The Ontario Science Centre has laid off 30 employees, including the centre’s entire science department, as senior management implements a broad restructuring ahead of a planned relocation and new build, The Canadian Press reported Thursday.
Restructuring as the centre prepares to move
In a video call with staff, chief executive Paul Kortenaar told employees that the organization’s structure is being overhauled and that some departments will no longer be part of the new configuration. A recording of that meeting was obtained by The Canadian Press.
“As part of the changes, some departments will no longer form part of the new organizational structure,” Kortenaar said. “In some cases, this means entire full teams are impacted, including business development, science, security, and live exhibits.”
The move follows the abrupt closure of the science centre’s east Toronto building in the summer of 2024, when the province cited an engineering report identifying roof deficiencies. The roof has, however, withstood record snowfall and rainfall over the past two years, a point critics have raised as they questioned the rationale behind the shutdown.
Province defends continuity of science programming
The provincial office for the minister responsible said the centre is changing so it can "effectively and successfully deliver science learning experiences and new programming" at interim and future sites. The office stressed that science programming, expertise and exhibits remain embedded across the organization despite the layoffs.
“To be clear, science programming, expertise and exhibits remain embedded across the entire organization,” the office of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Zee Hamid said. “There will be no change to the science programming and other learning experiences delivered by the Ontario Science Centre.”
The government is building a new $1-billion science centre at Ontario Place with a target opening in 2029. The province says the broader project will create about 1,000 new jobs and that some roles for affected workers will be available at interim and permanent locations.
Local impact and lingering questions
For community members and educators who relied on the Science Centre’s in-person exhibits and school programming, the layoffs raise immediate concerns about continuity of programs — especially hands-on science activities that were developed and delivered by the science department.
Staff who have lost their jobs will face uncertainty about reassignment to interim facilities or the new Ontario Place location. The province indicated some positions will be available, but did not specify how many or what the timelines for hiring will be.
Context: closure, relocation and criticism
The Science Centre’s closure in 2024 and the relocation plan have been politically contentious. The build at Ontario Place is one component of a larger revitalization that includes a proposed spa and waterpark operated by a European company, raising debate about priorities and public benefit.
Proponents of the move argue a modern facility at Ontario Place will expand visitor capacity and deliver new science learning opportunities across the province. Critics point to the sudden layoffs and the earlier closure decision as signalling deeper issues with planning and transparency.
- Jobs cut: 30 employees, including the entire science department
- New build: $1-billion science centre planned at Ontario Place, scheduled to open in 2029
- Projected employment: Province says project will create 1,000 new jobs
| Event | Date / status |
|---|---|
| Closure of east Toronto building | Summer 2024 (closed by province citing roof engineering report) |
| Staff layoffs announced | Announcement made Sep. 10, 2026 |
| Planned opening of new centre at Ontario Place | Targeted 2029 |
What comes next for staff and public programming
The province and the Science Centre’s leadership say they will offer some new roles at interim and permanent locations, but have not released detailed timelines or the number of positions that will be available. For now, the layoffs remove a cohort of experienced science communicators and exhibit specialists from the institution.
As the centre transitions, schools, educators and community groups will need clarity on how programming will be delivered between now and the opening of the Ontario Place facility. The loss of a dedicated science department also raises questions about institutional capacity to design and run hands-on educational exhibits in the short term.
Moving forward, local and provincial stakeholders will be watching for further details about rehiring, the scope of interim programming and how the new centre will integrate staff expertise lost in this round of cuts.
— Reporting from Toronto and on-the-ground coverage across Ontario.
