Temporary home at Toronto’s waterfront will allow the Science Centre to continue programming, supporting jobs and boosting tourism
The Ontario government is opening an interim location for the Ontario Science Centre at the Harbourfront Centre by summer 2026, supporting one of the province’s key cultural assets and enhancing tourism, protecting jobs and driving economic growth. This work will bring a wave of new events, attractions and performances to the downtown waterfront for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy.
“By establishing the Ontario Science Centre’s interim location at the Harbourfront Centre, we’re helping Ontario families access world-class science programming even as we continue building a new, expanded and state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre just steps away at Ontario Place,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “This move will help the Science Centre continue its mission of creating lasting memories with friends and family and nurturing a lifelong love of science, all while contributing to the vibrancy of Toronto’s waterfront.”
The Ontario Science Centre’s popular KidSpark learning space opened at Harbourfront Centre in December 2024 inspiring a new generation of STEM students. Building on this success, the centre will expand its space at Harbourfront Centre by summer 2026, offering a customized location for exciting science and technology programming until the new, permanent Ontario Science Centre is completed at Ontario Place.
The plan includes dedicated areas for Science Centre exhibitions and workshops, as well as shared spaces for programs and community events. Covering approximately 86,000 square feet, the expanded site will also include classrooms and outdoor program areas.
“We are delighted that our interim home will be on Toronto’s waterfront at Harbourfront Centre, said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “Building on the success of our KidSpark experience, this expanded space at Harbourfront Centre will offer even more opportunities for visitors to enjoy hands-on science experiences as we build our future home at Ontario Place. It is an exciting time for the Ontario Science Centre, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors, students and educators to explore, learn and experiment with us!”
“Harbourfront Centre has long been a trusted destination for families, and we are pleased to welcome the Ontario Science Centre’s expansion on our campus,” said Cathy Loblaw, CEO of Harbourfront Centre. “As Toronto’s waterfront home for arts, culture, learning and recreation, Harbourfront Centre is a natural fit for the centre’s interim location, creating a place where kids and families can explore, play and discover together.”
Ontario’s investments in the long-term economic potential of Toronto’s central waterfront are a part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by boosting local economies, supporting job creation and unleashing our tourism industry.
Quick Facts
- Harbourfront Centre is located along Queens Quay between Union Station and Ontario Place, serving as a primary access point to the waterfront for pedestrians, transit users and tourists.
- This investment builds on recent provincial investments on Toronto’s waterfront, such as such as $2.2 million for the launch of The Corleck, a new Irish-Canadian arts venue.
- Ontario Science Centre Experiences at CF Sherway Gardens will welcome visitors until it closes on January 4, 2026, allowing the Science Centre team to focus on the interim location at Harbourfront Centre.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
