On Monday, the Ontario government broke ground on the new Ontario Science Centre, a landmark project on Toronto's waterfront. The facility is scheduled to open in 2029, marking a significant step in the revitalization of Ontario Place.
Premier Doug Ford Announces Milestone
Premier Doug Ford highlighted the centre's potential to inspire future generations. "With new and exciting programs, more space and incredible views of Toronto's waterfront, the new Ontario Science Centre will inspire the next generation of children and families as visitors make memories that will last a lifetime," he said.
Features of the Science Centre
The 400,000-square-foot facility will include a state-of-the-art mainland building, an integrated pod complex, new interactive exhibits, an upgraded Cinesphere, and more programming space than the previous site. The province expects the new centre to attract approximately six million visitors per year.
Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, emphasized the centre's role in education and tourism. "The Ontario Science Centre will be a world-class facility designed for a new generation, a place where families, students and visitors can explore, learn and be inspired through immersive science and innovation," he stated. "Today's groundbreaking marks a major milestone in the revitalization of Ontario Place and our government's plan to build a vibrant, year-round destination."
New Jobs and Features
The government says the facility will create long-term jobs and prioritize Ontario businesses under the Buy Ontario Act. The project will support more than 1,000 construction and tourism jobs. Once complete, the new Ontario Place will include free trails, new beaches, an interactive fountain, boardwalks, playgrounds, an updated marina, multiple transit options, onsite parking, and spaces for festivals and markets, all with improved waterfront access.
Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure, noted the broader impact. "Today marks an exciting milestone as we break ground on the new Ontario Science Centre, where expanded programming space will deliver science-based learning to the next generation. Our government is creating much-needed jobs as construction advances on this facility and on the revitalized Ontario Place."
Visitors can access the Science Centre through the new Ontario Line at Exhibition Station, which will also connect to GO Transit service.
