Minister's Response — Ontario Place Spa Complex Project

Physical Activities

Therme Canada is proposing to construct and operate the Ontario Place Spa Complex Project, a large commercial spa facility located on West Island, as well as a reception building on the mainland. The spa complex would extend the footprint of West Island by 12 acres as a result of near-shore lake infilling and include a multipurpose bridge connecting the island to the mainland. The project is proposed as part of the overall Ontario Place Redevelopment in Toronto, Ontario.

Decision

The Project does not warrant designation.

Information Considered

In forming my response, I took into account the analyses prepared by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada in its Analysis Report.

Reasons

Pursuant to section 9 of the Impact Assessment Act and section 303 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1., I, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, considered the potential for the Project to cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, direct or incidental adverse effects and public concern related to these effects; adverse impacts on Indigenous Peoples; and whether a means other than an impact assessment exists that would permit a jurisdiction to address the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and the direct or incidental adverse effects. In forming my response, I took into account the analysis prepared by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

I am of the view that the designation of the Project is unwarranted for the following reasons:

• The Project must be carried out in compliance with applicable federal and provincial legislative mechanisms. The requirements under the following legislative mechanisms, and related consultations with potentially impacted Indigenous Peoples, provide a framework to address the aforementioned potential adverse effects and impacts, and concerns raised by Indigenous Peoples and members of the public. These mechanisms include:
  • federal legislation such as the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Species at Risk Act; and
  • provincial legislation such as the Endangered Species Act, 2007, Ontario Heritage Act, Environmental Assessment Act, and Ontario Water Resources Act.