Ontario Launches RFP to Support Highway Upload and Tourism Growth
TORONTO — The Ontario government has taken a step toward expanding its policing and infrastructure footprint in Toronto’s waterfront by launching a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build a new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment at Ontario Place’s East Island. The project is tied to the province’s broader plan to assume control of two of the city’s busiest roadways while supporting increased tourism and public safety at a revitalized Ontario Place.
The planned detachment will serve dual purposes: providing year-round policing at Ontario Place and overseeing traffic patrol on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway (DVP) once the highways are formally transferred from municipal to provincial jurisdiction. The transition will designate both routes as King’s Highways, placing them under provincial oversight.
Strategic Investment in Public Safety and Infrastructure
The new OPP facility will form part of a larger administration and maintenance complex replacing the current Ontario Place administrative building. According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the detachment will include specialized infrastructure such as a helicopter pad, a proposed marine unit, and the province’s first mounted OPP unit—features aimed at improving response capabilities across both urban parkland and major transportation corridors.
Michael Kerzner emphasized the broader public safety rationale behind the investment. “Protecting Ontario starts with keeping people safe where they live, work and play, and that’s exactly what this investment delivers,” he said. “This new OPP detachment will be well-positioned to patrol our highways, maintain a strong on-site policing presence and ensure the safety of families and all those visiting Ontario Place.”
The province expects the revitalized Ontario Place to attract approximately six million visitors annually, making it one of the province’s most prominent tourism destinations. The addition of a permanent OPP presence is intended to support that influx while maintaining order across a high-density public space.
Supporting the Upload of Key Toronto Highways
The detachment also plays a central role in Ontario’s “New Deal for Toronto,” which includes uploading ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the Gardiner Expressway and DVP to the province. The move is designed to ensure the long-term upkeep of the highways while keeping them toll-free.
Thomas Carrique highlighted the operational benefits of the new facility for highway safety and inter-agency collaboration. “The OPP is proud to continue working alongside the Toronto Police Service,” he said. “A modern and purpose-built detachment will ensure the OPP are able to maintain the safety and security of the new Ontario Place and fulfil our traffic safety responsibilities related to the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway being designated as King’s Highways.”
Under the new arrangement, the OPP will handle traffic patrol duties on both highways, while the Toronto Police Service will remain responsible for non-traffic-related policing functions.
Tourism and Economic Implications
Provincial officials say the project reflects a broader strategy to align infrastructure investment with economic development and tourism growth. The Gardiner Expressway and DVP are considered critical economic corridors, supporting the movement of goods and people across the Greater Toronto Area and connecting to the wider provincial highway network.
Stan Cho underscored the importance of safety in supporting tourism expansion. “Each year, the revitalized Ontario Place is expected to welcome up to six million visitors, making it one of Ontario’s top tourism and cultural destinations. Our government is ensuring it has the strong and reliable police presence it needs year-round. The new on-site OPP detachment will strengthen public safety and help ensure visitors can enjoy Ontario Place safely and with confidence.”
Meanwhile, Prabmeet Sarkaria linked the initiative to broader transportation priorities. “Our government is making historic investments in highway infrastructure to fight gridlock and keep people and goods moving across Ontario. By taking ownership of the Gardiner Expressway and DVP, we are keeping these highways toll-free for the long term and helping the more than 140,000 drivers who rely on them every day get where they need to go safely and reliably.”
Modern Policing Approach for High-Traffic Environments
The inclusion of a mounted unit reflects a shift toward diversified policing strategies tailored to large public spaces. Mounted officers are particularly effective in crowded environments, offering improved visibility, mobility through pedestrian areas, and enhanced crowd management capabilities.
The province has structured the RFP as a staged process, allowing for both design and construction proposals as part of the broader Ontario Place Revitalization Project.
Looking Ahead
While timelines for construction have not been finalized, the launch of the RFP signals the province’s intent to move forward quickly with both the policing infrastructure and the highway upload. Together, these initiatives represent a significant shift in how Ontario manages key urban assets—combining transportation oversight, public safety, and tourism development under a unified provincial strategy.