A Toronto firm claims Premier Ford requested to view a 3D model of the redevelopment project with the media present.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a Village Media site focused solely on provincial politics at Queen’s Park.
An architecture company based in Toronto has taken legal action against Infrastructure Ontario, arguing that it was unfairly disqualified from an Ontario Place contract after showing a 3D model to the premier during the bidding phase – at his personal request.
LAND Design Incorporated (LANDinc) submitted an application in Divisional Court last week seeking to overturn its disqualification from a request for proposals (RFP) process regarding consulting work on public realm elements of Ontario Place.
The firm asserts that one of its junior staff members met Premier Doug Ford at an “external social event” on May 11 and mentioned working on LANDinc’s large-scale 3D model for the redeveloped Ontario Place.
After Ford showed interest in seeing it and instructed his office to arrange a visit, he and his team went to see it at LANDinc’s office on May 26, according to court documents filed by the company.
LANDinc developed this model as a “study and co-ordination tool” over four years, prior to the RFP being issued for public realm work, it stated.
The company claims that during Ford’s suggestion of having media view the model, only then did a member of his staff mention the RFP was under an “RFP blackout” period.
“A member of Premier Ford’s team then raised the ‘RFP blackout’ period,” according to LANDinc’s claim.
Following this visit, Infrastructure Ontario (IO) disqualified LANDinc from participating in the procurement process, citing both the premier’s visit and a rule outlined in the RFP prohibiting contact with MPPs, including the premier, during procurement activities.
LANDinc argues that this disqualification was procedurally unfair and violated contractual obligations.
The architecture firm insists that their tour was initiated by the premier himself and they did not engage in lobbying or discuss any RFP strategies, pricing or evaluation criteria with him.
The firm also contends that IO officials had viewed the 3D model on May 6 – during RFP timelines but prior to both events involving Ford’s staff and their subsequent tour.
“Presumably, if viewing the model was a breach of the RFP, members of IO would not have asked to attend and then attended LANDinc’s office to see the model after the RFP was issued,” they argue.
LANDinc is requesting an injunction from the court preventing Infrastructure Ontario from selecting any winning bidder while this case is ongoing. They also seek a court order reversing their disqualification so IO can evaluate their proposal based purely on its merits.
The Ford government has been planning for years its redevelopment project for Ontario Place. This includes building a new private spa and waterpark by Therme, moving Ontario Science Centre there, renovating Live Nation’s RBC Amphitheatre, constructing new parking facilities as well as setting up an Ontario Provincial Police detachment at this waterfront area in downtown Toronto. They plan on spending over $2 billion of taxpayer money for this overall redevelopment effort.
IO recently estimated spending between $200 million and $499 million will go towards landscaping work along with construction related to public spaces within Ontario Place. LANDinc got disqualified from submitting proposals aimed at providing “consultant services” ensuring compliance with all requirements concerning public realm developments per procurement postings made available earlier.
In 2024, the province’s auditor general criticized how Therme was procured as anchor tenant at Ontario Place calling it “not fair, transparent or accountable” toward all involved parties. This determination arose partly because some proponents had communicated with government decision-makers including personnel from premier’s office when they were prohibited from doing so.
The premier’s office released a statement addressing The Trillium which seemingly contradicts claims suggesting someone from Ford’s team mentioned ‘the RFP blackout’ during his visit indicating awareness about LANDinc’s active bid situation.
“Neither the premier nor his staff would have any knowledge of a proponent’s involvement in an active procurement process,” it read.”It is up to proponents involved within active procurements engaging government entities or agencies making sure they follow applicable rules accordingly.”
This statement didn’t respond directly regarding other questions posed by The Trillium about whether social gathering where premier interacted with LANDinc employee coincided with Progressive Conservative Party fundraiser referenced previously within court documents.
LANDinc opted not provide comment either.
“LANDinc has worked extensively regarding projects tied back towards development surrounding Ontario Place taking these obligations seriously,” said one representative through statements shared publicly.”The matter brought forth challenges focusing upon Infrastructure Ontario deciding against us following walkthrough showcasing our newly developed models last May26th-these models created prior involving months before issue concerning requests presented formally.”
“We firmly uphold integrity throughout each step found embedded inside processes related toward procuring work done here-our goal remains safeguarding qualities behind artistry shown amid teams involved overall.” As court proceedings unfold further no additional commentary will be offered until resolution occurs”.
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