Ford Backs Controversial Spa Project Amid Allegations

In a bold show of confidence, Premier Doug Ford declared he is "very satisfied" with the province's ambitious $2.2 billion agreement to develop a mega-spa at Ontario Place, even after a bombshell New York Times report accused the developer of misrepresentation.

Allegations of Misrepresentation Surface

The NYT report raised eyebrows, claiming that Austria-based Therme painted itself as a major player in the spa industry while only operating a single facility in Bucharest, Romania. The report suggested that Therme's claims of owning multiple spas across Europe were misleading, tying its success to a business owned by Josef Wund.

Ford Confident in Project's Integrity

Following the report, Ford dismissed the notion that the government was scammed, vowing that officials would "double and triple check" the deal's integrity. "We have no reason to believe there's been any wrongdoing. We're moving forward with this project—it’s going to be world-class and spectacular," he assured the public.

Backed by Auditor General's Report?

Ford referenced an auditor general's report from December 2024, which affirmed Therme's compliance with financial expectations. He stated that each application went through rigorous evaluations, and the auditor confirmed Therme's financial standing, including passing a crucial net worth threshold of $100 million.

Concerns Over Due Diligence

However, the auditor general did highlight some concerns, indicating that Therme's equity appeared low at less than €1 million following application deadlines. The report criticized the redevelopment process as "unfair" and noted that Infrastructure Ontario failed to conduct due diligence regarding the developer’s claims about their portfolio.

Opposition Calls for Action

With the controversy brewing, opposition parties have demanded Ford scrap the deal. NDP Leader Marit Stiles argued, "It’s better to get this over with now and cancel the deal. We've been saying that since day one," while Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie questioned the rationale behind a 95-year lease with a potentially misleading company.

Therme Denies Misrepresentation

In response, Therme Group dismissed the allegations as "simply untrue," asserting a long-standing relationship with Wund companies that facilitated their operations in Bucharest and future projects. Their spokesperson emphasized a collaborative approach in the development of their spa concepts.

What's Next for Ontario Place?

As controversy swirls around the agreement, all eyes are on Ontario Place. Will Ford's administration remain steadfast, or will the outcry force a reconsideration of this colossal project?