The Ontario Science Centre, a beloved institution for generations of visitors, officially shut its doors on October 31, 2024, leaving behind a cloud of uncertainty and nostalgia. Workers, community members, and former visitors gathered one last time to commemorate the storied facility, which has been a cornerstone of scientific exploration and public education in Ontario for over five decades.
An Emotional Farewell for Staff and Volunteers
As staff prepared to vacate the premises, Emma Meadley Dunphy, the centre’s volunteer coordinator, took one final, heart-wrenching walk through the empty halls. “It was very emotional,” she recalled, noting the palpable sense of loss among employees and volunteers. “Everyone was having a moment in each of the spaces.”
It was a frenzied effort leading up to the closure. Teams packed up exhibits and transferred items to multiple storage facilities. Despite this, several large objects, including five towering trees in the rainforest exhibit, had to remain. With the plants mostly gone and animals like turtles and frogs relocated to the Toronto Zoo, the space felt barren. Still, staff hoped the automated watering and heating systems would sustain what was left.
Workers Left in Limbo, Promises Unfulfilled
For many workers, the abrupt closure was compounded by the uncertainty of their employment future. Martin Fischer, president of Local 549 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which represents around 500 employees, expressed frustration at Premier Doug Ford’s unfulfilled promise to help displaced workers find new jobs “within the system.” An ice cream farewell party for 28 laid-off cleaning staff, previously employed at $16.50 per hour with union benefits and a pension, became a bittersweet goodbye.
Public support offered some solace, but many employees are left contemplating their next steps. About ten workers have taken buyouts, while others anxiously await placement as the province looks for a temporary location to continue some programming until a new science centre opens at Ontario Place, projected for 2028.
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Community Memories and the Legacy of Science Learning
The closure has evoked a deep sense of loss among residents and visitors who cherished the Science Centre’s unique interactive experiences. Ward Kennedy, who first visited in 1970 at the age of six, reminisced about his childhood memories: “I remember the 25-cent submarine sandwiches and the old cafeteria… and the parabolic dishes where our voices traveled across.” Growing up in the nearby Flemingdon Park neighborhood, Kennedy and his family frequently enjoyed the centre’s immersive exhibits.
The Future: A New Science Centre at Ontario Place
The Ford government’s announcement of a permanent move to a redeveloped Ontario Place has sparked considerable debate. Critics argue that the decision, prompted by structural concerns with the Science Centre’s roof, came too hastily and without adequate community consultation. The province is working on establishing an interim site to house some of the Science Centre’s popular programming, but full relocation will not occur until at least 2028.
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Final Thoughts
The Ontario Science Centre’s abrupt closure marks the end of an era, leaving many unanswered questions about its future and the state of public scientific engagement in Ontario. As the building now sits empty, only time will tell whether the move to Ontario Place will successfully honor the legacy of this cherished institution.
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