Ontario Science Centre Set for Interim Home at Harbourfront Centre

The Ontario Science Centre will temporarily relocate to Harbourfront Centre in Toronto next summer while a new permanent facility is constructed at Ontario Place, scheduled for completion by 2029. The provincial Ministry of Tourism announced this interim arrangement to ensure the Science Centre can maintain its programming, support jobs, and continue attracting tourists to the region.

This move follows the closure of the Ontario Science Centre on Don Mills Road in June 2024, prompted by an engineering report that raised serious concerns about the risk of roof collapse. This decision faced significant public backlash. Currently, the Science Centre operates a smaller exhibition space at Sherway Gardens mall, which is set to remain open until January 4, 2026.

Stan Cho, the Minister of Tourism, emphasized the importance of the Harbourfront Centre location in a statement on Wednesday. “By establishing the Ontario Science Centre’s interim location at the Harbourfront Centre, we’re helping Ontario families access world-class science programming even as we continue building a new, expanded and state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre just steps away at Ontario Place,” he said. Cho highlighted that this initiative will facilitate the Science Centre’s mission to foster a love of science among families and contribute to the vibrancy of Toronto’s waterfront.

Expanding Opportunities at Harbourfront Centre

The Ontario Science Centre has already made a mark at the Harbourfront Centre, with the successful launch of its KidSpark learning space in December 2024. This area has been well-received, providing an engaging environment for families.

Cathy Loblaw, CEO of Harbourfront Centre, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Harbourfront Centre has long been a trusted destination for families, and we are pleased to welcome the Ontario Science Centre’s expansion on our campus,” she stated. Loblaw noted that as a hub for arts, culture, learning, and recreation, the Harbourfront Centre is ideally suited for the Science Centre’s temporary home. She emphasized the importance of creating a space where children and families can explore, play, and discover together.

Looking ahead, the Ontario Science Centre plans to expand its footprint at Harbourfront Centre by summer 2026. This expansion will include dedicated areas for exhibitions and workshops, as well as shared spaces for programs and community events. The new site is projected to cover approximately 86,000 square feet and will feature classrooms and outdoor programming areas.

Overall, this interim relocation aims to ensure that the Ontario Science Centre continues to provide engaging educational experiences while paving the way for a more modern facility in the near future. The decision reflects a commitment to community engagement and the promotion of scientific literacy among Ontarians.