Toronto builds net-zero leisure centre as Ford pushes private waterfront spa

National Observer

6 days ago

As controversy swirls around the Ford government's secretive deal to hand over part of Toronto's public waterfront for a massive private spa, the City of Toronto is moving in a different direction for its own pool.
On Thursday, the city began construction of its first net-zero aquatic and community centre.
The multi-million-dollar publicly funded facility is set to open in 2028. The sprawling, 80,000-square-foot space will feature pools, fitness areas, a classroom for aquatic programs, a walking track, a childcare centre and more community-focused amenities.
Located at Weston Road and Starview Lane in North York, the centre is designed to achieve net-zero emissions through a range of green features, including a fully electric, fossil fuel-free system, high-efficiency insulation, and a ground-source heat pump for heating and cooling.
It will also have solar panels, advanced ventilation and water heat recovery, and a stormwater retention system underneath a permeable parking lot.
Unlike the Ford government's Therme deal — criticized for its lack of public consultation — this project was shaped by three years of community input and is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the city said in a statement.
'We're building more community centres and spaces for families to enjoy,' said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. The new facility 'is a great example of the City's commitment to build stronger neighbourhoods in North York and beyond. And having a net-zero energy facility is something all residents can be proud of.'
Meanwhile, the Ford government's Ontario Place redevelopment — anchored by a 95-year lease agreement with the Austrian resort developer — continues to face strong opposition over the loss of public green space, lack of consultation and secrecy around the deal. The plan includes a massive private spa on Toronto's West Island, replacing a well-used public park and picnic area.
Ontario's Auditor General is currently conducting value-for-money audits of both the Ontario Place redevelopment and the government's decision to relocate the Ontario Science Centre to the same waterfront site. A recent New York Times investigation revealed Therme had vastly overstated its qualifications and experience in running spas during the bidding process.
The Ford government has defended the deal as part of a broader Ontario Place revitalization. But most Torontonians who participated in public consultations opposed the plan. Under Bill 5, the government has exempted itself from notifying the public of any changes to the project — something critics see as another example of using 'special economic zone' powers to sidestep transparency and oversight.
Sarah Buchanan, campaigns director at the Toronto Environmental Alliance, said the new net-zero centre is exactly the kind of infrastructure the city should be building. She called it a true community space — designed not just to meet climate targets, but to bring people together.
'These centres are among the most accessible and affordable spaces in the city,' she told Canada's National Observer. 'I bring my kids to a community centre near me all the time because it's open, affordable and I can't wait until all of them are net-zero.'
With more than three million residents, Toronto's public spaces are under increasing pressure as the population grows.
Buchanan praised the city for leading by example and building a space that is climate-resilient, accessible and designed to last. She said the project reflects a different vision from the Ford government's Therme deal, which she called a missed opportunity to expand accessible public areas for all Torontonians.
'Do we want to build for communities, or do we want to build for private companies?' Buchanan said. 'With this new centre, the city chose the community. At Ontario Place, the province chose a private spa company.'
For Buchanan, the loss of public shoreline access is personal. As a parent, she said it's increasingly difficult to find places in Toronto where children can safely experience nature by the water. 'Frankly, I'm not going to spend hundreds of dollars to take my family to a mega spa.'
Buchanan also stressed the financial case for building net-zero from the start. She said the project aligns with the city's long-term capital plan and emerging standards, like those for t building emissions performance.
Toronto's green standard and other emissions rules are essential tools for creating climate-ready infrastructure citywide, she said. 'These policies mean more Torontonians can benefit from green buildings — not just in North York, but everywhere.'