Premier Doug Ford has announced a review of a controversial lease awarded to a European wellness corporation for the development of a spa and water park on Toronto's waterfront, triggered by a recent investigation that raised questions about the company's reported expertise.
Ontario Premier Calls for Investigation Into Controversial Waterfront Lease
Ontario Premier Calls for Investigation Into Controversial Waterfront Lease
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford demands inquiry into a European wellness company's 95-year lease agreement after a troubling report reveals discrepancies in their qualifications.
On April 16, 2025, Premier Ford revealed that his government would scrutinize the lease agreement with Therme, an Austrian firm, following a New York Times exposé that indicated the company exaggerated its operational capacity during the bidding process. The deal, signed last year, grants Therme control over a nearly century-long lease to create an artificial island spa in Lake Ontario, just off downtown Toronto.
The allegations concerning Therme's qualifications have prompted Ford to engage directly with his ministers to explore the accuracy of the contract. “Upon hearing the allegations, I immediately directed my team to investigate,” Ford stated to reporters in Toronto. “I want to ensure that the integrity of this deal is upheld and that we verify all claims made during the bidding process.”
Notably, the New York Times report highlighted that Therme had only one existing wellness facility in Romania but had inaccurately claimed to operate between four to six institutions across Europe in its proposals to Ontario authorities. As of now, the company has not provided a comment regarding these serious claims.
The allegations concerning Therme's qualifications have prompted Ford to engage directly with his ministers to explore the accuracy of the contract. “Upon hearing the allegations, I immediately directed my team to investigate,” Ford stated to reporters in Toronto. “I want to ensure that the integrity of this deal is upheld and that we verify all claims made during the bidding process.”
Notably, the New York Times report highlighted that Therme had only one existing wellness facility in Romania but had inaccurately claimed to operate between four to six institutions across Europe in its proposals to Ontario authorities. As of now, the company has not provided a comment regarding these serious claims.
