Therme Group has unveiled a revised, much smaller and more publicly-accessible version of its controversial planned redevelopment at Ontario Place in Toronto.

Therme said the new vision, which calls for a smaller project, redefines the relationship between people, place, and wellbeing — offering expansive public waterfront access, Indigenous-informed design, and immersive spaces for family-friendly recreation.

“Therme Canada, our partners at the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto, and our consulting partners, have been working for over a year to reach this important milestone and we’re excited to be taking this step forward today with the province,” said Mark Lawson, vice-president of communications and external relations at Therme Canada. “Having signed a long-term ground lease at Ontario Place, we are delivering on our commitment to create an iconic, global attraction along with new privately funded and maintained public space that will allow everyone to enjoy Ontario Place year-round.”

Therme is also partnering on the project with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), STUDIO tla, and Trophic Design.

According to an Urban Toronto report, the new design significantly scales back the updated spa and waterpark complex, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, cutting its footprint roughly in half. The project would now feature two main buildings of seven and nine storeys, the report states.

The revised total built area has been reduced by relocating the parking structure and moving away from a single continuous block in favour of a campus-style layout made up of several smaller, interconnected volumes, according to Urban Toronto.

The $400-million parking structure, to be funded by the province, has drawn criticism. Opponents object to the proposed parkade’s restriction of public access to the Toronto waterfront, high cost to taxpayers and impact on views of Ontario Place, among other reasons.

The Therme project has drawn controversy for replacing large sections of public parkland with a private spa facility and waterpark. In addition to limiting public access to Ontario Place’s West Island, the project represents a shift away from the site’s original public-use mandate, critics argue.

City administrators had raised concerns about the size of project at the provincially-wned site. Questions have also been raised about Therme’s financial wherewithal, as well as the company’s claims about its experience running large spas across the globe.

But Therme maintains that the redevelopment will significantly improve public access to the lake and introduce new amenities that were not previously available, such as swimmable waterfront and expanded gathering areas, according to Urban Toronto.

“Ontario Place has always been a place of connection — to land, to water, and to each other,” said MCFN Chief Claire Sault. “This project is about honouring those connections through design that reflects Indigenous teachings, ecological stewardship, and community use.” 

Rendering: CNW Group/Therme Capital