The Ontario government has revealed exciting plans to relocate the Ontario Science Centre to a temporary home at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre by summer 2026. This move aims to ensure that the public can still enjoy science programming while the construction of a new permanent facility at Ontario Place progresses.
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming Stan Cho emphasized that this decision will not only protect jobs and enhance tourism but also add to the vibrancy of Toronto’s waterfront. “By establishing the Ontario Science Centre’s interim location at the Harbourfront Centre, we’re providing Ontario families with access to top-notch science programming while simultaneously working on a new, advanced Ontario Science Centre nearby at Ontario Place,” Cho stated.
The interim site will expand on the success of KidSpark, a captivating children’s learning space that debuted at Harbourfront in December 2024. Encompassing approximately 86,000 square feet, the new facility will feature exhibition halls, classrooms, outdoor program areas, and communal spaces for hosting community events.
Moreover, the current temporary exhibit at CF Sherway Gardens will remain open until January 4, 2026, after which operations will transition to Harbourfront. Ontario Science Centre CEO Paul Kortenaar expressed enthusiasm for the move, highlighting that the interim Toronto location will enable the institution to continue its vital mission of providing hands-on science education.
The announcement follows a period of uncertainty regarding the Science Centre’s future, starting with the sudden closure of the original Don Mills site in 2024 due to alleged urgent roof repairs, a claim that met resistance from staff and critics. Initially promising a temporary location by January 2026, Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma later indicated uncertainty about the decision, which raised concerns about potential programming disruptions.
Meanwhile, the construction of the new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place has encountered delays and cost escalations. Originally scheduled for a 2028 opening, the project is now slated for completion in 2029.