Thread by @ONPlace4All

.@KingaSurmaMPP and @JonBurnside_DVE coming up on @metromorning shortly to discuss the Ontario Government tearing down the science centre and moving it to Ontario Place. #topoli #onpoli

.@KingaSurmaMPP up now, why move the Science Centre to Ontario Place? Usual PC government claim the Science Centre is in “disrepair”. We thought it would be appropriate to jam Science Centre into OP. Surma won’t confirm cost of repairing Science Centre. #topoli #onpoli

Surma ducks questions on when they will share cost of repair vs. Move of Science Centre. Mentions broken bridge at Ontario Place. Reporter notes they’d like to see business case soon, asks about value of OSC to community. “You don’t matter” is how they feel.

Surma responds “You get a subway” Also bringing other “community benefits” that she doesn’t specify. @ausmalik quote played around the Science Centre around lack of consultation & transparency with MegaSpa. Why is a MegaSpa the right fit?

Surma references the call to development that led to the MegaSpa. Says “arms length” Infrastructure Ontario led the process. (If you believe they’re arms length, I have some swampland to sell you). Surma completely misses the point of OP as Ontarios backyard in her response.

Reporter notes there’s an issue with the fundamental size of the MegaSpa. Surma says they’ve been consulting the whole time. (They have not. They didn’t consult on what Ontarians wanted at OP before the RFP). Surma dodges whether the spa will get smaller.

Surma repeats the lie that “no one has been going to OP”. Reporter calls her out on it! Why does OP need to be monetized and run like a business. Surma notes she “drives by” Ontario Place frequently and it’s not enjoyed. Please tell @KingaSurmaMPP how you enjoy Ontario Place.

Reporter calls out Surma’s claim that OP is flooded and unsafe. It isn’t. Reporter ends conversation by saying the MegaSpa is expensive, blocks the waterfront and is the wrong fit. Why don’t you just build a park instead of a MegaSpa. Amazing job from the host!

.@JonBurnside_DVE on now. Asked to respond to Surma’s comments. Burnside notes “Science Centre” is a cultural gem for Flemingdon Park. Notes the business case argument is wrong; we have to focus on people. Kids in Flemingdon doesn’t have equitable opportunity.

.@JonBurnside_DVE notes complete communities are where you can live, work and play. Surma removing the work and play part by moving the Science Centre.

We are packing too many people into the Flemingdon area without a place to work and play. Science Centre must stay. Kids have to play under hydro wires. Space to play is a huge issue.

.@JonBurnside_DVE asked whether city hall can do anything? Burnside seems a bit resigned to the fate of the building but wants to focus on what’s next. Burnside notes the building could be reused and that should be explored.

Here's the audio of this interview. @cbcJillDempsey did an incredible job! Minister Surma, not so much! cbc.ca/listen/live-ra…

Councillor Burnside's interview: Here's why area councillor Jon Burnside calls the plan to move the Ontario Science Centre 'very problematic' cbc.ca/listen/live-ra…