Former Premier Honoured at Ontario Place

Province Names New Waterfront Trail in Tribute to Former Premier Bill Davis

June 24, 2015 – Toronto, ON

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced today that Ontario is recognizing the vision and leadership of former Premier Bill Davis with a dedicated waterfront trail along the East Island of Ontario Place.

Davis was Premier in 1971 when Ontario Place first opened. The William G. Davis Trail will connect a new urban park with Ontario Place’s history as a public space for all Ontarians. Under the final design for the park and trail unveiled today, the builders will turn a parking lot on the East Island into a 7.5-acre naturalized green space celebrating Ontario landscapes. The park, slated to open in the fall of 2016, will provide access to this section of the Toronto waterfront for the first time in more than 40 years.

The park and trail will be the first phase in a long-term project to transform Ontario Place into a vibrant year-round waterfront destination that engages residents and visitors of all ages. Last July, the government released its vision for a revitalized Ontario Place that builds on its legacy of entertainment and innovation. This vision proposes a mix of outdoor and indoor features, including more green space, a blue park for water-based recreation and a waterfront trail around the perimeter of the entire site.

Revitalizing Ontario Place supports the government’s four-part plan to build Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

“It is so fitting to name the William G. Davis Trail in honour of our 18th Premier. The new urban park and waterfront trail will capture our imaginations just as Ontario Place did when it opened under Bill Davis’s leadership in 1971. Ontario Place is an important public asset whose legacy is reflected in this new landmark destination.” Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

 

 

View archived webcast of announcement: