The Ontario government’s plan to relocate the Ontario Science Centre from its current site in east Toronto to the Ontario Place grounds downtown has been met with controversy and criticism from various stakeholders. The plan, announced by Premier Doug Ford last week, has raised questions about the rationale, feasibility, and transparency of the move, as well as the future of the existing site.
Ford touts benefits of moving science centre to Ontario Place
Ford said the move would create a world-class destination for science, culture, and entertainment, as part of the revitalization of Ontario Place. He said the new science centre would have a smaller footprint than the current one, but would be more modern and interactive. He also said the move would save money for the province, as the current science centre building is old and run down.
The premier said the construction of the new science centre would begin in 2025, and would be completed by 2028. He said the project would be funded by the private sector, and would not cost taxpayers anything. He also said the project would create thousands of jobs and boost tourism.
Ford said the move was based on a business case that showed the benefits of relocating the science centre to Ontario Place. He said the business case was prepared by Ernst & Young, a consulting firm hired by the province. He said the business case was confidential, and would not be released to the public.
Critics demand transparency and accountability from the government
The plan to move the science centre has been criticized by various groups, including the opposition parties, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the City of Toronto, and the Ontario Science Centre staff. They have raised concerns about the lack of consultation, the lack of evidence, and the lack of clarity of the plan.
The critics have demanded that the government release the business case that informed the plan, and provide more details about the costs, benefits, and impacts of the move. They have also questioned the feasibility of the move, given the complexity and uncertainty of the project.
The critics have also challenged the government’s vision for the future of the existing site, which Ford has said would be used for housing or community facilities. They have pointed out that the site is mostly owned by the TRCA and the City of Toronto, and that the land is environmentally sensitive and hazardous to build upon. They have also argued that the site is valuable for its historical, cultural, and educational significance, and that it should be preserved and enhanced.
Ontario Science Centre staff express sadness and frustration over the move
The staff of the Ontario Science Centre, who have been working remotely since the pandemic, have expressed their sadness and frustration over the plan to move the science centre. They have said they were not consulted or informed about the plan, and that they learned about it from the media.
The staff have said they are proud of the work they have done at the science centre, and that they have contributed to its success and reputation. They have said they have invested a lot of time, energy, and passion into the science centre, and that they have built relationships with the community and the visitors.
The staff have said they are concerned about the future of the science centre, and the impact of the move on their jobs, their programs, and their collections. They have said they are uncertain about the details and the timeline of the move, and that they have not received any assurances or guarantees from the government.
The staff have said they love the science centre, and that they want to stay at the current site. They have said they hope the government will reconsider its plan, and listen to their voices.
