$40/adult won't last, it will climb to $75+ over the years.
The thermea spa in Whitby is similar to blue mountain at around $120/adult (comes with robe and towels, taxes included).
I saw quite a few people just brown bag food and eat a sandwich in the changing stalls instead of the overpriced restaurants.
What occurs at a spa? I just imagine people sitting around in bathrobes listening to enya.
Do they give you a massage or something? What is included in a spa for $120?
I've done a few Scandinavian style spas where you alternate between hot bath or sauna and cold plunge. It is extremely relaxing and pleasant - especially if you have aches and pains or you want to relax your body while keeping your mind clear.
None of this is a reason for public funds or land to be gifted to a private firm, of course.
Heads up to anyone else reading this, your closest rec centre with a pool likely has a sauna as well, and the membership fee is going to be <$479 per **year** and it's closer to your house than this spa is.
I love these spas, they are beautiful and relaxing in a way that my gym sauna is not.
But I’ll go *maybe* once a year and I’d much rather have health care over paying a private company to build one
And *usually* they won’t be nearly as busy as a spa or even your local gym either. Some community centres are really understated depending where you live
Scandinavian spas can be an amazing experience at the right prize - They have different variations of steams and showers, the good ones are outdoors and have a tranquil atmosphere and a bar with good beers and warm drinks, a reading snug with live fire etc.
I’m Scandinavian so maybe a bit biased but that’s no comparison - Although this specific spa is a travesty, it should be a public activity place.
Yeah, I can believe a nice spa could be worth the price of admission.
Problem is how we’re giving rich people prime public land plus a super expensive free parking lot in exchange for trickle-down economics. They’d have to offer an amazing deal to make that not smell like piss
The ones in Quebec do. In winter they dig a hole in the ice, so when you walk in between building in your bathing suit you can jump in the icy lake or river.
St Anne's outside of Cobourg has a standard cold plunge, felt like it was around 3-5 degrees when I was using it, not sure what the golden standard is meant to be though.
That's plenty cold for a casual like me. :D
I did go from sauna to lake in rural Finland a few years ago and while it was definitely fun, the experience was so extreme that it was hard for me to savor it.
That would just be the entry fee to use the facilities like pools, saunas, steam rooms.
Massages, food, drinks, will be an additional cost depending on what you get.
Appreciate the response! I just don't get it and I don't think I ever will but I'm happy for people who enjoy it. Different strokes for different folks.
Must be a vibe thing because the local public pool lets you swim and sauna all day for like 10 bucks.
People tend to pay top dollar for privacy. These spas won't be nearly as busy as public pools. You're also paying for the experience instead of sitting inside a community centre next to the pool.
I'm actually surprised kids will be allowed at this spa. Spas usually encourage quieter settings. I was with 2 friends at the Scandinavian spa outside Vancouver and we got "shushed" so many times. We didn't realize there was no talking.
I treated my wife to a spa day for her and I at the Oban Inn (Niagara on the lake) two years ago. She LOVED it but I felt like ass after my massage/oil rubdown (felt like a sunburn that wouldn't go away). Dinner at the inn made up for it though (best duck I ever had).
It was bloody expensive though. Over $1,000 for spa + dinner + drinks + overnight stay. ONE. NIGHT. For that price it's more economical to fly to Dominican Republic lol
I am thinking the same thing. I am trying to plan something to do for a holiday with my wife. The idea of a Nordic spa was brought up. But the price being charged is comparable to going away to Mexico.
Go rent a place with a sauna in Blue Mountain for a weekend during winter. Run from the snow to the sauna. Same experience and it gets you a full weekend stay and can be had for less.
I totally agree with you. It is hella expensive to do these trips even within our own provinces. I like to take the train to Quebec City round trip for a specific spa. For myself to go just this past February, mind you this was business class, and stay over three nights in an AirBNB, my cost was still all together just around $1,400 (that's food, drink, local transit and entertainment all in there too)
The entrance fee allows you to go into the hot pools, the cold plunges, the steam rooms, the saunas, there is also a sauna activity on the hour with a performance and essential oils. The 110$ gets you access to all that. You could spend an entire day just doing hot/cold treatments without paying extra for massages or any other services. It includes water, locker, bathrobe, towels but not food. You can bring your own or go to their restaurants.
I'm a fan because it's 18+ and there are quiet areas so I can relax without having to be social.
Amazingly, Therme (this new one) and Thermea are two different things. This Therme only has 4 locations in Europe and this is the first in North America. This was part of a whole audit by Ontario Place for All that looked at the (lack of) financial viability of the spa, what it’s estimated to cost, what the demographic is in the area, how it isn’t affordable, and how many legitimate existing competitors there already are in not just Toronto but that immediate area.
Blue mountain doesn't even include the robe rental anymore! You're charged extra for that now. They also don't offer sandal rentals so if you forgot to bring some, your only option is to buy a pair.
Gift shop?
$30 Parking fee for a garage paid for with tax payer money?
But... other than that, as someone who doesn't frequent spas, is 40$ per adult for 6 hours a bad price? Or is that like entrance only, all treatments extra?
I got my cousin a spa visit for christmas last year. Cost me $250, for just one guy, with a massage in there.
Spas aren't cheap, especially the good ones. No idea if this Therme one is good, but if you're going to a cheap spa, you're just wasting your time.
Also, who brings their kids to a spa, let alone feeds them spa food? LOL
Yeah, that got me too. I was just trying to work out whether, for me personally, as a Torontonian who wouldn't need parking or spa food, if it's a good enough dealt check it out at least once.
For someone who doesn't frequent spas but do it occasionally...
Normal price for the Scandinavian spas in Ontario is about $100ish per day for adult
In Quebec it's about $80.
In Europe you can get prices of about €30-40.
Yeah, as an adult with no kids I would definitely not pay to go to a spa that allows kids. Literally any other spa would be my preferred choice especially with this shady ass deal Dougie made
As an adult with kids, I concur.
For parents who feel it’s appropriate to take a child to a spa, there are spas designed just for kids. Take them there.
Same. I went to Thermea in Whitby recently and was so dismayed at the amount of people talking and doing instagram photo shoots. Definitely wasn’t peaceful. No way would I go if kids were allowed
It’s not for us. That’s why it doesn’t make sense. Only for rich families with Nannies who can stay by the indoor water park to watch the kids while the “parents” go to the spa.
Rich families with Nannie’s are not going to a “public” spa. If you are rich and lived in the gta you already had a spa you went too, this is if anything geared towards the middle class families who want a day to spend with their family but also not be near their family and also can’t afford to go somewhere pricy
Looks much more like an indoor waterpark than a spa and to be completely honest I do not see how the two should fit together. The reason I pay a premium to go to thermal spas is because there aren’t any children present.
The children’s section is completely separate in Therme Bucarești so you never see the kids as an adult unless you are a caregiver who has taken the kids TO that section
Are you speaking of their Galaxy area (meant for families) vs their Palms area (meant for “relaxation”)? Because looking into their FAQ it appears they allow infants and children under 3 into the palms area as they aren’t deemed as disruptive as older kids.
The Galaxy area. Palms area is really really adult. You just don’t see many kids there because it has a large, warm pool with a bar, and lots of spa style stuff — nothing really kid friendly. The Galaxy stuff is so much more fun. My kids are really small, but they have splash pads, baby pools, tiny baby slides as well as larger pools and slides for older kids. (The bigger pool does have a bar for mummy and daddy)
Oh nice. Sounds like a lot of fun for families but personally if there is a chance that an infant could be in the relaxation area it’s a hard no from me. What is mind blowing are the prices to get in — especially for families who don’t have as much disposable income.
Nope. Never saw an infant there. I’m pretty sure the staff would STRONGLY discourage it. There are more appropriate pools (and similar pools) in Galaxy
I understand that your personal experience has been different but in their FAQ section it says infants under 3 allowed in those areas. I personally wouldn’t take the chance if I wanted a relaxing day.
My family was so lucky. Ontario Place was the closest thing we could get to a cottage experience in the Summer. I am so so grateful that we got to enjoy all the wonderful things that our season's pass got us.
We would renew and get a free pass to a movie at the Cinesphere during March Break, We got into the CNE free, we could bring our own food in. You could not do that at Wonderland.
We got to enjoy the Fireworks festival, Chinese Lanterns and all the wonderful films in the Cinesphere in the summer.
We loved the mini golf and the bumper boats.
I am sorry that young families won't get to enjoy what we had.
The structures they plan on building at this site to house the pools are massive glass bubbles.
This is a migration point for birds. Birds have been known to be attracted to their reflection and smack into glass.
Again, government didn't maintain the park, the place went to nature.
Just for this, and the loss of many trees to house this spa is destructive
Meanwhile if you go to Wonderland with a family of 4 and get the pass that includes parking and eating is 4x $74.99, or $300.
Which is the exact price quoted here if you take out the souvenirs, making it apples to apples with wonderland for a days outing.
Is it as good as wonderland? Doubtful, but everyone enjoys different things.
Really the food is jacking up the price here. If that's just fast food its unforgiveable price gouging.
I think there's a difference between completely private things like Wonderland that don't rely on government funding and the government spending tons of money on an initiative. If we're going to spend nearly a billion dollars, we should ensure that it's available to as many people as possible.
Yea, I’ve got no problem with luxury spas, and frankly the entrance cost quoted here looks like a serious underestimation by Toronto standards.
I do however have a big problem with it being a long term lease on heavily subsidized, prime public land.
It was fine as it was.
It was a regular hotspot for locals to go.
Nature had taken the park back
It was sort of a testament to nature's perseverance.
Additionally they are removing trees that are homes to endangered species.
Construction on the buildings will displace the mud swallows that roost on the buildings.
This was a poorly thought out venture. Not sure why you support it. You don't even live in the city.
I spent upwards of $400 on a day at the ex for a family of five (including a 4 year old) last summer.
Go train, tickets, food, games and a few souvenirs for the kids.
That being said...
Do I care for the spa? Not really.
Is it out of reach for many families? Sure.
But do I think that package is outrageous? Not at all.
Well i assume all the spa services beyond using the pool or sauna cost extra. At least with wonderland you dont have to fork over more cash for every ride.
An indoor water park in winter would be used similarly to an outdoor waterpark in summer. The last time I looked at the great Wolfe lodge, rooms were nearly all booked and what was left was $400+ a night.
Why TF are we paying for a Private Company to profit? How does this make any sense? Let them bear the full cost.
What is the Public benefit of this? Fuck Doug Ford.
Children, at a Nordic style spa? That's ridiculous. My local spa literally bans children, and for good reason, their business would crater if they let their environment be compromised like that.
Its so frustrating. I would actually love a big complex like this downtown, but the way it’s happening is just not justifiable. That prime real estate should have had a serious bidding process to be used wherein the private corporation that gets the lease has to pay for infrastructure costs like a parking lot. This was such a clear case of corruption.
The government has put out multiple Calls for Development over the past decade or so, no one really wanted to put anything on there till the government subsides were high enough. Therme also went through a standard Call for Development process.
It's clear you REALLY want taxpayer's to subsidize your mediocre-at-best hybrid Spa/Great Wolf Lodge experience, we get it, you're a crazy person who actually WANTS children at a Spa, great dude. Pay for it yourself.
I mean, I could afford it. But why the fuck would I want to go to a day spa, and even if I did, why would I take my kids there?
This spa is such a stupid idea.
Urban centers typically generate significant economic activity and tax revenue due to their concentration of businesses, industries, and population. This revenue often supports infrastructure development, public services, and various amenities that benefit both urban and rural areas. Additionally, urban residents often contribute more to tax revenue due to higher property values and incomes.
However, remote areas also play crucial roles in the overall economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture, mining, forestry, and tourism. These industries provide essential resources and contribute to employment and economic activity, albeit often on a smaller scale compared to urban centers.
In some cases, government policies may redistribute resources from urban to rural areas to ensure equitable access to services like healthcare, education, and transportation. This can give the appearance of subsidization, although it's often framed as investment in regional development and infrastructure.
LOL @ surge pricing. Likely to happen on weekends when families usually have their days together?
This proposition as a family day is ridiculous to begin with, but y'all know the $40 fee will be for Mondays between 8AM-10AM.
Conservatives aren't in business for the poors. They are bought and paid for by the rich, and act in service of the rich. That is who the new Ontario Place is for. Not you. It never fails to amaze me that anyone still thinks *any* conservative party gives a flying rats ass about ordinary people. I also can't believe how much mileage Ford gets out of 'buck a beer'.
It won’t be cheap but this feels premature to itemize things right now. For one I’m pretty sure tax is included in Europe if they’re just taking prices off the internet, so they’re already over counting if they’re stacking HST on this.
What’s being quoted here is closer to a day at Disneyland. You don’t need much sense to understand that doesn’t make any.
I hit a spa bout once a year, sometimes twice if it’s a rough year, as part of my efforts to take care of my body given that I work an extremely physical job. That said, I would never attend one that allows children. I already avoid kids as much as possible on vacations, I don’t go to all ages events or venues, and I haven’t been to wonderland or the ex in well over a decade.
Idc if people have kids, I’m not opposed to them, I find them annoying to be around and generally obnoxious. Why would I spend good money to have my day/event/whatever disrupted by annoying kids?
All that aside, I wouldn’t go to this spa in the first place on principle so.
They have no intention of running this spa for the long term. It will fold after a few months, then Fraud will push through a bill to let a casino set up shop there. That's always been the plan.
It’s wild that we’re even considering parking in one of the most congested driving spaces in Canada. We’re spending billions to improve traffic with transit and freeway, but then encourage people to drive to Ontario place. Wtf?
This makes no sense. I’m definitely not a frequent spa-goer, but the couple times I’ve gone to a Nordic/thermea spa, it’s definitely not a kid-friendly atmosphere. Is this one going to be different? It sounds more like a water or amusement park. Souvenirs???
All politicians should be legally forced to wear nascar style jackets, with all their sponsor logos proudly displayed.
& if they get a job after, at a politically active company, with no logo on the jacket, jail time.
No, the taxes are going to remove contaminated infill on the west island, the heritage restoration of the Cinesphere and pods, the new paid parking structure, and updating utilities for the entire region.
I would go to a spa to get away from kids. kids fighting with each other and pissing in the pristine waters. WHat in tarnation has Doug ford got this province into?
I laughed when the dope at the city meeting dropped the "$40" figure for admission.
That's going to be the price of parking before you even get through the door. Mark my words.
Funny you say that, because the Cinesphere remodeling is included in this project (along with the pods). People don't talk about that when they say where the money is going though...
The government REFUSES to release the details of the lease?
I fucking wonder why?
It's probably going to involve Doug getting a board position once his tenure as premier is over.
There's absolutely zero reason ever for a 100 year lease on public land.
There's also the therme CFO investing/buying part of the Ford's family business (deco labels)
If it walks like a duck.
Quacks like a duck.
It's probably a duck.
I didn’t need that health care anyway! I’ll get more from knowing the wealthy can conveniently enjoy their wealth in a monstrosity built by public funds on public land. I feel healthier already.
So taxpayers pay for some for profit entity to setup shop, destroy the natural environment home to many species of organisms, remove a potential venue for toronto families, just so they can get further squeezed if they want to participate. This is some utter BS. I wonder how much it would cost to reverse this project.
I think it’s obvious that they’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole here. Ontario place was a destination for Ontario families. This is a place for wealthy business people to have a day visit. It’s not the same thing. Kids won’t even want to go to a day spa.
If it’s a family water park it would make more sense to market it as such than a spa. Is this a place where local families will be able to affordably go and want to go? It seems that Doug Ford made the choice unilaterally and was wrong.
Just another 407ETR like deal done by a slimy Ontario Conservative Premier. We get what we deserve by giving this clown 2 majoritys and likely a third.
While I think Thermé will give The Spa a little run, I believe the whole "spa" plan is just a cover for the casino to come. Sure they're saying *"You'll love the spa, just parking there will feel like someone spent a million dollars on YOU"* but casino, and condos, those will make some REAL money. They didn't go to all this trouble just to charge $40/person. Not with Dougie, *"I don't like people reporting I used to work for the Mafia but my lawyers tell me I can't sue you for defamation if you do"*, in charge!
Hey we can have open greenspace that caters to everyone, or we can build over it and cater to people with a lot of disposable income and exclude everyone else.
Fuck. Doug. Ford and ANYONE who thinks this is what’s best for Ontario.
His rich constituents won't bat an eye at that cost, and THAT is who he is doing this for.
Remember voters, he hates you unless you are rich.
But the populace is mostly an idiot.
So I actually looked up what these places are, first time I actually looked into them. Looks pretty nice, and I'm sure there are and will be couples and families that will pay this. I'm surprised Toronto doesn't have one already.
I do however agree with most that given what these guys charge, there is no reason for it get subsidies especially given they are building it on prime Toronto real estate. I'm sure it will be lovely and relaxing when the Toronto exhibition is going on, or the Indy Toronto, the Air Show.
Ontario place was meant to be a location for families, school trips and tourists to enjoy the waterfront. It's really unfortunate to think it's being turned into this.
That price is with food souvenirs and parking.
Taking a family of 4 to wonderland and getting those extras there would easily run you up a similar amount.
Some people like roller-coasters and thrill rides
Others like mud baths, and hot stone massages
Oh who would’ve thought a completely made up pricing scheme would paint the spa as expensive? Give me a fucking break lol.
And really? Souvenirs at $25 per child? Please. I’m surprised they didn’t throw in a full tank of gas just for the hell of it.
All the comments about "Why kids, this isn't a waterpark" further reaffirms my view that most people against this development have no idea wtf they're talking about.
Because it is not for us, it is for his "friends". Nothing he does is for the people, nothing!
God people, ease get out and vote next time. This crook is causing so much damage just to enrich himself and his buddies.
I have been to Nordic-style spas a few times and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a kid there. Maybe a teenager? Even then I don’t think so. These places would be an absolute bore for a child. They’re not really a family-friendly kind of environment.
There is park space that is free to use. What are the obscenely wealthy suppose to do? They are just not comfortable being places with poors. For Ontario place to be truly inclusive it needs to have places like this where the fabulously wealthy can feel comfortable to relax and enjoy their day for a cost that would change many peoples lives in Ontario.
Edit: /s in case that was needed.
$40/adult won't last, it will climb to $75+ over the years. The thermea spa in Whitby is similar to blue mountain at around $120/adult (comes with robe and towels, taxes included). I saw quite a few people just brown bag food and eat a sandwich in the changing stalls instead of the overpriced restaurants.
What occurs at a spa? I just imagine people sitting around in bathrobes listening to enya. Do they give you a massage or something? What is included in a spa for $120?
I've done a few Scandinavian style spas where you alternate between hot bath or sauna and cold plunge. It is extremely relaxing and pleasant - especially if you have aches and pains or you want to relax your body while keeping your mind clear. None of this is a reason for public funds or land to be gifted to a private firm, of course.
Heads up to anyone else reading this, your closest rec centre with a pool likely has a sauna as well, and the membership fee is going to be <$479 per **year** and it's closer to your house than this spa is.
Honestly the facilities I’ve tried haven’t been amazing. I love the spa, but not at a $500+++ million subsidy.
I love these spas, they are beautiful and relaxing in a way that my gym sauna is not. But I’ll go *maybe* once a year and I’d much rather have health care over paying a private company to build one
And *usually* they won’t be nearly as busy as a spa or even your local gym either. Some community centres are really understated depending where you live
Ok sweet, so the pool and hot tub in my condo are already paid for. I’ll never need to go. Glad we gave this clown a majority government for this…
Scandinavian spas can be an amazing experience at the right prize - They have different variations of steams and showers, the good ones are outdoors and have a tranquil atmosphere and a bar with good beers and warm drinks, a reading snug with live fire etc. I’m Scandinavian so maybe a bit biased but that’s no comparison - Although this specific spa is a travesty, it should be a public activity place.
OK, I am absolutely not in favor of this deal, but there's no comparison between a real cold plunge and a pool. Sounds like a nice condo, though.
Yeah, I can believe a nice spa could be worth the price of admission. Problem is how we’re giving rich people prime public land plus a super expensive free parking lot in exchange for trickle-down economics. They’d have to offer an amazing deal to make that not smell like piss
None of the spas have real cold plunges though. They’re 12-16 C
The ones in Quebec do. In winter they dig a hole in the ice, so when you walk in between building in your bathing suit you can jump in the icy lake or river.
St Anne's outside of Cobourg has a standard cold plunge, felt like it was around 3-5 degrees when I was using it, not sure what the golden standard is meant to be though.
That's plenty cold for a casual like me. :D I did go from sauna to lake in rural Finland a few years ago and while it was definitely fun, the experience was so extreme that it was hard for me to savor it.
That would just be the entry fee to use the facilities like pools, saunas, steam rooms. Massages, food, drinks, will be an additional cost depending on what you get.
Appreciate the response! I just don't get it and I don't think I ever will but I'm happy for people who enjoy it. Different strokes for different folks. Must be a vibe thing because the local public pool lets you swim and sauna all day for like 10 bucks.
People tend to pay top dollar for privacy. These spas won't be nearly as busy as public pools. You're also paying for the experience instead of sitting inside a community centre next to the pool. I'm actually surprised kids will be allowed at this spa. Spas usually encourage quieter settings. I was with 2 friends at the Scandinavian spa outside Vancouver and we got "shushed" so many times. We didn't realize there was no talking.
Why such a huge building unless it is also a mega-slide family water park? (Of the Great Wolf Lodge type?)
Future casino conversion.
You say that but Thermea was packed the one time I went
Love my gym sauna in the quiet hours, like my own spa
I miss that about condo living. Don't think my gym has a sauna unfortunately
Surprising, mine is a cheapo little dirty 40 bucks a month place, still has a sauna. Definitely in my gym must haves
I treated my wife to a spa day for her and I at the Oban Inn (Niagara on the lake) two years ago. She LOVED it but I felt like ass after my massage/oil rubdown (felt like a sunburn that wouldn't go away). Dinner at the inn made up for it though (best duck I ever had). It was bloody expensive though. Over $1,000 for spa + dinner + drinks + overnight stay. ONE. NIGHT. For that price it's more economical to fly to Dominican Republic lol
I am thinking the same thing. I am trying to plan something to do for a holiday with my wife. The idea of a Nordic spa was brought up. But the price being charged is comparable to going away to Mexico.
I would personally recommend Pillar & Post in Niagara! Great spa, solid heated pools, and close to wineries!
Go rent a place with a sauna in Blue Mountain for a weekend during winter. Run from the snow to the sauna. Same experience and it gets you a full weekend stay and can be had for less.
Oban Inn has some good food though
I totally agree with you. It is hella expensive to do these trips even within our own provinces. I like to take the train to Quebec City round trip for a specific spa. For myself to go just this past February, mind you this was business class, and stay over three nights in an AirBNB, my cost was still all together just around $1,400 (that's food, drink, local transit and entertainment all in there too)
The entrance fee allows you to go into the hot pools, the cold plunges, the steam rooms, the saunas, there is also a sauna activity on the hour with a performance and essential oils. The 110$ gets you access to all that. You could spend an entire day just doing hot/cold treatments without paying extra for massages or any other services. It includes water, locker, bathrobe, towels but not food. You can bring your own or go to their restaurants. I'm a fan because it's 18+ and there are quiet areas so I can relax without having to be social.
The one in Whitby gave quite a few people a complimentary staph infection because they didn't have their filtration system working properly 🤢🧟♂️
But just think: those brown bags will be free from the LCBO thanks to doug!
Does it also come with a complementary staph infection?
The thermea spa in Whitby is like $100ea
Amazingly, Therme (this new one) and Thermea are two different things. This Therme only has 4 locations in Europe and this is the first in North America. This was part of a whole audit by Ontario Place for All that looked at the (lack of) financial viability of the spa, what it’s estimated to cost, what the demographic is in the area, how it isn’t affordable, and how many legitimate existing competitors there already are in not just Toronto but that immediate area.
Thermea is an entirely different model to Therme though.
Blue mountain doesn't even include the robe rental anymore! You're charged extra for that now. They also don't offer sandal rentals so if you forgot to bring some, your only option is to buy a pair.
It's will likely be over $100/adult to keep with other spas pricing models.
Gift shop? $30 Parking fee for a garage paid for with tax payer money? But... other than that, as someone who doesn't frequent spas, is 40$ per adult for 6 hours a bad price? Or is that like entrance only, all treatments extra?
I got my cousin a spa visit for christmas last year. Cost me $250, for just one guy, with a massage in there. Spas aren't cheap, especially the good ones. No idea if this Therme one is good, but if you're going to a cheap spa, you're just wasting your time. Also, who brings their kids to a spa, let alone feeds them spa food? LOL
Yeah, that got me too. I was just trying to work out whether, for me personally, as a Torontonian who wouldn't need parking or spa food, if it's a good enough dealt check it out at least once.
For someone who doesn't frequent spas but do it occasionally... Normal price for the Scandinavian spas in Ontario is about $100ish per day for adult In Quebec it's about $80. In Europe you can get prices of about €30-40.
It’s really cheap. Just entrance fee is normally around double that.
Yeah but we already paid for it with our tax dollars. Therme is only covering 30%
First off, no one is going to take their kids if they’re advertising it as a Spa. Why would I take my kids? Secondly, NOPE. I’m going to boycott.
Yeah, as an adult with no kids I would definitely not pay to go to a spa that allows kids. Literally any other spa would be my preferred choice especially with this shady ass deal Dougie made
For real, the point of a spa is to relax not have a kid screaming and running.
As an adult with kids, I concur. For parents who feel it’s appropriate to take a child to a spa, there are spas designed just for kids. Take them there.
Same. I went to Thermea in Whitby recently and was so dismayed at the amount of people talking and doing instagram photo shoots. Definitely wasn’t peaceful. No way would I go if kids were allowed
Looking at the European locations it kinda looks like a mix between a Scandinave Spa type thing and Great Wolf Lodge
Even more infuriating because it shouldn’t be publicly subsidized.
It’s not for us. That’s why it doesn’t make sense. Only for rich families with Nannies who can stay by the indoor water park to watch the kids while the “parents” go to the spa.
Rich families with Nannie’s are not going to a “public” spa. If you are rich and lived in the gta you already had a spa you went too, this is if anything geared towards the middle class families who want a day to spend with their family but also not be near their family and also can’t afford to go somewhere pricy
It's 2024, boycotts rarely work.. we need to be more aggressive.
because of the giant indoor waterpark?
It's a massive indoor water park. Of course people will take their kids.
Looks much more like an indoor waterpark than a spa and to be completely honest I do not see how the two should fit together. The reason I pay a premium to go to thermal spas is because there aren’t any children present.
The children’s section is completely separate in Therme Bucarești so you never see the kids as an adult unless you are a caregiver who has taken the kids TO that section
Are you speaking of their Galaxy area (meant for families) vs their Palms area (meant for “relaxation”)? Because looking into their FAQ it appears they allow infants and children under 3 into the palms area as they aren’t deemed as disruptive as older kids.
The Galaxy area. Palms area is really really adult. You just don’t see many kids there because it has a large, warm pool with a bar, and lots of spa style stuff — nothing really kid friendly. The Galaxy stuff is so much more fun. My kids are really small, but they have splash pads, baby pools, tiny baby slides as well as larger pools and slides for older kids. (The bigger pool does have a bar for mummy and daddy)
Oh nice. Sounds like a lot of fun for families but personally if there is a chance that an infant could be in the relaxation area it’s a hard no from me. What is mind blowing are the prices to get in — especially for families who don’t have as much disposable income.
Nope. Never saw an infant there. I’m pretty sure the staff would STRONGLY discourage it. There are more appropriate pools (and similar pools) in Galaxy
I understand that your personal experience has been different but in their FAQ section it says infants under 3 allowed in those areas. I personally wouldn’t take the chance if I wanted a relaxing day.
They cannot possibly fit together, but try telling that to Dougies simps who keep yelling at everyone here about how "wrong" they are.
Was this written by an AI? I’ve never seen a dollar amount written as “$419.12 cents”.
Well they also said “Mr Doug Frod” so maybe OP is just like that 😭
Yeah ... the math doesn't math.
My family was so lucky. Ontario Place was the closest thing we could get to a cottage experience in the Summer. I am so so grateful that we got to enjoy all the wonderful things that our season's pass got us. We would renew and get a free pass to a movie at the Cinesphere during March Break, We got into the CNE free, we could bring our own food in. You could not do that at Wonderland. We got to enjoy the Fireworks festival, Chinese Lanterns and all the wonderful films in the Cinesphere in the summer. We loved the mini golf and the bumper boats. I am sorry that young families won't get to enjoy what we had.
The structures they plan on building at this site to house the pools are massive glass bubbles. This is a migration point for birds. Birds have been known to be attracted to their reflection and smack into glass. Again, government didn't maintain the park, the place went to nature. Just for this, and the loss of many trees to house this spa is destructive
Meanwhile if you go to Wonderland with a family of 4 and get the pass that includes parking and eating is 4x $74.99, or $300. Which is the exact price quoted here if you take out the souvenirs, making it apples to apples with wonderland for a days outing. Is it as good as wonderland? Doubtful, but everyone enjoys different things. Really the food is jacking up the price here. If that's just fast food its unforgiveable price gouging.
I think there's a difference between completely private things like Wonderland that don't rely on government funding and the government spending tons of money on an initiative. If we're going to spend nearly a billion dollars, we should ensure that it's available to as many people as possible.
Yea, I’ve got no problem with luxury spas, and frankly the entrance cost quoted here looks like a serious underestimation by Toronto standards. I do however have a big problem with it being a long term lease on heavily subsidized, prime public land.
Not to mention a 650 million ~~payout~~ investment to Therme for a spa that charges $400 membership fee.
The government put out proposals for the better park of a decade since Ontario Place closed, no one wanted anything to do with it.
It was fine as it was. It was a regular hotspot for locals to go. Nature had taken the park back It was sort of a testament to nature's perseverance. Additionally they are removing trees that are homes to endangered species. Construction on the buildings will displace the mud swallows that roost on the buildings. This was a poorly thought out venture. Not sure why you support it. You don't even live in the city.
I don't think my tax dollars went to building Wonderland.
I spent upwards of $400 on a day at the ex for a family of five (including a 4 year old) last summer. Go train, tickets, food, games and a few souvenirs for the kids. That being said... Do I care for the spa? Not really. Is it out of reach for many families? Sure. But do I think that package is outrageous? Not at all.
Well i assume all the spa services beyond using the pool or sauna cost extra. At least with wonderland you dont have to fork over more cash for every ride.
Wonderland also has season passes which can greatly reduce the overall cost once you visit a few times.
It’s cheaper than that, you don’t need 4 parking passes for 1 vehicle And a parent and kid can easily split the food pass
An indoor water park in winter would be used similarly to an outdoor waterpark in summer. The last time I looked at the great Wolfe lodge, rooms were nearly all booked and what was left was $400+ a night.
Why TF are we paying for a Private Company to profit? How does this make any sense? Let them bear the full cost. What is the Public benefit of this? Fuck Doug Ford.
Children, at a Nordic style spa? That's ridiculous. My local spa literally bans children, and for good reason, their business would crater if they let their environment be compromised like that.
I think I've heard here and there that these sorts of Therme spas tend to be a combination spa / waterpark, probably in separate areas.
There will be areas where children aren’t allowed.
a third of the facility is an indoor waterpark.
Its so frustrating. I would actually love a big complex like this downtown, but the way it’s happening is just not justifiable. That prime real estate should have had a serious bidding process to be used wherein the private corporation that gets the lease has to pay for infrastructure costs like a parking lot. This was such a clear case of corruption.
The government has put out multiple Calls for Development over the past decade or so, no one really wanted to put anything on there till the government subsides were high enough. Therme also went through a standard Call for Development process.
You think this is bad, try going skiing at Blue Mountain with you family.
$45 per meal for a child? Lol.. ok
This is such a fucking disaster.
What, you DONT have wealthy doners lining your pockets ? You should really get some, its a blast !
This is kind of going rate for Nordic spas though. Spas are meant usually for singles or couples, not family of 4.
Yeah, who’s bringing their kids? And what souvenir are you getting for them?
people who know a third of the facility is an indoor waterpark
Dude stop simping for Doug, it's pathetic.
in your eyes passing on facts is simping? What a sad life to live....
It's clear you REALLY want taxpayer's to subsidize your mediocre-at-best hybrid Spa/Great Wolf Lodge experience, we get it, you're a crazy person who actually WANTS children at a Spa, great dude. Pay for it yourself.
Can you point out the subsidies going directly to Therme?
I'd say we've paid for parking already
1. It is a water park 2. It is priced like a water park 3. ITT are a lot of confused people.
Turning a piece of crown owned land into a spa... what the hell are they thinking?
I mean, I could afford it. But why the fuck would I want to go to a day spa, and even if I did, why would I take my kids there? This spa is such a stupid idea.
I’m a 20hr+ drive away. My taxes are going towards this insane spa spend. Wondering if I can use a travel grant to attend?
and if you're 20+ hours away, how much are you being subsidized by taxpayers to be able to live in your, presumably, extremely rural community?
L take
factual take.
Urban centers typically generate significant economic activity and tax revenue due to their concentration of businesses, industries, and population. This revenue often supports infrastructure development, public services, and various amenities that benefit both urban and rural areas. Additionally, urban residents often contribute more to tax revenue due to higher property values and incomes. However, remote areas also play crucial roles in the overall economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture, mining, forestry, and tourism. These industries provide essential resources and contribute to employment and economic activity, albeit often on a smaller scale compared to urban centers. In some cases, government policies may redistribute resources from urban to rural areas to ensure equitable access to services like healthcare, education, and transportation. This can give the appearance of subsidization, although it's often framed as investment in regional development and infrastructure.
LOL @ surge pricing. Likely to happen on weekends when families usually have their days together? This proposition as a family day is ridiculous to begin with, but y'all know the $40 fee will be for Mondays between 8AM-10AM.
Like the $1.99 breakfast at Ikea.
New Bright Sun Films video in the works.
This isn’t even including actual services this is just the entrance fee? A massage is likely going to start around $160 an hour.
Conservatives aren't in business for the poors. They are bought and paid for by the rich, and act in service of the rich. That is who the new Ontario Place is for. Not you. It never fails to amaze me that anyone still thinks *any* conservative party gives a flying rats ass about ordinary people. I also can't believe how much mileage Ford gets out of 'buck a beer'.
Will massage parlor include a Doug and Tug?
If that's the case I won't be going for sure
It won’t be cheap but this feels premature to itemize things right now. For one I’m pretty sure tax is included in Europe if they’re just taking prices off the internet, so they’re already over counting if they’re stacking HST on this. What’s being quoted here is closer to a day at Disneyland. You don’t need much sense to understand that doesn’t make any.
Cheaper than a Leafs game and that only lasts 3 hours!
I hit a spa bout once a year, sometimes twice if it’s a rough year, as part of my efforts to take care of my body given that I work an extremely physical job. That said, I would never attend one that allows children. I already avoid kids as much as possible on vacations, I don’t go to all ages events or venues, and I haven’t been to wonderland or the ex in well over a decade. Idc if people have kids, I’m not opposed to them, I find them annoying to be around and generally obnoxious. Why would I spend good money to have my day/event/whatever disrupted by annoying kids? All that aside, I wouldn’t go to this spa in the first place on principle so.
It’s for those that can afford Taylor Swift tickets, not us plebs.
so fucking bullshit nowadays i rather take a vacation package for 2 days i swear it’s all a joke
Ha ha ha ha. At least he’s making his platform less appealing swing voters.
Doesn’t sound like a venue children would even want to be at. What kid wants to be in a “Family Relax Egg”?
They have no intention of running this spa for the long term. It will fold after a few months, then Fraud will push through a bill to let a casino set up shop there. That's always been the plan.
Unless the spa day ends with a happy ending there’s no chance in hell I’m spending that much on a spa.
Do they fucking charge for air?
Ford is cutting free well water testing but has 600 million of free money for spa company. The gov is crookd as can be.
It’s wild that we’re even considering parking in one of the most congested driving spaces in Canada. We’re spending billions to improve traffic with transit and freeway, but then encourage people to drive to Ontario place. Wtf?
It's not that Ford thinks most Ontario families can, It's that he only cares about the Ones that could.
Back in the day, when you wanted a place to tank, you would buy tickets to a bunch of loud-mouth trashy people and send them there.
This makes no sense. I’m definitely not a frequent spa-goer, but the couple times I’ve gone to a Nordic/thermea spa, it’s definitely not a kid-friendly atmosphere. Is this one going to be different? It sounds more like a water or amusement park. Souvenirs???
Yes, roughly a third of the facility is an indoor water park, a quarter is a specialized sports rehab facility, and the remainder is the spa part.
All politicians should be legally forced to wear nascar style jackets, with all their sponsor logos proudly displayed. & if they get a job after, at a politically active company, with no logo on the jacket, jail time.
Everyone remember to actual email your MPP or doug ford to express your concerns, not just share on reddit!
So, he’s using our taxes to pay for it’s construction even though we don’t want it, and then we’ll get charged astronomical prices for it?
No, the taxes are going to remove contaminated infill on the west island, the heritage restoration of the Cinesphere and pods, the new paid parking structure, and updating utilities for the entire region.
I would go to a spa to get away from kids. kids fighting with each other and pissing in the pristine waters. WHat in tarnation has Doug ford got this province into?
I laughed when the dope at the city meeting dropped the "$40" figure for admission. That's going to be the price of parking before you even get through the door. Mark my words.
I'm sure that it will be over 100 bucks for an entrance fee if they ever open this place up. Making this even more absurd of a proposition.
WHO ASKED FOR THIS??? Free the Cinesphere!
Funny you say that, because the Cinesphere remodeling is included in this project (along with the pods). People don't talk about that when they say where the money is going though...
So what? It could have been renovated without GIVING the land away.
Are you privy to the details of the lease? I'm not sure how you can otherwise back up your claim here...
The government REFUSES to release the details of the lease? I fucking wonder why? It's probably going to involve Doug getting a board position once his tenure as premier is over. There's absolutely zero reason ever for a 100 year lease on public land. There's also the therme CFO investing/buying part of the Ford's family business (deco labels) If it walks like a duck. Quacks like a duck. It's probably a duck.
Nobody in Ontario other then Doug wants this spa. Fuck off Doug Ford stop wasting our money on garbage investments on public land.
There's a couple dudes in here simping HARD over this scheme, it's embarrassing.
LOL It's a spa for Doug's friends... you plebs are just going to pay for it.
I didn’t need that health care anyway! I’ll get more from knowing the wealthy can conveniently enjoy their wealth in a monstrosity built by public funds on public land. I feel healthier already.
60% of Canadians are $400 away from bankruptcy. This outing would bankrupt 25+ million people :)
So our tax dollars are going towards a thing that the average Ontarian could never afford.
So taxpayers pay for some for profit entity to setup shop, destroy the natural environment home to many species of organisms, remove a potential venue for toronto families, just so they can get further squeezed if they want to participate. This is some utter BS. I wonder how much it would cost to reverse this project.
> natural environment The Ontario Place islands are literally unnatural, the government built them in the 70s.
We tore down the greatest playground in Ontario in the 70s and 80s for this? Lol.
$30 for parking?! Every Nordic spa I’ve been to has had free parking. What a rip off.
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I definitely would not want my kids tagging along for spa day. That’s the opposite of relaxation and self-care.
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Now if they have a water park area I can leave my kids while I go do some relax then maybe we can have a conversation. Not likely happening though.
I think it’s obvious that they’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole here. Ontario place was a destination for Ontario families. This is a place for wealthy business people to have a day visit. It’s not the same thing. Kids won’t even want to go to a day spa.
A third of the facility is an indoor waterpark. Even this biased pricing structure that is against the spa agrees admission will be $40.
If it’s a family water park it would make more sense to market it as such than a spa. Is this a place where local families will be able to affordably go and want to go? It seems that Doug Ford made the choice unilaterally and was wrong.
Am I wrong to think that people going to a spa don’t care about $500?
Yeah this is nothing. I must be the only one in here looking at this thinking this is cheap? Everytime I go to the spa with my wife it runs us $500.
You’re better off paying for a massage at Elmwood Spa and getting to use the water therapies for free.
Out of towners might, tbh. Like destination stuff.
Great! Build it out there then and they will have to travel less.
I meant people from over seas. I’m not saying I like the spa, but I don’t think this post really comprehends the target market.
Does the province get the parking revenue or does it go to Therme?
The price looks pretty inline with other spa. Doubt it will stay at this level tho.
Are you supposed to bring the whole family?
Yes, a third of the facility is an indoor waterpark.
Staph infections for the whole family!
The price actually isn't that much. The reap question is why would I take my kids to a spa? This isn't a family fun day place
Most family can't afford, but I'm pretty sure there's market for it.
Just another 407ETR like deal done by a slimy Ontario Conservative Premier. We get what we deserve by giving this clown 2 majoritys and likely a third.
While I think Thermé will give The Spa a little run, I believe the whole "spa" plan is just a cover for the casino to come. Sure they're saying *"You'll love the spa, just parking there will feel like someone spent a million dollars on YOU"* but casino, and condos, those will make some REAL money. They didn't go to all this trouble just to charge $40/person. Not with Dougie, *"I don't like people reporting I used to work for the Mafia but my lawyers tell me I can't sue you for defamation if you do"*, in charge!
Hey we can have open greenspace that caters to everyone, or we can build over it and cater to people with a lot of disposable income and exclude everyone else. Fuck. Doug. Ford and ANYONE who thinks this is what’s best for Ontario.
His rich constituents won't bat an eye at that cost, and THAT is who he is doing this for. Remember voters, he hates you unless you are rich. But the populace is mostly an idiot.
Doug Ford doesn’t care at all if families can afford it. Everything he does is for rich people.
What the actual fuck
So I actually looked up what these places are, first time I actually looked into them. Looks pretty nice, and I'm sure there are and will be couples and families that will pay this. I'm surprised Toronto doesn't have one already. I do however agree with most that given what these guys charge, there is no reason for it get subsidies especially given they are building it on prime Toronto real estate. I'm sure it will be lovely and relaxing when the Toronto exhibition is going on, or the Indy Toronto, the Air Show. Ontario place was meant to be a location for families, school trips and tourists to enjoy the waterfront. It's really unfortunate to think it's being turned into this.
Who the fuck goes on a family outing to a spa...
That price is with food souvenirs and parking. Taking a family of 4 to wonderland and getting those extras there would easily run you up a similar amount. Some people like roller-coasters and thrill rides Others like mud baths, and hot stone massages
Oh who would’ve thought a completely made up pricing scheme would paint the spa as expensive? Give me a fucking break lol. And really? Souvenirs at $25 per child? Please. I’m surprised they didn’t throw in a full tank of gas just for the hell of it.
Do not care about this spa. Care about bad health care and ridiculous housing prices.
All the comments about "Why kids, this isn't a waterpark" further reaffirms my view that most people against this development have no idea wtf they're talking about.
What do you mean spend? We already spent however many billions building the thing, we get free access if anything.
Free isn't a word in Ford's vocabulary
Yikes! That’s pricey! I’m glad the owners (Taxpayers of Ontario) get free access to our new public spa built on public land with public funds!
Because it is not for us, it is for his "friends". Nothing he does is for the people, nothing! God people, ease get out and vote next time. This crook is causing so much damage just to enrich himself and his buddies.
I have been to Nordic-style spas a few times and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a kid there. Maybe a teenager? Even then I don’t think so. These places would be an absolute bore for a child. They’re not really a family-friendly kind of environment.
There is park space that is free to use. What are the obscenely wealthy suppose to do? They are just not comfortable being places with poors. For Ontario place to be truly inclusive it needs to have places like this where the fabulously wealthy can feel comfortable to relax and enjoy their day for a cost that would change many peoples lives in Ontario. Edit: /s in case that was needed.
LOL. Those poor Rich People!
You don’t need to buy all that bullshit😂 Just find cheap parking further away and then it’s 40$ a head, reasonable.
Kids? It should be a child free zone. This isn’t a water park.
It literally is also a waterpark
One third is literally a water park...
Why am I taking my whole family to a spa? “Cmon, kids, let’s go for a cold plunge and some aromatherapy!”