Following a New York Times investigation revealing discrepancies in a European company's claims during a bidding process for a waterfront development in Toronto, Premier Doug Ford has ordered a government review of the 95-year lease awarded to Therme.
Ontario Premier Calls for Investigation into Controversial Toronto Waterfront Lease
Ontario Premier Calls for Investigation into Controversial Toronto Waterfront Lease
Doug Ford requests a review of a long-term lease for a wellness development after questions about the bidding process arise.
The premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced on Wednesday his directive for a review of a waterfront lease deal signed with Austrian-based wellness company Therme, which has come under scrutiny following a critical investigation by the New York Times. The report uncovered that Therme may have exaggerated its experience in the industry during the bidding process for a significant development project just off the Toronto coast.
The lease, which spans nearly a century, was finalized last year to facilitate the construction of a spa and water park on an artificial island in Lake Ontario. Ford expressed his commitment to ensuring the integrity of state contracts and stated, “When I heard this, this allegation, I went directly to the minister and to the deputy and said, ‘Here, look into this’."
The New York Times investigation highlighted that Therme had only one operational wellness facility in Romania at the time of the bid, despite claiming to manage multiple facilities across Europe. Ford’s remarks underscored a desire for accountability, as he emphasized the need to verify that the terms of the contract align with rightful practices. Meanwhile, the company has yet to comment on the allegations.
The lease, which spans nearly a century, was finalized last year to facilitate the construction of a spa and water park on an artificial island in Lake Ontario. Ford expressed his commitment to ensuring the integrity of state contracts and stated, “When I heard this, this allegation, I went directly to the minister and to the deputy and said, ‘Here, look into this’."
The New York Times investigation highlighted that Therme had only one operational wellness facility in Romania at the time of the bid, despite claiming to manage multiple facilities across Europe. Ford’s remarks underscored a desire for accountability, as he emphasized the need to verify that the terms of the contract align with rightful practices. Meanwhile, the company has yet to comment on the allegations.
