Norm Di PasqualeWhat happens if, after a decade business isn’t great for Therme, an Austrian company, at Ontario Place? Will it stick it out in Toronto or will it leave? Will the people of Ontario have a giant, expensive-to-maintain, white elephant spa on their hands? https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/01/14/why-casa-loma-is-a-cautionary-tale-for-doug-fords-ontario-place-plans.html #topoli #onpoli
eyrea 🇨🇦@normsworld It'll be like the SkyDome. Some other corporation will buy it for much less money than the original cost, and it'll gradually become less and less publicly accessible.
GGWhat if Ford's endgame is not a spa, but a casino ?? 🙄
Apparently, the #OntarioPlace Therme Spa is ambitiously planning for visitation numbers as high as 15,000 guests per day, with a yearly target of 5 million visitors.
The #Toronto concept mirrors their Bucharest location. However, the Romanian spa is located on the outskirts near the airport.
https://europespa.eu/certified-spas/detail/resort/therme-bucuresti/
@gemelliz @normsworld To me, it doesn't matter if it's a spa or a casino. The point is, the space is going from a family-oriented park with educational exhibits and art venues to a privatised space with far fewer reasons to visit. Spa, casino, supermarket... it doesn't matter.
Agree! And besides aren't spas and casinos purposely designed as indoor, windowless, climate controlled venues to reduce distractions and remove you from reality as you relax and indulge?
Using public parkland for a private venue is maddening enough. But clients of this spa (or casino) are probably not choosing that venue to enjoy the lake breezes and waterfront views.