The New Democratic Party Investigates deal with Therme Canada
Emily Neto, Contributor
The New Democratic Party (NDP) of Canada has come forward with an investigation, suggesting that the Therme corporation has received preferential treatment in their deal with the Ford government. Therme Group is an Austrian company associated with the renovation of Toronto’s Ontario Place and has operated several spa and wellness facilities in Europe, particularly in Germany and Romania. In 2021, as part of a large project to renovate Ontario Place, Doug Ford and Therme publicly announced their plan to repurpose the space. The 95-year lease agreement has brought about plenty of criticism because of the duration of the lease and the major changes planned for the area.
It is speculated that Therme Canada received favourable treatment in this agreement, prompting the NDP to investigate the selection process and deal terms. It has been revealed that Therme has local connections within Doug Ford’s circle, and there could be an integration of business and politics in the selection of the “high-profile” Therme Group. The lease includes 1,600 parking spots for the spa, and the government proposes 2,500 parking spaces for Ontario Place, including for the concert venue on the site. The province promised to pay $5 per day for a $650-million parking garage, meaning that the government is using public funding — taxpayer money — to support a private company that most Torontonians are not interested in funding, leading opposition groups to call for transparency.
Upon the reveal of the plan, the backlash was immediate — Torontonians are not keen on changing the infrastructure of Ontario Place. In response, Therme revised the plan, pitching a reduction of the site’s size. They also proposed increased funding for public spaces, as many concerns were brought about by a loss of accessible public green space. With the long-term lease to a private corporation, many fear that Ontario Place will become “less public”, limiting access to what was once a shared space. A recent study conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) highlighted the potential negative impacts of a loss of green space on health. Many residents view Ontario Place as a “mental health oasis,” where city-goers may escape urban stress and engage in outdoor activities. This study shows that the destruction of this habitat will affect the physical and mental health of Torontonians.
One of the most contentious aspects of the redevelopment is the removal of forested space at Ontario Place, which was once a vital home to species that are crucial to Canadian heritage. Environmental experts warn that this abrupt destruction will impact the surrounding wildlife, and the decision to remove over 800 trees and natural habitats at Ontario Place seems to contradict Toronto’s climate goals. This move appears to be a step backward, considering that the TransformTO Climate Action Strategy emphasizes expanding green spaces to mitigate climate change impacts. This controversial plan has received plenty of backlash from Torontonians, conservationists, and opposition parties alike. The concerns about transparency, environmental impact, and potential loss of public space prove that much is at stake, leaving Ontarians debating the future of this site.
