Ontario Plans New Interim Science Centre at Harbourfront Next Summer

Ontario is preparing to launch an interim science centre next summer at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. This announcement comes two years after the previous science centre in the city’s east end was unexpectedly closed in June 2024, leaving many in the community questioning the decision.

Stan Cho, the province’s Minister of Tourism, confirmed the details in a press release, stating that the new location will be situated at the Harbourfront Centre, where one of two pop-up exhibits has been operating. The other temporary site, located at Sherway Gardens mall in west Toronto, is scheduled to close on January 4.

The interim centre at the Harbourfront will span approximately 86,000 square feet, which is larger than the current pop-up exhibit but significantly smaller than the former science centre’s impressive 568,000 square feet. The original centre was closed with little warning, citing urgent roof repairs as the reason—a claim that has been met with skepticism from workers and critics alike.

Looking ahead, the government of Premier Doug Ford has plans to establish a new, permanent science centre at Ontario Place. Critics argue that this initiative is merely a façade to facilitate the controversial spa and waterpark development proposed by the Europe-based Therme Group. Ford indicated that the new science centre at Ontario Place could open by 2029, although no specific timeline has been confirmed.

The reopening of a science centre is seen as a necessary step in restoring a vital educational and interactive resource for the province. As Ontario moves forward with these plans, many will be watching closely to see how the interim centre operates and what future developments may occur at Ontario Place.