Ontario Place rides and park closed until 2017

The McGuinty government announced this morning that Ontario Place will effectively be shut down until 2017 as the park undergoes some much-needed revitalization.

Apparently, 1970s-era domes and lackluster amusement park rides aren't drawing crowds the same way they used to, and the province can't afford the $20 million annual price tag to keep the park open, according to Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

While the waterpark, rides, and Cinesphere will be closed, the marina, amphitheater, and Atlantic pavilions will remain open.

Leading the panel on the Ontario Place revitalization is former Progressive Conservative leader John Tory, who is perhaps a wise choice for the Liberal McGuinty government. But Toronto, of course, knows Tory as more than just a walk across the floor, as he campaigned for mayor in 2003, was a wistful hopeful for Toronto's most recent municipal election, and remains chair of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance, as well as a prominent broadcaster.

Duncan hasn't said whether the revitalization project will include a casino, but chances are there will be at least one supporter on council.

Photo by John Carvahlo in the blogTO Flickr pool