Adam Vaughan, who previously served as a city councillor and Liberal MP, has taken a new role with the company that’s creating a luxury spa at Ontario Place.
On Monday, it was revealed that Vaughan will be the senior advisor for Therme Canada.
“I grew up loving Lake Ontario and have spent most of my life working to help create a clean, green waterfront for people to live, work, and play,” said Vaughan.
“The Ontario Place we remember used to be such a dynamic attraction. I’m excited about Therme’s vision for the site, and I’m looking forward to bringing new parkland, places to swim, and an amazing accessible urban oasis to the city that’s open to all.”
Vaughan played a key role in developing Canada’s first National Housing Strategy and advocated for the Right to Housing in legislation. Before his federal career, he served two terms on Toronto City Council where he focused on planning and housing policy. Prior to that, he worked as a political reporter for 25 years with CBC, Citytv, and CP24.
“Adam’s leadership experience and strong connection to Toronto’s waterfront make him an ideal addition to our growing team focused on executing against our vision of transforming the West Island of Ontario Place into a year-round destination for fun, wellbeing, and togetherness,” said Gavin Thompson, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs for Therme Canada.
Markings for construction crews are seen at Ontario Place in Toronto on Friday, November 3, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young.
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Vaughan Previously Criticized Ford’s Plans for Ontario Place
Vaughan has openly criticized Premier Doug Ford’s plans regarding Ontario Place. Back in 2019, when he was serving as the Liberal MP for Trinity-Spadina, he spoke out in the House of Commons against Ford’s proposal for the site. Therme Canada’s plan for reimagining Ontario Place features a modern wellness facility that will include indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, a wave pool, botanical gardens, plus areas designated for sports recovery and relaxation. Many groups have voiced concerns about this project due to its potential environmental impact along with worries about cultural heritage preservation and ongoing public access. An Ontario court dismissed a legal request in 2024 calling for an environmental review based on updated laws that no longer mandate such assessments at this location. In response to environmental issues raised by critics, Therme Canada has committed to ecological sustainability measures including planting three trees for every one removed. A report from the auditor general in 2023 indicated that Ontario’s need to provide parking spaces for Therme influenced its choice to move the Ontario Science Centre from east Toronto into the revamped attraction at Ontario Place. The lease states that Ontario has committed 1,600 dedicated parking spaces specifically for Therme while also proposing 2,500 total parking spots around Ontario Place. Some of these spaces will be shared with Live Nation during concerts. Officials have highlighted several advantages of Therme’s project such as contributing $294 million toward Ontario’s GDP along with creating 2,000 jobs during construction and generating $84 million in revenue from rent payments expected between 2034 and 2044. With files from The Canadian PressSource link
