There was always something so magical about spending a summer evening at the Ontario Place Forum. With the warm breeze and the lake glistening in the background, concertgoers would lounge around on the surrounding hills while their favourite artists took the stage.
From classic rock legends to jazz icons, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house, and for many, The Forum was one of the best concert venues the city ever had. Although it was demolished in 1994, its 23-year history remains a treasured part of Toronto’s musical legacy.
Following the success of Montreal’s Expo 67, Toronto decided it was time to revitalize its waterfront. As a result, the Toronto Harbour Commission developed a plan to transform the 155-acre stretch of land along the city’s lakefront, the product of which was Ontario Place.
Victor Feldbrill and the Toronto Symphony at the Ontario Place Forum. Photo: City of Toronto Archives.
Designed by German-Canadian architect Eberhard Zeidler and landscape architect Michael Hough, the waterfront site officially opened in 1971 and featured a marina, a children’s play area created by British designer Eric McMillan, and a geodesic dome.
The total cost of the project was $29 million, which is equivalent to roughly $223 million today.
The Forum featured a unique, circular design surrounded by rolling hills, which offered spectacular views no matter where you sat. The outdoor venue boasted a seating capacity of 2,500 in the main area, with the surrounding hills providing room for a further 8,000.
Seiji Ozawa, guest conductor, and the Toronto Symphony at the Ontario Place Forum. Photo: City of Toronto Archives.
Each year from May to September, The Forum hosted up to 120 concerts (many of which were free), spanning genres from classical to rock, jazz to folk, and was the backdrop for shows by a variety of legendary artists.
B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Tina Turner, James Brown, Van Morrison, Robert Palmer, Muddy Waters, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Peter Tosh, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Tragically Hip are just some of the major names to have graced the stage.
Classical concerts by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (which put on an annual rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture), the Hamilton Philharmonic, and the National Ballet of Canada were also highly attended.
Karel Ancerl and the Toronto Symphony at the Ontario Place Forum. Photo: City of Toronto Archives.
In 1976, the venue introduced a revolving stage, which ensured an equal view from all areas of the audience.
One of the most infamous events in the venue’s history occurred on June 2, 1980, during a concert by Hamilton’s punk rock group Teenage Head. With an estimated 15,000 fans packed into the venue, the crowd became unruly, and a riot ensued. In total, 10 police officers and several fans were injured.
Ontario Place Forum in August 1976. Photo: City of Toronto Archives.
Over 20 people were arrested, and one fan even nearly drowned after trying to swim to the show. The incident, which was later dubbed the “Toronto Punk Rock Riot,” led to a temporary ban on rock concerts at Ontario Place.
Photo: City of Toronto Archives.
In 1994, the controversial decision was made to demolish The Forum to make way for the higher-capacity Molson Amphitheatre, which could seat 16,000 people. The new amphitheatre (now Budweiser Stage) officially opened in 1995, with a set of concerts by Bryan Adams.
Over time, Ontario Place’s operating costs continued to increase which led to more and more closures of its facilities, until its main attractions were closed in 2012. The waterfront site is currently at the centre of a multi-billion dollar revitalization project, which includes the opening of a controversial private spa by Therme Canada.
Although The Forum is no longer standing, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who were lucky enough to experience the magic of its summer concerts. Decades later — and regardless of opinion — it stands as one of Toronto’s greatest outdoor concert venues.
