Adam Vaughan joins Ontario Place spa developer Therme
Former city councillor and ex-MP Adam Vaughan, a longtime critic of Doug Ford’s plans for Toronto’s waterfront, has made a surprising career move by joining Therme Canada, the company behind the development of a luxury spa at Ontario Place. In an interview with CBC News, Vaughan revealed that he has been hired as a senior adviser to Therme, the Austrian company that secured a 95-year lease to build a destination spa and indoor water park on the west island of Ontario Place, a provincially-owned site on the city’s lakeshore.
Vaughan describes his role with Therme as advocating for the project, stating that it is an incredible endeavor that he wholeheartedly supports. Despite his previous criticisms of Ford’s plans for Ontario Place, Vaughan commended the premier for the overall vision, emphasizing the positive impact the spa and water park will have on the city.
In the past, Vaughan had been vocal in his opposition to Ford’s proposals for Ontario Place, accusing the provincial government of putting a “for sale” sign on the site and suggesting plans for a mall or casino on the waterfront. However, Vaughan now sees the project in a different light, highlighting the blend of paid attractions with new green spaces, restored habitat, and accessible beaches that will be created as part of the redevelopment.
The Ontario auditor general’s report raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process for selecting tenants at Ontario Place, including questions about Therme’s credentials and financial structure. Vaughan defended the company, stating that Therme met the criteria set by the government and had the necessary investors to support the project.
Despite the criticisms raised by the auditor general, Vaughan emphasized that there have been extensive public consultations on the Ontario Place redevelopment, with input from the community leading to improvements such as an accessible path to the waterfront, public swimming beaches, and the remediation of contaminated soil on the site.
Therme is investing $500 million in the construction of the spa facility and an additional $200 million in public space surrounding the development. While the business case presented by the province projected significant lease and maintenance payments over the 95-year term, the auditor’s analysis suggested a lower net profit for the province.
Vaughan remains steadfast in his support for the project, emphasizing the positive changes it will bring to Toronto’s waterfront. Despite his past disagreements with Ford, Vaughan believes in supporting good ideas regardless of political differences, underscoring the transformative potential of the Therme Canada spa and water park at Ontario Place.
