Cost of the revenue-producing structure is 15.2 per cent of the $1.3 billion estimate in the Auditor General’s 2024 report
TORONTO — The Ontario government has awarded a $198 million contract to design and build a new provincially owned parking structure at Ontario Place, which is just 15.2 per cent of the $1.3 billion cost in the Auditor General’s 2024 report. Awarded to Canadian company Pomerleau Inc. following a competitive procurement process, the project will deliver up to 3,500 parking spots, 680 EV charging stations and bicycle parking, and is expected to generate up to $60 million in annual revenue for the province.
“Today’s contract award reaffirms our government’s position, under the leadership of Premier Ford, that this parking garage, which will produce revenue for the province, can and will be built at a cost that is reasonable and respectful to taxpayers,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “We’re building this garage at a fraction of the $1.3 billion cost contained in the 2024 Auditor General report and less than half of the $400 million projected cost when this project was tendered. We’ll keep protecting taxpayer dollars while building the infrastructure needed to support one of Ontario’s premier tourism destinations for decades to come.”
Following evaluations through an open, fair and competitive procurement process, Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming have awarded the contract to Canadian company Pomerleau Inc. to design and build the new parking structure. It will include:
- An open-to-air, above-ground, five-storey parking structure for up to 3,500 vehicles
- Approximately 680 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Up to 100 bicycle parking spaces
- Bus pick-up and drop-off area
- A landscape design that transitions the building seamlessly to the surrounding park.
The new parking garage is part of the government’s vision for a revitalized Ontario Place, transforming it into a vibrant, year-round waterfront destination. The site will feature more than 50 acres of free public trails, including expanded green space, playgrounds, interactive fountains, new beaches, event spaces and a modernized marina. Construction is already underway on the new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place.
Families will have easy access to Ontario Place through the new Ontario Line at Exhibition Station, which will also connect to fast, convenient GO service across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, steps away from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. These transportation links will support an accessible, world-class waterfront destination at Ontario Place that will create more than 5,700 jobs and add $420 million to Ontario’s GDP during construction. Once complete, Ontario Place will welcome up to six million visitors per year.
Quick Facts
- The contracting team includes Pomerleau Inc. as construction lead, and Arcadis Professional Services (Canada) Inc. as the design lead.
- Pomerleau Inc. is the construction lead for several projects across Canada, such as the new City of Toronto Paramedic Services Multi-Function Station, and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Redevelopment in Moosonee and Moose Factory Island.
- The new parking structure will be located at the existing parking lot site just south of Lake Shore Blvd. West and is anticipated to generate up to $60 million in gross revenue annually for the province once Ontario Place reaches full operation.
- Once complete, the reimagined Ontario Place will include exciting new features, such as free trails, new beaches, an interactive fountain, boardwalks, playgrounds, an updated marina, multiple transit options, onsite parking and spaces for festivals and markets, all with improved access to the waterfront.
- The design for the new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place was announced in February 2026, with a ceremonial groundbreaking that took place in May 2026.
- Ontario Place remains open to visitors and admission is free. Find out more about the fun summer activities available, including activations at Trillium Park and performances at RBC Amphitheatre.