Ontario Science Centre, a staple of education and exploration in Toronto, will be closing its doors due to structural concerns. The decision to close the facility was made after a recent inspection revealed significant issues with the building's infrastructure that pose a risk to visitors and staff. This closure comes as a blow to the community, as the Science Centre has been a hub for learning and discovery for over 50 years.
Structural concerns are not uncommon in aging buildings, but when they compromise the safety of those inside, action must be taken. It is crucial that necessary repairs are made promptly to ensure the long-term viability of the Science Centre. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and upkeep in public spaces that cater to large numbers of people.
The province announced Friday that a type of lightweight concrete, popular in the 1960s when the building was constructed, has now proven problematic and requires costly repairs.
The abrupt closure comes after the government's controversial announcement in 2023 that the popular landmark and attraction would be moved to the Ontario Place site — a move it says will save costs.
They have also identified a nearby school that will house similar programming as an alternative to summer camps free of charge to campers who have already registered.
Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which represents 549 workers at the science centre, said they will shift toward working on the building’s closure.
Union president J.P. Hornick spent the afternoon with employees.
The province has said that a minimum capital investment of $478 million is needed to “address outdated and failing infrastructure” at the museum as well as “program requirements.”
In the wake of the new report, the province said all staff must vacate the building by Oct. 31.
On Friday, government officials says that there will be “no immediate job losses” associated with the sudden closure of the facility but did not say what will happen to Ontario Science Centre employees after the building has been fully vacated.  
Toronto’s Flemingdon Park neighbourhood, was set to host a number of summer camps in the coming months and the Ontario government says it plans to reimburse all participants within 30 days.
The engineering firm Rinkus Consulting Group said fully negating the risk would require replacing each of that type of roof panel at a cost of between $22 million and $40 million and that would take two or more years to complete with the facility closed.
“While the building remains safe over the summer with an enhanced process for rainwater monitoring and roof facility management, these months will be required for staff to safely vacate the building,” the government said.
Lindsay said the consultants were “unequivocal” that the building had to be empty by the end of October. He said the problems with the roof were “indisputably a health and safety issue.”
Paul Kortenaar, the CEO of Ontario Science Centre, commented that the memories created within the walls of the building are truly special and will be used to help create a new space.
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