The document explores the evolution of Ontario Place, highlighting its architectural significance and the shift from passive amusements to more engaging, human-centered experiences. It emphasizes five core values for revitalizing the site: aiming high, keeping it human, mixing it up, fostering a can-do culture, and encouraging conversation. By focusing on citizens rather than consumers, the document argues for the importance of inclusivity and creativity to maintain a vibrant community space.

1. Ontario Place
Building on values at

2. BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE,
RANDOM AMUSEMENTS
Today the architectural gem known as Ontario Place is dark
because its stated purpose was always viewed as vague.
During the 1970’s the intent to "promote Ontario's assets" (from
trees to turbines) was translated into boring, didactic exhibits.
This was followed by decades of boring, passive amusements.
1971-2011

3. Sept 2016BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE,
REAL HUMAN ENCOUNTERS
Mary Coble performs Pulse at in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016
Ontario Place.
The in/future art and music event brought surprise, delight,
discovery, imperfections, identity, meaning
wackiness...and humans talking to humans.

4. In/future revived the power of shared values at Ontario Place.
in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

5. In 1971, our government viewed things as Ontario’s biggest
asset (from trees to turbines). Today we recognize that our
diverse, inclusive culture sets us apart.

6. Today we say, “We are citizens, not consumers.”

7. What if we build on the original values of Ontario Place?

8. What if we began by defining a purpose for this
place that serves citizens, not consumers?

9. What if...every business on the site shared these values?
Ontario Place circa 1971, photo courtesy of Eb Zeidler.

10. Steel Cut Coffee at in/future event Sept 15-25, 2016.

11. in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016
artist: Gareth Lichty, "Warp (Ontario Place)"

12. Here are five enduring values I’ve seen at Ontario Place:
Ontario Place circa 1971, photo courtesy of Eb Zeidler.

13. 1. Aim high
Architect Eb Zeidler believed that people have high aspirations, as well as a need
to connect to other people and the land. He did not underestimate his audience.
“Aim high" does not mean "spend a lot of money on slick, one shot renovations."
Instead, we can pursue a phased "launch and learn" approach.
Ontario Place Master Plan
drawing by Eb Zeidler.

14. 2. Keep it human
Humans are attracted to nature, texture, art, surprise, delight, discovery,
imperfections, identity, meaning—and other humans. They ultimately resist
artificial, settings that are generic, frenzied, sterile, meaningless, constricted,
monolithic, overly programmed and predictable.

15. in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016
3. Mix it up
The original Ontario Place attracted people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities,
cultures and economic means. The in/future event offered choice and challenge
to diverse visitors, through a broad range of music and art installations. Ontario
Place can bring us together, sparked by variety and united by our curiosity.

16. 4. We can do it (launch & learn)
When it opened, Ontario Place celebrated a can-do culture, which was also
evident during the in/future event (but absent during the amusement park years).
A culture of innovation is not all about technology; we need places that celebrate
experiments and instil confidence by making things and knowing "we can do it.”
in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

17. 5. Talk to strangers
Conversation is the antidote to fear and misunderstanding. Ontario Place is a
catalyst for conversation with its layers of history, dramatic architecture, views
and integration of nature. It encourages interaction by offering a variety of places
to relax and mingle. Stimulating art installations further encourage conversation.
photo taken at in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016
artist: Robert Hengeveld. "Howl"

18. We live in a global society that is
threatened by wall-builders who
incite fear and suspicion while
breeding conformity.
Ontario’s greatest asset is its
inclusive, diverse and creative
culture. But much work needs to
be done to keep our healthy spirit
alive and to serve “citizens, not
consumers.”
photo taken at in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016,
artist: Robert Hengeveld, "SSSpun"

19. Conversation is the antidote to fear and misunderstanding.
Ontarians are not wall-builders.
Ontario Place is a catalyst for conversation and minimizing walls.
Sharon VanderKaay
www.vanderpalette.com
Ontario Place circa 1971, photo courtesy of Eb Zeidler.