Ontario Science Centre to relocate to Ontario Place with 2028 opening

The Ontario government has revealed its master plan for the revitalization of Ontario Place on Toronto’s waterfront, which includes relocating the Ontario Science Centre, as Premier Doug Ford vowed to forge ahead regardless of who wins the city’s coming mayoral race.

Mr. Ford on Tuesday revealed the province’s plans to modernize the 155-acre site and build a “world class, year-round destination” for millions of residents and tourists a year, but without a firm price tag on how much it will cost.

“The new, revitalized Ontario Place is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” the Premier said.

The plan was released after years of uncertainty and debate about the much-beloved Toronto landmark and has already faced vocal opposition from some community groups. It’s become an early point of contention ahead of the June 26 mayoral by-election to succeed John Tory, though Mr. Ford says he’ll make sure the plan goes through regardless of who wins.

“I always respect that Toronto is the host city, but the last time I checked on the sign out there, it doesn’t say Toronto Place, it says Ontario Place,” Mr. Ford said. “This is for everyone around Ontario.”

Mr. Ford said Mr. Tory supported the government’s plan before he resigned in February, while acknowledging that some mayoral candidates do not want to see development on the site.

“This is prime, prime real estate. We need more venues here in Toronto to attract more tourists, and this is going to be world class,” he said.

Mr. Ford also confirmed that the government will move the “tired” 52-year-old Ontario Science Centre, currently located in the city’s northeast, which the government said is in need of major and costly repairs. The province said it will build a smaller “state-of-the-art” facility at the entrance to Ontario Place while preserving the “iconic” Cinesphere and Pod complex.

The existing science centre building – located at the end of the Ontario Line, a major crosstown subway being constructed – will be demolished for housing, Mr. Ford said. Construction on its replacement at Ontario Place is set to begin in 2025 with the move scheduled for 2028.

The design includes a previously announced $350-million spa and waterpark by Vienna-based Therme Group, a revamped year-round concert space, a new boulevard and public beach, as well as a one-acre fountain. The plan also includes a train that runs across the island, new event spaces and restaurants, and a “new and improved” marina with a boardwalk, pier and village plazas.

Toronto planners issue critical report on Ontario Place spa proposal

Mayoral candidates Brad Bradford, Olivia Chow and Josh Matlow said they do not support moving the science centre out of its current neighbourhood, noting that the residents of Flemingdon and Thorncliffe use the space as a community hub.

“Ripping the Ontario Science Centre out of the Don Valley without consultation is an insult to the thousands of families in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, and other neighbouring communities who rely on this cultural hub for education, jobs, and community programming,” said Mr. Bradford, a two-term councillor for Beaches-East York.

Ms. Chow, a former councillor and three-term NDP member of Parliament, called on Mr. Ford to halt his plans to move the science centre and said she would work with the community to build “a 21st-century public park rather than a subsidized private luxury spa.”

Mr. Matlow, a midtown councillor, accused the Premier of destroying Ontario Place for a private spa and denying residents a rejuvenated green space on the waterfront. “The whole scheme appears to be written on the back of a napkin, with no consideration for the impacted communities,” he said.

Others, such as former councillor Ana Bailao and former police chief Mark Saunders, have expressed support for moving the science centre to Ontario Place. Ms. Bailao said Tuesday the main focus needs to be on building affordable housing on the former site, and keeping the existing centre as a heritage building. “Having affordable housing and having services to the community makes sense there and so I’m looking forward to having those conversations,” she said.

Mr. Saunders, who previously served as Mr. Ford’s adviser on Ontario Place, said prior to the announcement that he “championed” moving the science centre to Ontario Place. “For too long, Ontario Place hasn’t been used to its maximum potential from an economic perspective and an opportunity for citizens from every corner of the city to come down and enjoy the waterfront,” he said.

The Ontario NDP criticized the Premier for making the decisions about Ontario Place without adequate consultation. “Time and time again, Ford treats public assets like his own private property while the interests of everyday Ontarians fall by the wayside,” said Toronto MPPs Chris Glover and Bhutila Karpoche.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said the province is pledging to preserve 43 acres of free public space “for everyone to enjoy,” as well as 12 acre of trails, parkland and gardens.