State-of-the-art facility on track to open in 2029, creating more than 1,000 new jobs and attracting millions of visitors every year
The Ontario government has officially broken ground on the new Ontario Science Centre, a major milestone in the province’s plan to transform the revitalized Ontario Place into a vibrant, year-round destination for science, entertainment and tourism. The new 400,000-square foot facility is on track to open in 2029 and will feature a state-of-the-art mainland building, an integrated pod complex, new interactive exhibits, an upgraded Cinesphere and more programming space than at the previous site.
“With new and exciting programs, more space and incredible views of Toronto’s waterfront, the new Ontario Science Centre will inspire the next generation of children and families as visitors make memories that will last a lifetime,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government is proud to get shovels in the ground on the new Science Centre, as part of the revitalized Ontario Place, as we build a historic landmark on Toronto’s skyline that will attract millions of visitors a year.”
The new Science Centre will serve as a cornerstone of the revitalized Ontario Place, creating exciting new experiences for families with convenient access in the heart of Toronto. The project will support more than 1,000 construction and tourism jobs, while driving economic growth across the region. As the nation’s premier destination for science, education and entertainment, the new facility will 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 approximately double the seating of the former OMNIMAX Theatre.
“The Ontario Science Centre will be a world-class facility designed for a new generation, a place where families, students and visitors can explore, learn and be inspired through immersive science and innovation,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone in the revitalization of Ontario Place and our government’s plan to build a vibrant, year-round destination that will drive tourism, create jobs and inspire future generations.”
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.
“Today represents an exciting step forward for the new Ontario Science Centre, where we will continue to inspire a sense of wonder and discovery for generations to come,” said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “We can’t wait to welcome families, teachers and students, and visitors from around the world for incredible science learning experiences.”
Families will 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
- 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.
- The upgraded Cinesphere will ensure the iconic venue remains a modern, accessible standalone destination within Ontario Place, while coordinating with the Ontario Science Centre on programming and supporting festivals, events and film programming for decades to come.
- The Ontario Science Centre is expanding its presence at Harbourfront Centre with more space and new interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Harbourfront Centre will serve as the interim location for the Science Centre until its permanent home at Ontario Place is ready, as early as 2029.
- 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.
- Once complete, the reimagined Ontario Place will include exciting new features, such as free trails, new beaches, an interactive fountain, boardwalks, playgrounds, an updated marina, multiple transit options, onsite parking and spaces for festivals and markets, all with improved access to the waterfront.
- Families will 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.
- Ontario Place remains open to visitors and admission is free. Find out more about the fun summer activities available, including activations at Trillium Park and performances at RBC Amphitheatre.
- Building on the success of KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre, the Science Centre will expand its footprint with the exciting addition of more exhibits and programming, with more to come later this year. The Science Centre’s interim location at Harbourfront Centre will offer a vibrant destination filled with hands-on science fun for curious minds of all ages until its new, permanent home is completed at Ontario Place.
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
