The Ontario Science Centre is moving to the waterfront at the Ontario Place, according to the government.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Tuesday and released details about the redevelopment of Ontario Place into a “world-class, year-round destination.” The plans come as most of Ontario Place is vacant, after it was shut down in 2012 due to declining attendance.
During the press conference, Ford said the news about relocating the science centre was the “worst kept secret,” after rumours have been swirling for weeks about the move.
“We’re bringing more to Ontario Place with more beaches, more greenspace, more trails and more fun with the Ontario Science Centre, a year-round Live Nation concert venue and expanded food and beverage offerings so families can enjoy a meal together,” Ford said in a news release.
The science centre, which is currently located in North York, will be relocated to a custom-built, state-of-the-art facility, as well as in the preserved and upgraded iconic Cinesphere and Pod complex.
“It will bring exciting science-based educational programming to the heart of Ontario Place, sparking curiosity and innovation for a new generation of visitors, while inspiring young people towards the jobs of the future,” the news release said.
The government says work is currently underway to repair the exterior of the Cinesphere and Pod complex.
The new Ontario Science Centre will be integrated with an underground public parking facility equipped with electric bus and vehicle chargers, according to the government.
The underground facility will include new pedestrian and cycle paths, along with new transportation and transit options to connect Ontario Place and the Exhibition grounds to the Ontario Line subway, which is currently being built.
The government says moving and the science centre opens up the possibility of creating more housing in the area.
“The province will work with the City of Toronto on realizing this new opportunity and hopes to bring more affordable and attainable housing to the neighbourhood,” reads the release.
Ford says the old science centre will be knocked down and says there are plans to build affordable housing at the site.
In addition to relocating the science centre, the province says it’s finalizing an agreement with Live Nation to create a year-round concert venue attraction. The new all-season amphitheatre is set to hold 20,000 people.
The government is also proposing new design concepts for public spaces on the East and West Islands, which include Indigenous culture and place-keeping features with public trails, parkland, beaches and swimming areas.
“Together with the Ontario Science Centre, Live Nation and Therme Canada, we are creating an iconic destination on Toronto’s waterfront that will bring visitors from Ontario and around the world together, providing people of all ages with something to enjoy,” Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma said in a statement.
The province adds it will also look into a new and improved public marina at Ontario Place, which will feature retail, dining and various activities.
Site servicing work at Ontario Place is slated to begin this spring to “upgrade and modernize” the existing infrastructure. The government says a construction company will be selected soon, following a “competitive procurement process.”
Additional details about the relocation of the Ontario Science Centre will be provided at a later date, the government says.
As Toronto heads into a mayoral by-election in June, Ford says he has received support about the redevelopment plans from former Mayor John Tory and hopes to receive the same support from the newly elected mayor.
“Last time I checked the sign out there, it didn’t say Toronto Place it says Ontario Place. This is for everyone around Ontario. We’ve always respected, we’ve worked collaboratively with the previous mayor… but you know something, this is an election. They’re going to agree or disagree,” he said.
