The Ford government is saying no dice to a casino at Ontario Place, the Star has learned.

The province is set to announce Tuesday that a gambling facility is “off the table” as it releases its official request for ideas for redevelopment of the former waterfront amusement park, sources say.

“The premier has heard loud and clear from our municipal partners — and more importantly the people — that Ontario Place should not house a casino,” said a government source.

While earlier this year the government asked for potential ideas to transform the area into a popular destination, this is a more formal, international “call for development” with submissions due Sept. 3.

The province has previously committed to no housing at the site, which remains the case, the source said.

Hopes remain high for redevelopment of the once-popular park — which opened in 1971 under former Progressive Conservative premier Bill Davis, and was largely shuttered by the Liberals several years ago — with suggestions including sports or entertainment venues or retail options.

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Members of the public have said they’d like see the Ontario Science Centre relocated there, or a family-friendly music theme park, a swimming pier and public sauna or convention facilities. Others want it to be modelled on Chicago’s Millennium Park, with public gardens and parkland, art installations and space for children and families.

In January, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Tibollo said “we’re going to bring Ontario Place back to life and make it a spectacular world-class, year-round destination to visit in North America.”

He appealed to “potential partners from around the world to take a fresh look at Ontario Place and make this vision a reality.”

“We have a unique opportunity here to create something special at Ontario Place and I’m confident that we’re going to see some great ideas come out of this process.”

Polls have found that most people want the land to be accessible to the public, and are OK with a Ferris wheel — but not a casino, ideas Premier Doug Ford had floated when he was a city councillor.

Mayor John Tory — who is keen to revamp the site, but opposes a casino — has said the city must be included in discussions on its future.

Former premier Davis recently spoke out in opposition to a casino, saying he wanted Ontario Place to be family-friendly.

“It would be a shame and a disservice if commercial gain replaced the public interest on the present site of Ontario Place,” he said in January.

Developers are expected to retain the existing Budweiser Stage amphitheatre concert venue, and a 7.5-acre Trillium Park — though it can be located anywhere on the 155-acre site.

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The province has said it will reject any proposals that require government grants or investment.

Toronto Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York), took to social media after learning the province would make an announcement at Ontario Place Tuesday morning, tweeting “Here we go again … the provincial government will make an announcement regarding Ontario Place. The City of Toronto has not been consulted. To be clear, the City of Toronto owns part of the Ontario Place lands.”

The waterfront area also plays prominently in the Ford government’s recent plans for new transit service, with an “Ontario Line” that includes a stop at or near Ontario Place.

With files from David Rider

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