I recently got an email from StrategyCorp, the conservative-connected comms and lobbying firm for Therme's Ontario Place redevelopment. They wanted a correction, but nearly everything they said was false or misleading. And when you scratch the surface, there's a much bigger, under-reported scandal.🧵 - ThreadSky

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dgrdon.bsky.social • 25 days ago

I recently got an email from StrategyCorp, the conservative-connected comms and lobbying firm for Therme's Ontario Place redevelopment. They wanted a correction, but nearly everything they said was false or misleading. And when you scratch the surface, there's a much bigger, under-reported scandal.🧵

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dgrdon.bsky.social•25 days ago

In their email, a StrategyCorp manager lied about what's in Therme's Ontario Place lease, saying there is a $200 million commitment in there towards a 16-acre "public park" and amenities. But it's not a "public park" and the dollar figure isn't in the lease or anywhere credible.

dgrdon.bsky.social•25 days ago

A different project spokesperson admitted as much on a follow-up call. "You don’t have to print the number. Go ahead, don’t print the number. Like, I don’t care about that."

(Read more in my new article for @thegrindto.bsky.social)

dgrdon.bsky.social•25 days ago

The core issue though is the "16-acre public park." While most media repeat Therme's claim that it's a public park, it's privately controlled by Therme. While the public generally can access it for free, Therme has final say on who uses it and how. And...

dgrdon.bsky.social•25 days ago

The real kicker is Therme’s “30% Entitlement” for commercial activity. That means up to 30% of the 16 acres can be used for commercial activity. Any time, any where. Events, brand activations, etc.

dgrdon.bsky.social•25 days ago

The commercial activities aren't decided by a government like in any typical park. It's decided by Therme. They can sub-lease the space to pretty much whoever. Imagine Coca-Cola or Rogers Communications brand ambassadors working the crowds on the beach while ads blare from a PA.

dgrdon.bsky.social•25 days ago

I ask the spokesperson if they can say for sure there won’t be private or paid ticketed events in the Therme Public Areas.

“I don’t have the answer to that question.”

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