Supporting a Swimmable Ontario Place
July 30, 2021
TORONTO - Today, the Ontario Government announced its redevelopment plans for Ontario Place. The values of the Swim Drink Fish movement dovetail with Therme Group’s vision of reconnecting people with the world’s ecosystems, and in particular, to the waters close to their communities.
Every Great Lake City is linked to its fresh water for drinking, health and enjoyment and nowhere is this link more prevalent than in Toronto – but it is also a city that frequently forgets that it sits on the shores of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem.
We are delighted that Therme’s plan includes a new, publicly accessible beach on the western side of the West Island–this infrastructure will help connect people with their coastline by providing even greater access to Lake Ontario at no cost.
The best way to strengthen the link between people and the water, is to connect them and keep our waters safe for recreational water.
Swim Drink Fish is a Canadian charity working for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future since its launch in 2001.
Quote(s)
“Ontario Place has long been a place that Swim Drink Fish has envisioned as a premiere destination for urban swimming. Today’s announcement is the initial step in taking down the no swimming signs- a reality for Toronto residents and visitors from around the world. Ontario Place’s shores are essential in creating a swimmable Toronto, for all.”
– Mark Mattson, President/CEO and Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Swim Drink Fish
Quick Facts
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper has been sampling Ontario Place water since 2018 thanks to funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Great Lakes Protection Initiaitive
In 2019 Ontario Place West Island Beach passed water quality standards 90% of the time
The number of people using Ontario Place West Island Beach has increased more than 98%.
“Photo courtesy Swim Drink Fish Canada”
Additional Links
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper- a registered Canadian charity that uses law, science, culture, and digital media to protect a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future.
Contact(s)
Matt Brown
Swim Drink Fish
416.671.3910
matt@swimdrinkfish.ca