One year after the province announced plans to relocate the Ontario Science Centre, many Torontonians remain frustrated with what they see as a hasty decision that threatens a beloved institution.
Walking through Don Mills last week, I couldn’t help but notice the “Save the Science Centre” lawn signs that still dot the neighborhood. The iconic concrete structure has welcomed curious minds since 1969, but its future remains uncertain as the Ford government pushes forward with plans to move operations to Ontario Place.
“This isn’t just about a building, it’s about accessibility and legacy,” says Maria Fernandez, president of the Friends of the Ontario Science Centre community group. “Many families from priority neighborhoods across the east end can easily reach the current location by TTC. Moving it downtown raises serious concerns about who can access these educational experiences.”
The relocation plan, announced last April as part of the Ontario Place redevelopment, sparked immediate public outcry. A petition opposing the move has gathered over 35,000 signatures, demonstrating the deep community attachment to the current location.
City councillor Josh Matlow has been vocal about preservation efforts. “The Ontario Science Centre isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a vital educational resource that serves local schools and families,” he told me during a phone interview. “The government made this decision without proper consultation or transparency.”
The existing facility does face significant challenges. According to Infrastructure Ontario‘s 2022 assessment, the building requires approximately $369 million in repairs over the next 20 years. However, critics argue that investment would be more cost-effective than building an entirely new facility.
The province maintains that a new, modern science centre at Ontario Place will revitalize the waterfront and create a centralized cultural hub. Ministry of Infrastructure spokesperson Emma Williams stated via email that the new facility will be “more accessible and offer expanded programming opportunities for visitors of all ages.”
But questions about the true costs remain. Last year’s provincial auditor general report suggested the price tag for the new science centre could reach $1.5 billion—significantly higher than earlier government estimates of $600 million.
For educators like Toronto high school science teacher Derek Wong, the relocation threatens valuable learning opportunities. “We bring students to the Science Centre twice yearly. Its hands-on exhibits spark curiosity in ways classroom learning simply can’t,” Wong explains. “The current location works perfectly for school buses and has the space needed for large exhibits.”
Having covered Toronto’s development for over a decade, I’ve seen how attachment to place runs deep in this city. The Science Centre isn’t just concrete and exhibits—it holds memories for generations of Torontonians who experienced their first taste of scientific wonder within its walls.
During a recent visit, I watched as children raced through the Space Hall, their faces lighting up at the same exhibits that amazed me as a child. That continuity of experience matters in a rapidly changing city.
The government plans to break ground on the new facility in 2025, with completion expected by 2028. Meanwhile, the current Don Mills location will remain operational until the new centre opens.
Community advocacy groups haven’t given up hope. They continue calling for public consultations and transparency regarding the decision-making process and actual costs.
As Toronto continues evolving, balancing progress with preservation remains challenging. The Science Centre debate exemplifies the tension between modernization and maintaining the cultural touchstones that define our city’s character.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Torontonians remain deeply invested in the future of scientific education and the institutions that have shaped generations of curious minds.
