If the provincial government continues with this agenda, the weight of evidence in planning research points to long-term decreases in the quality of life for Ontario residents.

The contract is valued at $1.8 billion, and will see the Pomerleau Health Partners team design, build and finance the project.

Michael Green comes to Electra with more than 30 years of experience in construction management.

The slowdown in new construction amounted to a 10 to 15 per cent reduction in the number of new starts for the year, the national housing agency said.

The benefits of Therme's project include $294 million toward Ontario's GDP, 2,000 jobs during the construction phase and $84 million in revenue to the province.