A photo by SwimOP shows fencing around Ontario Place that the group asserts was illegally moved from the high water mark to endanger swimmers and paddlers.
In an all-day hearing on Friday, July 19, advocacy group Ontario Place Protectors challenged the fast-tracking of work at Ontario Place before Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice. A decision on the challenge by Justice Lisa Brownstone is expected in the coming week, with the Province agreeing to continue the halt on demolition work until the decision is rendered. Justice Brownstone also indicated that she will consider Ontario Place Protectors’ request that the stay on demolition continue for an additional five days following her decision, so as to allow time for either party to file an appeal. Ontario Place Protectors’ case contends that the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, part of Act 154, the New Deal for Toronto Act, 2023, is unconstitutional in immunizing the Province from civil and criminal liability related to their work at Ontario Place. It also contends that, in declaring Ontario Place to be exempt from the Environmental Assessment Act, the Ontario Heritage Act, and the City of Toronto’s noise bylaws, the Province has violated the doctrine of public trust?the principle that the site ultimately belongs to the people of Ontario, and is held in trust by the Government of Ontario.
The constitutional challenge focused on two issues: the first contended that ROPA limits the power of the court itse...