project that will provide public access to a section of Toronto's waterfront for the first time in more than 40 years, is set to begin.
Urbacon, contracted by Infrastructure Ontario (IO) to lead the project, was selected as the result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process that began with a request for qualifications (RFQ). The RFQ stage resulted in five shortlisted contractors, including Urbacon, who were then invited to submit proposals. Each submission underwent a rigorous evaluation process, with Urbacon submitting the proposal that delivers the best value for Ontario taxpayers.
Construction of the park and trail - the first phase of Ontario Place revitalization - will take place in two stages, beginning with the removal of the existing parking lot, site preparation, shoreline repairs and underground infrastructure this winter. Urbacon will then be responsible for competitively tendering the second stage of the work, which will include the construction of the park and its surface-level amenities.
The park and trail design proposes a transformation of a 7.5 acre portion of the East Island into a naturalized green refuge that celebrates the legacy of Ontario Place and the landscapes of Ontario. The project will link to an expansive waterfront trail system that includes parts of the Trans Canada Trail Ontario route and the Martin Goodman Trail.
Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca or www.ontario.ca/myontarioplace for more information.
Quotes:
Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
“We're moving forward with our vision to revitalize Ontario Place into a world-class, year- round destination for people to enjoy and the selection of the winning contractor means we are one step closer. The new park and trail will offer increased access to green space on this spectacular stretch of the waterfront and will attract tourists, spur economic growth and create jobs. Ontarians and visitors alike will be impressed by the new Ontario Place.”
Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
“The revitalization of Ontario Place is part of the government's economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.”
Background:
IO, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, is moving forward with the development of the urban park and waterfront trail project.
IO is a Crown agency of the Province of Ontario that works to deliver public benefits through partnerships with the private sector. IO delivers large, complex public infrastructure projects using a made-in-Ontario modern procurement and project management practice called Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP). Infrastructure Ontario also partners with the private sector to manage one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public-sector clients with loans to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to advise the provincial public-sector clients on commercial transactions.
Contacts:
Mandy Downes
Infrastructure Ontario
416-327-5246
Christy Arnold
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
416-326-1724