A major step forward has been taken in the revitalization of Toronto’s western waterfront as Therme Canada releases its revised design for a landmark waterpark and wellness facility at Ontario Place. The updated proposal focuses on balancing innovative development with community accessibility and sustainability, while addressing previous concerns about the project’s scale and environmental impact.
The revamped plans now include 16 acres of publicly accessible parkland, complete with walking trails, beaches, cultural gathering spaces, and nature play zones. All of these spaces will be free and open year-round, reaffirming the project's commitment to public use of the Ontario Place lands. This reimagining aligns with city and provincial goals to enhance the vibrancy of Toronto’s waterfront and improve public access to green space.
OCanada.com reports that Therme Canada has significantly reduced the footprint of the proposed development. The building area has been scaled down to 32,600 square metres, representing a 14 per cent reduction from the original plan. Building heights have also been decreased, with the two primary structures now topping out at 43.5 metres and 22.0 metres, reductions of 6 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively.
The core of the development is a state-of-the-art waterpark and wellness centre, set to include:
20 indoor and outdoor water slides
10 pools, ranging from therapeutic to recreational
Thermal bathing zones and social saunas
Relaxation areas inspired by spa traditions from around the world
Botanical gardens and scenic viewing areas
Designed for families, tourists, and wellness enthusiasts alike, the facility will blend entertainment and therapeutic services, creating a space that encourages health and recreation in equal measure. The family-oriented area will feature wave pools, waterslides, multiple food and beverage offerings, and spaces specifically designed for children.
Day passes to access the waterpark and wellness centre will be priced at approximately $40, according to Therme Canada's senior advisor Adam Vaughan. Meanwhile, public access to the surrounding parkland and amenities will remain entirely free.
The updated plan is a collaborative effort involving renowned local and international firms, including:
Diamond Schmitt Architects (Toronto-based design lead)
Therme ARC (Therme’s in-house design team)
STUDIO tla and Trophic Design (landscape architecture and ecological consultants)
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who have been consulted on design and land stewardship
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to heritage, ecology, and inclusion. The park's design is expected to include Indigenous storytelling elements, native plantings, and educational installations that highlight the site’s natural and cultural history.
Therme Canada anticipates that the facility will attract approximately 2.5 million visitors annually, significantly boosting local tourism and contributing to Toronto’s economic vitality. The project will also be a major source of employment, both during and after construction.
Building a facility of this scale will require a large, diverse team of construction professionals. Workers essential to bringing this vision to life will include:
Demolition crews (for preliminary site clearing if needed)
Excavation teams and geotechnical engineers
Concrete workers and form setters for foundations and water containment structures
Structural steel workers for framing and support
Mechanical and HVAC technicians for climate-controlled interiors and water systems
Electricians and low-voltage contractors for lighting, sound, and building controls
Glaziers and facade installers for the facility’s extensive glass and cladding systems
Pool and spa systems specialists
Interior trades, including drywallers, tilers, painters, and carpenters
Landscape architects and horticultural experts for park and green space installation
Health and safety officers to ensure compliance throughout the build
The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs across multiple phases, offering valuable opportunities for union and non-union trades alike.
With plans now approved and refined to reflect community feedback, Therme Canada is set to move forward with one of the most ambitious waterfront revitalization efforts in recent Toronto history. By integrating health, culture, sustainability, and year-round public access, the project seeks to set a new benchmark for urban redevelopment in Canada.
As construction milestones approach, industry professionals and residents alike will watch closely as the new Ontario Place begins to take shape—not just as a leisure destination, but as a cornerstone of community-oriented development.
See previous DataBid Blog titled Revised Plans Submitted for Ontario Place
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - IO/Urbacon Urban Park & Waterfront Trail at Ontario Place Phase II (0004031616)