Province Awards Contract to Build New Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place

(Today’s Northumberland file photo)

New facility will offer more programming space than ever before, incorporating iconic Ontario Place pods and Cinesphere

The Ontario government has unveiled the final design and awarded the contract to build and maintain the new Ontario Science Centre, a major milestone in the province’s plan to transform Ontario Place into a year-round, world-class, family-friendly destination. The new 400,000-square-foot facility will include a state-of-the-art building, integrated pod complex, new interactive exhibits and an improved and upgraded Cinesphere, with more space dedicated to programming than at the previous site. Once completed, as early as 2029, the Science Centre will be a cornerstone of the revitalized Ontario Place, providing new experiences for families, creating more than 1,000 jobs in the construction and tourism sectors, and boosting economic growth across Toronto and the region.

“With state-of-the-art facilities that offer more space for visitors, interactive exhibits and programming, the new Ontario Science Centre will continue five decades of tradition, inspiring the next generation of young people,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As part of the revitalized Ontario Place, the Science Centre will be a historic landmark on Toronto’s waterfront and skyline, attracting millions of visitors a year.”

Designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, the new Science Centre will also elevate Ontario Place as a premier destination for science, education and entertainment and include:

  • A state-of-the-art mainland building designed for dynamic programming, exhibitions and immersive visitor experiences, including hands-on exhibits, learning activities and educational workshops
  • Renovated and enhanced pods, fully modernized to create new science-themed experiences
  • The iconic Cinesphere, upgraded with acoustic enhancements to its world-class IMAX theatre and complete interior and exterior revitalization. It will offer double the seating of the former OMNIMAX Theatre.

“We are proud to present the future home of the Ontario Science Centre, a new facility for a new generation that will explore innovative new approaches and give Ontario families access to world-class science programming,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By focusing on thoughtful planning and strong design, our government is protecting Ontario’s long-term economic interests and ensuring public infrastructure delivers real benefits for Ontarians.”

As part of the broader revitalization of Ontario Place, the new Cinesphere will help strengthen Ontario’s film and television industry, with technical upgrades, accessibility improvements to the interior and exterior and enhancements to the acoustic performance. These improvements will ensure the Cinesphere remains a modern, accessible standalone venue within Ontario Place, coordinating with the Ontario Science Centre on programming and supporting festivals, events and film-related programming for decades to come.

“The Ontario Science Centre’s future is so exciting with limitless potential for unforgettable programming,” said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “Our future home will bring science to life in an inclusive and playful way, where visitors, including teachers and students, can experience the wonder of science.”

The new Ontario Science Centre is part of the government’s vision for a revitalized Ontario Place, transforming it into a vibrant, year-round waterfront destination. The site will feature more than 50 acres of free public trails, expanded green space, playgrounds, interactive fountains, new beaches, event spaces, a modernized marina and the redesigned RBC Amphitheatre, a dynamic new venue for music fans and artists.

Families will also have easy access to the Science Centre through the new Ontario Line at Exhibition Station, which will also connect to fast, convenient GO service across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, steps away from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. These transportation links will support an accessible, world-class waterfront destination at Ontario Place that will create more than 5,700 jobs and add $420 million to Ontario’s GDP during construction. Once complete, Ontario Place will welcome up to six million visitors per year.

Quick Facts

  • The contract to design, build, finance and maintain the new Ontario Science Centre facility has been awarded to the Ontario Science Partners, a collaboration that includes Hariri Pontarini Architects, the design firm leading the redevelopment of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and OpenROM. Other notable projects led by the firm include the Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford, Ontario.
  • Following extensive evaluations through a competitive procurement process, Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming have awarded a fixed price contract of $1.04 billion to Ontario Science Partners to design, build, finance and maintain a new state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre facility.
  • In December 2025, the Ontario government announced that Harbourfront Centre will serve as the interim home for the Ontario Science Centre until the new permanent facility is completed at Ontario Place.
  • The Ontario government announced the final designs for the new Ontario Place public spaces in June 2025.
  • The new Ontario Science Centre facility will meet all accessibility requirements and seek Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification, which measures the level of meaningful access of buildings and sites.
  • Once complete, the reimagined Ontario Place will include exciting new features, such as lakeside walking and cycle paths, urban beaches with boardwalks, play areas, a revitalized marina, multiple transit options, onsite parking and a forum at the park’s centre.
  • The government is working on a Destination Waterfront Strategy — a plan that will shape a vibrant, connected waterfront for generations to come that brings more tourists to Toronto.
  • Construction for the 400,000 square foot facility will create long-term jobs and use Ontario businesses and services first, consistent with the Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025, part of the province’s plan to use public sector buying power to support business within the province and across Canada.
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

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