Dear Editor:
Without public consultation, a private company from Austria, Therme Group, is going to build a private $350-million spa and waterpark at the former Ontario Place site.
We will pay for servicing and preparing the approximate $200-million site only to then hand over the 22-acre public property to an Austrian company. The whole redevelopment proposal has been carried out in relative secrecy even though you and I will be paying Therme in the process.
The result, like all the underhanded deals of the Ontario government with respect to private development, is to hand over this property to a for-profit corporation. They have released the Therme Group from the necessary environmental assessment, and from following through on their heritage commitments.
Without our consent, they are forcing us to pay an estimated $650 million toward this investment. Some of our MPPs join with many other citizens to express our concerns over Therme Group’s plans for the park. And what will be the environmental impact of demolition and construction?
Residents, activists and politicians are raising objections. Have these concerns been addressed by the province in the their official development plan? Are provisions being made for environmental assessments during the building process?
The plans were filed with the City of Toronto back in December: “the proposed development ensures that approximately two-thirds of the parkland site is open to the public without cost.” Fully one-third of the parkland will be restricted; 100% of the waterfront will be “publicly accessible,” according to the planning documents.
Some unique 20th century architecture, which is a distinctive part of Ontario Place’s history as well as its landscape design, would be eliminated. We may see ourselves listed among the countries that ignore the historical significance of their prized attractions. Ontario Place provides shoreline green spaces in which to enjoy beautiful views of Toronto’s cityscape.
There is a distinct and ongoing lack of accountability for privatizing public land now, and concerns about the lack of transparency.
It will cost us over half a billion dollars to pay for this Austrian company’s elite spa! This flies in the face of our implied resolve to create a people-friendly space, free, for people!
Another expensive payout by us and another abandonment of a uniquely 20th century Canadian treasure. Thanks, again, Ford and friends.
Gerry Walsh,
Erin