The Ontario Science Centre in Toronto will close its doors at the end of today, following an engineering report that revealed serious structural issues with the building.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, along with the CEO and Board of Trustees of the Ontario Science Centre, decided on the immediate closure to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
“The actions taken today will protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at the Ontario Science Centre while supporting its eventual reopening in a new, state-of-the-art facility,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “In the meantime, we are making every effort to avoid disruption to the public and help the Ontario Science Centre continue delivering on its mandate through an interim facility, as well as alternative programming options.”
The report, commissioned by Infrastructure Ontario and conducted by Rimkus Consulting Group, highlighted the risk of roof panel failure due to snow load, as early as this winter. The building, over 50 years old, was found to have outdated construction materials and systems, with certain roof panels deteriorating. While it remains safe for the summer, enhanced rainwater monitoring and roof management will be in place until staff can safely vacate.
Michael Lindsay, CEO of Infrastructure Ontario, emphasized the priority of safety.
“Infrastructure Ontario and its predecessor agency have worked for decades to assess, manage, and mitigate the challenges presented by aging infrastructure. Through planned diligence with our facility managers and engineers, we discovered material issues at the Ontario Science Centre that would require significant investment and a vacant facility to remediate,” he said.
Impact on workers unknown
The province did not address what would happen to workers employed at the Ontario Science Centre with the sudden and unexpected closure. The new facility is not expected to open until 2028.
JP Hornick, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) is at the Ontario Science Centre this afternoon, according to the union.
Province reimbursing members, summer camp participants
In response to the closure, the province will reimburse all members and summer camp participants within 30 days. Additionally, a nearby school has been identified to house similar programming for summer camps free of charge for previously registered campers.
To maintain access to science-based education and programming, Infrastructure Ontario will issue a Request for Proposals to find a temporary location for the Ontario Science Centre, it said.
Meanwhile, plans for a new permanent home at Ontario Place are underway, with an opening expected as early as 2028. The Ontario Science Centre is also exploring alternative programming options, including mobile, pop-up experiences, and virtual offerings.
“For more than five decades, the Ontario Science Centre has been a beloved landmark and an integral part of our community and our province. Our building itself has been part of the experience, and a cherished space for generations of visitors, sparking wonder and curiosity about science and the world around us, every day,” said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of Ontario Science Centre. “The memories created within these walls are truly special – and are the foundation on which we will build our future.”