Ford government claims moving Science Centre will save millions
The Ford government has announced its plan to relocate the Ontario Science Centre from its current location in Don Mills to the Ontario Place grounds, as part of its controversial redevelopment project. The government says that the move will save taxpayers $257 million over 50 years, compared to the cost of repairing and maintaining the existing building. However, critics are questioning the validity of this claim and demanding more transparency from the government.
Business case analysis not released to the public
The government says that it conducted a business case analysis to determine whether it was more cost-effective to move the Science Centre or to keep it at its current location. However, the government has not released the details of this analysis to the public, nor has it explained how it arrived at the $257 million figure. Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said that the analysis showed that it was less expensive to build a new Science Centre at Ontario Place, but did not provide any evidence to support this statement.
Critics, including the NDP and the Liberal Party, are calling on the government to release the business case analysis and to consult with the local community and stakeholders before making such a drastic decision. They argue that the government is making a back-of-the-napkin plan without proper scrutiny or accountability. They also point out that the current Science Centre is an integral part of the Flemingdon Park community, and that moving it would have negative impacts on the residents and visitors.
Ford government’s vision for Ontario Place sparks controversy
The plan to move the Science Centre is part of the Ford government’s larger vision for Ontario Place, which includes a private spa, a renovated concert venue, a public beach, bars, restaurants, a new marina and a massive fountain. The government says that these features will revitalize the waterfront site and attract more tourists and businesses. However, many people are concerned that the government is privatizing a public asset and destroying its cultural and historical value.
The government has faced criticism for its lack of public consultation and transparency throughout the Ontario Place redevelopment process. The government has also been accused of ignoring the recommendations of an expert panel that was appointed by the previous Liberal government to advise on the future of Ontario Place. The panel suggested that Ontario Place should be a year-round, multi-use destination that celebrates the province’s culture, heritage and innovation, and that no new casinos or residential development should be allowed on the site.
What’s next for the Science Centre and Ontario Place?
The government says that the construction of the new Science Centre will begin in 2025 and that it will open in 2028. The current Science Centre will remain open until then, and will eventually be demolished. The government has not revealed what it plans to do with the land where the Science Centre currently stands, but some speculate that it could be used for housing development.
The government has also not disclosed the total cost of the Ontario Place redevelopment project, or how much it will receive from the private partners involved, such as Therme Group and Live Nation. The government says that it will continue to work with the City of Toronto, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to finalize the design and implementation of the project.
