On my birthday in August of 2013 about one-quarter of North America lost its hydro in an extensive blackout. This became quite a personal inconvenience for my wife and I that day -- not because I was in the dark on my birthday, but because we had tickets to see Steely Dan at Toronto's Ontario Place.
In the news this week is that Ontario Place will be closing much of its attractions, including the IMAX cinema dome, but the concert amphitheatre will remain open. If you have ever seen a concert there -- on the lake and with much of the venue open to the stars, it's a great place to see a show.
I also recall seeing two other of my favourites at Ontario Place -- Alan Parsons opened for Yes.
As for Steely Dan, that show was rescheduled for September of that year, so I could still use the tickets.
I think Ontario Place is having difficulty competing with Canada's Wonderland, and to some degree a family's stay-cation to Niagara Falls / Marineland.
Here's the brief story from today's (Feb 1) Toronto Sun newspaper:
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Ontario Place shuts some facilities for revamp By
Toronto SunTORONTO - The province is looking at a radical makeover for Ontario Place. Sections of Ontario Place will close to allow a revitalization of the faded beauty by the lake.
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Michael Chan announced the water park, concessions, rides and iconic Cinesphere will no longer be available to the public. The closures take effect immediately and are permanent.
The Molson Amphitheatre, Atlantis events facility, marina and parking lot will stay open for now.
John Tory will lead a panel that advises the provincial government on what should be done with the waterfront tourist site.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan said the government is subsidizing the 41-year-old Ontario Place to the tune of $20 million a year as attendance drops year after year.
"Families have been speaking with their feet," Duncan said.
Everything is apparently on the table for the 51-hectare site although the government says it will remain accessible to the public.
A casino and condos have yet to be ruled out.
The government will entertain private-sector investment in the revitalization project.
It’s expected that the remake will be complete by Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, and possibly available during the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.
Ontario Place first, designed by architect Eb Zeidler, opened in 1971 with an initial admission fee of $1 for adults and 50 cents for kids.
The children's village opened in 1972 and a Canada-first waterslide began thrilling visitors in 1978.
The Cinesphere housed the world's first permanent IMAX theatre. The two government ministers could not say immediately if the Cinesphere, that iconic symbol on the waterfront, would be demolished.
CLOSINGCinesphere (Imax Theatre)
Children's Festival Stage
Heritage Square
Echo Beach
Soak City Water Park
Mini Bumper Boards
Mini-Greens
Power Wheels Track Ride
First Flight Ride
Freefall Ride
Cyclone Speedway Ride
Conservation Area/Eco Learning Centre
Gift Shop
4D Ontario
Food and Beverage Outlets
Wilderness Adventure Ride
Eco Zone 30-Seater and Motion Simulator Ride
The Go Zone - The Atom Blaster Game
OP Driving School
Bumper Boats
Pedal Boats
Marine Grille
National Helicopter Rides
STAYING OPENMolson Amphitheatre
Atlantis Restaurant And Event Facility
Parking Lot
MarinaAntonella Artuso ,Queen's Park Bureau Chief
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