The Ontario NDP is escalating its battle with the government’s Ontario Place plans and demanding Premier Doug Ford cancel its “shady scheme” to build a luxury spa on the public grounds.
On Sunday, NDP leader and MPP for Davenport Marit Stiles tweeted a video where she can be seen walking within Ontario Place.
In the video, she says the party will be introducing a motion at Queen’s Park to call on the Ford government to cancel the lease with Austrian resort developer Therme Group and instead, consult with community members about a better vision for the public space.
“Ontarians know a bad deal when they see one, and they know when something doesn’t smell right,” Stiles said in a statement.
“Signing over a massive swath of public parkland for a private luxury spa for 95 years. Subsidizing it to the tune of $650 million in public money. Insiders with connections back to the Ford Conservatives looking to make a profit. Enough is enough,” she added.
Since unveiling his plans for Ontario Place, Ford has received continuous criticism from opposition parties and community advocate groups.
His development plan includes a 95-year lease with Therme who will build a luxury spa accompanied by a 22,000-square metre entrance building that connects to the west island, as well as a revitalized Budweiser Stage concert venue and a five-level underground parking garage.
On top of this, Therme is also building new attractions, such as pools, public trails and an improved marina, among others.
Last month, Ford confirmed that the Ontario Science Centre, currently located in North York, is being moved to a custom-built facility by the waterfront at Ontario Place.
The NDP claims the project will cost taxpayers about $650 million.
“I know Ontarians can think of more than a few things that we could better invest $650 million in,” Stiles said. “Shorter wait times for public health care. Reducing class sizes. Building homes people can actually afford to live in. Raising social assistance rates.”
The debate and vote for this motion will take place next week.
