Photos: New look Ontario Place will include Science Centre, upgraded concert venue and more

Ontario Place will be the new home of the Science Centre and year-round concert venue, the Ontario government announced today.

The iconic Cinesphere will be preserved and house some of the Science Centre exhibits.

The Province says plans for the revamped Ontario Place will also include increased parkland, beaches and more family-friendly entertainment.

“We’re bringing more to Ontario Place with more beaches, more greenspace, more trails and more fun with the Ontario Science Centre, a year-round Live Nation concert venue and expanded food and beverage offerings so families can enjoy a meal together,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together with our partners, we’re building a world-class, year-round destination that’s fun for families, students and tourists to enjoy for generations to come.”

The Ontario Science Centre, currently in north Toronto, will find its new home in a state-of-the-art facility, as well as in the preserved and upgraded iconic Cinesphere and Pod complex.

Plans are also being finalized with Live Nations to create a new, year-round concert venue that will replace the current Budweiser Stage and increase capacity to 20,000 while maintaining the lawn area for viewing.

A new marina is likely to be part of the plans that will also include dining and other activity opportunities.

New pedestrian and cycle paths, as well as new transportation and transit options to connect Ontario Place and the Exhibition grounds directly to the Ontario Line subway, are also planned.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025 but the complex could take several years to complete.

Ontario Place first opened on Toronto’s lakefront adjacent to the CNE in 1971. It was closed by then Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government in 2012.