Conservatives’ Surma is hiding more facts on Ontario Place: NDP

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP critic for Infrastructure Jennifer French (Oshawa), revealed that the Ford Conservatives have not made the annual reports public for Ontario Place since 2018, despite being legally required to do so.  

“Why won’t the Minister come clean about what she knows? We don’t need to privatize to revitalize Ontario Place."

Internal research confirms that Ontario Place Corporation has submitted reports beyond 2018. The annual reports for 2019 and 2020 have been received by the Ministry of Infrastructure but they have not been made public. Ontario Place Corporation - a public entity - is obligated to publish their reports on their website, however, until they are approved by the Ministry, the reports remain confidential. 

QUICK FACTS 

• Media reports have already revealed that Minister Surma was informed by Carmine Nigro, Chair of Ontario Place Corporation, that the site had 2.8 million visitors in 2022 and a record profit. Minister Surma never shared these numbers with the public. Instead, she continues to insist that Ontario Place is not enjoyed by people. 
• Minister Surma often refers to a business case in her pitch to turn Ontario Place into a luxury mega spa and destroy the Ontario Science Centre. This business case has never been shared or seen. Minister Surma refuses to answer about the questionable process that appears to have favoured Therme. 
• Internal research shows that the Ontario Place Corporation’s 2021 report is tentatively scheduled for posting by February 28, 2024. No date has been announced for the 2022 report.