Bruce Van Dieten, a retired activist advocating for public spaces, and Ann-Elizabeth Samson, a futures thinking expert and open water swimmer, delve into the complexities surrounding Ontario Place. They discuss the privatization of cherished public spaces by the Therme Spa company, raising concerns about accessibility, environmental impact, and the commercialization of wellness. The conversation highlights the historical evolution of Ontario Place, critiques the government’s handling of public welfare, and emphasizes the need for community engagement in urban planning.
The privatization of Ontario Place through the Therme Spa lease raises significant concerns about public accessibility and community engagement.
Marketing strategies employed by Therme Spa mask the project's exclusivity by presenting it as a democratic gathering space despite high admission fees.
Community opposition is crucial in resisting the ongoing privatization of public spaces, highlighting the need for better governance and public consultation.
Deep dives
The Rise of Ontario Place and Spa Culture
Ontario Place was established in 1971 as a public space reflecting post-war optimism in Canada, showcasing architectural ingenuity and cultural pride. This facility incorporated features like the first permanent IMAX theater and designed a unique blend of nature and technology on reclaimed land. Spa culture, dating back to ancient civilizations, has played a significant role throughout history as a form of healing and relaxation. The evolution of spas from public soaking places to private wellness retreats highlights a movement towards commodification and access limitations.
The Shift to Privatization and Its Impact
The Ontario government's lease to Therme Spa Company represents a significant shift towards the privatization of public spaces, raising concerns about loss of accessibility and community engagement. This transaction indicates a broader trend where public goods are gradually turned into profit-driven entities, distancing citizens from once accessible communal spaces. The allocation of funds for the project has escalated, with estimates rising from initial projections to over $2 billion, raising questions about financial accountability. The deal minimizes public oversight and suggests a concerning alignment of private interests with governmental policies.
Contentious Marketing and Wellness Claims
Therme Spa Company strategically utilizes wellness language to market their project, promoting it as a democratic gathering space despite its exclusivity. Marketing claims emphasize community connection and the provision of urban amenities, diluting the reality of a private facility that requires admission fees. Although marketed as a space for wellness, the facility's design focuses on entertainment rather than genuine health benefits, with no space allocated for traditional swimming activities. Instead, the proposed facility's setup reflects a commodified version of health benefits that effectively excludes lower-income community members.
Environmental Concerns and Urban Dynamics
The construction of the Therme facility will involve significant environmental changes, including the removal of over 1,500 mature trees, which contradicts urban ecological initiatives aimed at enhancing green spaces. This disturbing trend echoes a broader pattern of urban development that prioritizes commercialization over sustainability, jeopardizing cherished local ecosystems. The issue extends to changing animal dynamics in the area, as the destruction of habitats results in wildlife, such as coyotes, encroaching on urban neighborhoods. The conversation surrounding Ontario Place thus illustrates the conflict between public health, environmental sustainability, and corporate interests.
The Fight for Public Spaces
Opposition to the Therme project has galvanized community voices advocating for the preservation of public spaces and better governance systems. Grassroots movements emphasize the need for public consultation and transparency in decision-making processes, highlighting the importance of community involvement in shaping urban environments. The challenges faced at Ontario Place exemplify a growing resistance against privatization trends that undermine access to communal areas, signaling a critical juncture for civic engagement. This situation serves as a cautionary tale of what can occur when public assets are surrendered to private entities with little accountability.
Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government in Ontario has leased the public space of OP to the Therme Spa company, which promises to bring wellness and democracy to the good citizens of Toronto, for a price.
Bruce Van Dieten and Ann-Elizabeth Samson of Ontario Place for All join Matthew to discuss the history and possible future of Toronto's cherished public space.
Bruce is "a retired busybody with nothing better to do than to lodge burrs under the saddles of politicians who see us as customers instead of citizens and treat us like obstacles."
Ann Elisabeth Samson specializes in equality, innovation, and futures thinking. She founded and ran BabyCenter Canada, and led the launch of the $300M Equality Fund. She is co-chair of Ontario Place for All and as an open water swimmer and rower - loves Lake Ontario.
