Province Says Revitalized Waterfront Destination Will Create Thousands of Jobs and Welcome Millions of Visitors
The Ontario government has officially broken ground on a new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, marking a major milestone in the province’s broader redevelopment plan for Toronto’s waterfront entertainment and tourism district.
The new facility, expected to open in 2029, will replace the former Don Mills location with a 400,000-square-foot science and education complex featuring expanded exhibition space, modernized attractions, and upgraded visitor amenities. Provincial officials say the project is designed to position Ontario Place as a year-round destination for tourism, science education, entertainment, and cultural events.
The redevelopment is also expected to generate significant economic activity through construction, tourism, and long-term operations.
“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.”
New Facility Anchors Ontario Place Redevelopment
Science Centre Designed as Year-Round Waterfront Attraction
According to the province, the new Ontario Science Centre will become the centerpiece of the revitalized Ontario Place site, which is being repositioned as a large-scale waterfront destination for residents and tourists alike.
The facility will include a mainland building dedicated to interactive science programming, immersive exhibitions, educational workshops, and hands-on learning activities. Renovated pods integrated into the site will host additional science-themed experiences and public programming.
The redevelopment also includes major upgrades to the iconic Cinesphere theatre, which will undergo interior and exterior modernization along with acoustic enhancements to its IMAX system. Provincial officials say the revamped venue will offer approximately double the seating capacity 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. “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.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation Highlighted
Province Estimates Thousands of Jobs During Construction
Ontario officials say the Science Centre project and broader Ontario Place redevelopment will create substantial employment opportunities during construction and after completion.
The government estimates the Science Centre itself will support more than 1,000 construction and tourism jobs, while the full Ontario Place revitalization is projected to generate more than 5,700 jobs and contribute approximately $420 million to Ontario’s GDP during construction.
Officials also emphasized that the project will prioritize Ontario businesses and services under the province’s Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025.
“Today marks an exciting milestone as we break ground on the new Ontario Science Centre, where expanded programming space will deliver science-based learning to the next generation. Our government is creating much-needed jobs as construction advances on this facility and on the revitalized Ontario Place,” said Todd McCarthy.
Expanded Public Space and Transit Connectivity Planned
Ontario Line and GO Transit to Improve Accessibility
The redevelopment plan includes more than 50 acres of public trails, expanded green space, beaches, playgrounds, interactive fountains, boardwalks, event areas, and an upgraded marina.
The site will also feature the redesigned RBC Amphitheatre, intended to host concerts and live entertainment events.
Provincial officials say transportation infrastructure will play a major role in supporting visitor access. The new Ontario Science Centre will be directly connected to the future Ontario Line via Exhibition Station, while also linking visitors to GO Transit services across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and nearby Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Once complete, the province estimates Ontario Place could attract up to six million visitors annually.
Indigenous and Canadian Design Partners Involved
Ontario Science Partners Leading Development
The contract to design, build, finance, and maintain the new facility has been awarded to Ontario Science Partners, a consortium that includes Hariri Pontarini Architects, the architectural firm also involved in the redevelopment of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and OpenROM projects.
“Bringing this vision to life requires not only remarkable design, engineering and construction, but collaboration at its core. Thank you to Ontario Science Partners, the Ontario Science Centre, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and the City of Toronto for your partnership. We are committed to delivering something great at Ontario Place that everyone can enjoy,” said Angela Clayton.
Ignacio Garcia added that the project would combine sustainable design, advanced engineering, and educational programming.
“The seeds of learning that will be planted here in STEM are important to us, and we look forward to seeing how the new Science Centre will help shape future generations and inspire discoveries for years to come. We are honoured to have been selected to help bring this important project to life,” Garcia said.
Temporary Harbourfront Location to Continue Operations
While construction progresses at Ontario Place, the Ontario Science Centre will continue operating from its interim location at Harbourfront Centre, where expanded exhibits and educational programming are planned following the success of the KidSpark initiative.
“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. “We can’t wait to welcome families, teachers and students, and visitors from around the world for incredible science learning experiences.”
With construction now underway, the province is positioning the new Ontario Science Centre as a flagship public attraction intended to combine education, tourism, and waterfront redevelopment in one of Toronto’s most prominent public spaces.