New Toronto waterfront location keeps science programming active while permanent Ontario Place facility is under construction
Expanded science experiences aim to support tourism, education and local economic growth
TORONTO — The Ontario government has officially opened the temporary home of the Ontario Science Centre at Harbourfront Centre, marking a significant step in maintaining public access to science education and interactive learning while construction continues on a new permanent facility at Ontario Place.
The new waterfront location, which welcomed visitors this week, is designed to ensure the Science Centre’s programming remains available to families, students and tourists during the transition period. Provincial officials say the project will also contribute to tourism growth, job creation and broader efforts to revitalize Toronto’s central waterfront.
“By establishing the Ontario Science Centre’s temporary home at Harbourfront Centre, our government is ensuring families, students and visitors can continue to access world-class science programming as we build a new, expanded and state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre steps away at Ontario Place,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “The new Harbourfront Centre location will bring science to life for families and students, attract more visitors to Toronto’s waterfront and support local jobs and businesses.”
The temporary site builds on the popularity of the Science Centre’s KidSpark exhibit hall and will ultimately occupy approximately 86,000 square feet. The facility will include indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, workshop areas and shared community programming venues.
The opening represents the first phase of the interim Science Centre experience, with additional exhibits, programs and visitor spaces expected to be introduced later in 2026. The Harbourfront location is scheduled to operate until 2029, when the organization is expected to relocate to its permanent home at Ontario Place.
New exhibits focus on hands-on learning and innovation
Among the first attractions unveiled at the new location are several interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages.
The Space Deck offers an immersive planetarium experience alongside interactive displays focused on astronomy and space exploration. Innovation Station provides visitors with opportunities to build, create and experiment using real tools and materials, while Curiosity Commons serves as an outdoor learning space where guests can explore the science behind motion, athletic performance and sports through free public programming.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors to the first phase of our exciting expansion at Harbourfront Centre,” said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “Whether it’s exploring the wonders of space, inventing something new, or testing the science behind sports, everyone is invited to discover our new experiences that will inspire curiosity and big ideas.”
Education officials highlighted the role the Science Centre has traditionally played in supporting student learning and community engagement across Ontario.
“For generations, the Ontario Science Centre has brought families, schools and visitors together through the power of learning and discovery,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Spaces like this support students at every stage of their educational journey, while sparking curiosity and connecting communities through shared hands-on experiences. This new temporary space will ensure that tradition continues, inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders.”
Part of broader Ontario Place and waterfront redevelopment strategy
The temporary relocation is one component of the province’s larger redevelopment strategy for Toronto’s waterfront and Ontario Place.
The Ontario government announced in December 2025 that Harbourfront Centre would serve as the Science Centre’s interim location. Plans for the new permanent Ontario Science Centre were unveiled in February 2026, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking in May.
The future facility forms part of a broader vision to transform Ontario Place into a year-round destination featuring public trails, expanded green spaces, beaches, playgrounds, event venues, a modernized marina and the redesigned RBC Amphitheatre.
Science Centre Board Chair John Carmichael said the Harbourfront expansion offers an opportunity to maintain public engagement while preparations continue for the future site.
“As we look ahead to our future home at Ontario Place, we are excited to establish a dynamic presence on Toronto’s waterfront with this expansion at Harbourfront Centre. Curious minds of every age can discover new experiences that will inspire wonder, encourage exploration and foster meaningful connections to STEM.”
Community leaders also welcomed the partnership between the two organizations.
“At Harbourfront Centre, we believe great public spaces should spark curiosity, creativity and connection. Welcoming the Ontario Science Centre to our waterfront campus is an exciting opportunity to bring even more learning experiences to the millions of people who visit us each year. We are proud to help ensure Ontarians continue to have access to the science, innovation and discovery that have inspired generations. At the same time, we look forward to welcoming new visitors to Harbourfront Centre and introducing them to the arts, culture, learning and community experiences that make this waterfront campus so unique,” said Tenio Evangelista, President and Chair of the Board of Directors at Harbourfront Centre.
George Zegarac, CEO of Waterfront Toronto, said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to create year-round activity along the waterfront.
“Waterfront revitalization works best when the waterfront is activated year-round. Harbourfront Centre is a beloved waterfront institution, and the partnership with the Ontario Science Centre will help create a more vibrant and active waterfront for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Provincial officials say the project supports Ontario’s broader economic strategy by strengthening tourism, enhancing public spaces and creating new opportunities for businesses operating along Toronto’s waterfront.