Construction of new Ontario Science Centre begins

A rendering of the new Ontario Science Centre is seen in this image. (Government of Ontario)

Shovels are in the ground at the new Ontario Science Centre, which the province says marks a “major milestone” of its Ontario Place overhaul.

The new 400,000-square foot space at the waterfront is set to open in 2029 as a replacement of the previous site at Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue. That facility was abruptly closed in 2024 after the province said the roof was at risk of caving in.

“It’s going to be one of Canada’s landmark attractions as we build and revitalize the waterfront that is fit for a world-class city and province,” Premier Doug Ford said at Monday’s event.

At least 120,000 square feet at the new facility will be dedicated to exhibit space, and feature a state-of-the-art mainland building, renovated and enhanced pods for new science-themed experiences, and an upgraded Cinesphere.

Tourism Minister Stan Cho, who was also in attendance at Monday’s event, said earlier this year that although the new facility will be smaller than its predecessor by about 100,000 square feet, the use of the new space will be “much more efficient.”

Critics of the Ontario Science Centre relocation have panned the move as unnecessary, pointing out that the roof at the former site is still intact following two historically snowy winters in Toronto and record rainfall in 2024.

A group called the Ontario Science Partners was awarded the contract to build the new facility. The province estimates the project will carry a $1.04-billion price tag, though the auditor-general has said it will cost more.

The province’s Ontario Place redevelopment also includes what critics have called a private “mega spa,” the construction of a large parking garage, a redesigned RBC Amphitheatre (formerly Budweiser Stage) and more than 50 acres of public trails.

With files from Joshua Freeman