The Toronto International Film Festival is pausing its partnership with Therme Group, the private Austrian company whose planned development of a large spa at Ontario Place has prompted backlash from community advocates and opposition MPPs at Queen’s Park.

TIFF’s Chief Executive Cameron Bailey confirms that Therme has “no involvement” in this year’s festival and the possibility of a renewed partnership will be revisited next year.

He did say that they’ve been paying attention to the evolution of the Ontario Place project itself and what all the different stakeholders have to say about it.

After Therme’s initial plans for the West Island of Ontario Place were released late last year, the development championed by Premier Doug Ford’s government came under intense criticism, as did any organization or business associated with it.