Stiles demands Ford cancel shady scheme for subsidized private spa on public parkland

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, the Leader of the Official Opposition and MPP for Davenport, is calling on the Ford Conservatives to cancel their sweetheart deal for a private luxury spa at Ontario Place.

“Ontarians know a bad deal when they see one, and they know when something doesn’t smell right,” Stiles said. “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.”

The Official Opposition NDP will use their legislative ability to move an Opposition Day motion to shed light on this shady scheme and to force the Ford Conservatives to consult meaningfully with Ontarians to come up with a better vision the potential of this public space. Debate on the motion and a vote will take place on the week of May 15.

The Conservatives’ shady scheme involves a 95-year lease of much of a public park to Therme Group and a commitment to spend public money to prepare the site and build an expensive parking complex.

“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.”