TORONTO — The Ontario government has awarded a $1.04-billion contract to build and maintain a new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, advancing its plan to redevelop the waterfront site into a year-round tourism and cultural destination expected to open as early as 2029.
The 400,000-square-foot facility will include a new main building, modernized iconic pods and a fully upgraded Cinesphere IMAX theatre, forming a cornerstone of the province’s broader revitalization strategy. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in construction and tourism, while contributing to wider economic growth in Toronto and across 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.”
The contract was awarded to Ontario Science Partners, a consortium that includes Hariri Pontarini Architects, following what the province described as a competitive procurement process led by Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. The agreement covers the design, construction, financing and long-term maintenance of the facility at a fixed cost.
Acting Infrastructure Minister Todd McCarthy framed the project as part of Ontario’s long-term capital investment strategy.
“Our government is ready to deliver a modern, world class Ontario Science Centre that will continue to both educate and inspire inquisitive minds for generations. As part of our historic $223 billion capital plan to protect Ontario, we are investing in renewed spaces for learning, innovation and community, while supporting well-paying jobs and building the vibrant, future focused province Ontarians deserve.”
Expanded facility and upgraded Cinesphere
The new science centre will feature expanded exhibit halls, hands-on learning spaces and classrooms designed for workshops and immersive programming. The redevelopment also includes significant upgrades to the Cinesphere, widely recognized as the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre when it opened in 1971.
The province said the theatre will receive acoustic improvements, accessibility upgrades and a complete interior and exterior revitalization, along with double the seating capacity of the former OMNIMAX theatre previously operated at the original science centre location.
Angela Clayton, president and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario, said the project balances modernization with preservation.
“We are taking an important step towards a new, modern and vibrant Ontario Science Centre with this successful procurement. Working closely with our partners, we’re excited to deliver a new centre that will inspire future science education, while celebrating the site’s legacy by preserving the historic Cinesphere and pod complex.”
The science centre’s relocation follows the province’s decision to close the original Don Mills facility, with Harbourfront Centre currently serving as its temporary home until construction is complete.
Tenio Evangelista, chair of Harbourfront Centre’s board, said the interim arrangement has already strengthened ties between the organizations.
“We’re thrilled and honoured that the Ontario Science Centre will continue to call Harbourfront Centre home. There are strong synergies with our two organizations and this iconic institution — and the curiosity, creativity and discovery it inspires — is a privilege to have on campus for our entire organization. We look forward to continuing this partnership and welcoming visitors to both the Ontario Science Centre and Harbourfront Centre.”
Economic and tourism impact
The science centre is a key component of Ontario Place’s broader redevelopment, which will include more than 50 acres of public trails, beaches, green space, event venues, a redesigned amphitheatre and improved transit access via the future Ontario Line.
The province estimates the full Ontario Place project will create more than 5,700 jobs and add $420 million to Ontario’s GDP during construction, with the completed site expected to attract up to six million visitors annually.
Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho said the facility will help position Ontario Place as a major international attraction.
“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,” Cho said. “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.”
Industry leaders say the project could also strengthen Ontario’s film and cultural sectors. Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, highlighted the Cinesphere’s historic significance.
“Ontario built the world’s first IMAX theatre in 1971, and the Cinesphere has been iconic ever since. We’ve been proud to share many events with TIFF audiences there, including Christopher Nolan presenting Dunkirk, Denis Villeneuve presenting Dune and a historic screening of the Ontario-made IMAX classic, North of Superior. We can’t wait to see audiences flocking back to this unique cultural treasure.”
Education and long-term legacy
Education Minister Paul Calandra said the new facility will provide students and teachers with expanded learning opportunities tied to science and technology.
“Once complete, the new Ontario Science Centre will support student achievement by giving students hands-on opportunities to learn, explore and build real-world skills. It will provide teachers with the tools they need to bring learning to life and give families a space to engage with science together, helping students explore new ideas and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Ontario Science Partners representative Ignacio García said the consortium sees the project as a generational investment.
“Ontario Science Partners would like to express our sincere gratitude to the province of Ontario for the confidence it has placed in our partnership; our consortium brings together industry-leading expertise that is informed by extensive global and local experience. The new landmark will inspire generations of bright minds — from schools and families across Ontario — and ignite their curiosity for decades to come. By making science more accessible to the public, we hope to support Ontario’s long history of scientific research, backed by leading institutions and universities. All of us at Ontario Science Partners are delighted to have been entrusted with the building of this public legacy.”
Once complete, the new science centre is expected to serve as one of the flagship attractions anchoring Ontario Place’s transformation into a major waterfront destination.