Auditor general launching probe into Ontario place, science centre

Ontario’s auditor general will be launching audits into the redevelopment of Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre.

Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government is currently renovating Ontario Place with plans that include moving the science there from its current location in east Toronto and for a waterpark and spa to be added by European company Thereme.

The redevelopment has come under fire from some community groups and members of the public, with a parking garage paid for by the government and the long-term nature of the lease with Therme facing particular criticism.

A spokesperson for the auditor general’s office says that it has not yet determined whether these audits will be released along with the auditor’s annual report, which is generally published in late November or early December.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, says that the work at Ontario Place is well underway and that the process led by nonpartisan officials has been “competitive” and “open”.

Leader of the province’s official opposition Marit Stiles says that Surma cited a “business case” as proof that the decision to move rather than renovate or rebuild the science centre is more cost effective.

However, Surma has refused to publicly release the details of this alleged case.

This report was created with files from The Canadian Press 

READ MORE: Company redesigns proposed Ontario Place waterpark, spa