Dear Editor:
The advocacy group, “Ontario Place for All” has challenged the rash decisions by the provincial government to gut both The Ontario Science Centre and Ontario Place.
This organization has requested a federal impact assessment for Ontario Place: both the Therme spa and the expanded Live Nation project is a big mistake and does not protect important natural resources.
The current Ontario Government has proposed privatizing large portions of Ontario Place. They would build a pricey mega-spa complex, run by the Austrian company, Therme.
We will have to pay an estimated $650 million toward this investment, which most of us will not be able to afford. The lease is for 95 years!
The West Island in particular, because of this frantic development, would see the infilling of Lake Ontario, the destruction of 850 mature trees, and decimation of wildlife and bird habitat.
According to the Ford Government, a Class C Environmental Assessment of this area is not necessary. How can they deny such horrific long-lasting and permanent environmental damage to the entire area and wildlife!
What the Ontario government is proposing for Ontario Place should upset us all. How can we justify the devastating results that our children and grandchildren will experience for years to come?
The federal government needs to examine the integrity of this decision and conduct an impact assessment to determine the damage posed by the Therme and Live Nation projects.
You can find and fill out the impact assessment request online. I will. I hope you do.
Gerry Walsh,
Erin