The city’s executive committee has given their approval to consider the proposed construction of the Therme spa and water park on the grounds of Exhibition Place instead of the initial plan of mounting it on Ontario Place.
During a meeting on Tuesday, a motion was passed by Ausma Malik, the councillor for Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York, instructing the city manager to collaborate with other staff, including the CEO of the Exhibition Place and the Canadian National Exhibition Association, in conducting a preliminary evaluation. This was done to assess the feasibility of placing the Therme facility within the context of Exhibition Place, particularly within the Better Living Centre site.
At a meeting of the Exhibition Place’s Board of Governors on October 27, the motion received an endorsement and the chair of the board, Malik, agreed to this effect. In a subsequent letter to the executive committee, she emphasized the vision of Exhibition Place as an inclusive destination for a variety of activities including conventions, exhibitions, entertainment, sports, and public celebrations. Malik mentioned that this vision aligns deeply with the future of the equally important Ontario Place.
She informed that the site has been considered as an alternative place for the Therme facility during public deliberations. Exhibition Place, due to its proximity to transit, hotels, parking, and existing servicing infrastructure among others, could provide an improved location for the project.
On December 5, the city staff is expected to present a detailed report on the project. Meanwhile, Infrastructure Ontario, in collaboration with the City of Toronto, is leading a development application process that includes the Therme’s proposed private spa and waterpark for the West Island.
The project has faced opposition from community groups and local politicians, expressing concerns over the potential loss of public space due to the inclusion of a large parking lot in the project’s plan.
The provincial government nonetheless plans to continue preparing the construction site this fall, which might involve the removal of several trees. The province believes that a revised application they submitted takes into account the public consultations held and addresses the concerns raised by the public, particularly about the building’s design.
Last week, a spokesperson for the Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma expressed in a statement that significant advances have been made regarding work at the Ontario Place site. The statement also assured that the plan to reconstruct Ontario Place is in progress as evidenced by the ongoing repair and replacement of the underground infrastructure, and expressed a commitment to continue the collaboration with the City of Toronto.
