Officials outline more structural issues at Ontario Science Centre

After abruptly closing the doors to the Ontario Science Centre last month due to roofing concerns, officials are further justifying the decision to shut down.

In a press conference Thursday morning, Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma was joined by science centre board members to release details about the issues with the building beyond its roof.

Some of the issues they outlined were windows with failing structural integrity, lack of proper heating and cooling systems, and pedestrian access to one of the property’s buildings.

They also said more than 24,000 square feet of roof area had not been investigated for risks.

But, they did not outline any plans to address these hazards.

Surma says the focus right now is doing more investigative work and moving all exhibits and staff out of the building before the winter, when the possibility of snow on the roof creates an additional risk.

Beyond completing the investigation of the building, Surma says plans for what happens to it afterwards are in the hands of the City of Toronto.

The city, along with its conservation authority, has leased the land to the province to operate the science centre.

Premier Doug Ford is forging on with his plan to relocate the science centre to Ontario Place, despite the criticism from the opposition and advocates who do not want to see a private spa at a public park.

An analysis the Ontario government is relying on to justify relocating the Ontario Science Centre from its current east Toronto location to Ontario Place found the move would save about $250 million over 50 years — largely because the new building will be half the size.

“The total capital investment required to remain at Don Mills site exceeds the cost of constructing a new, more efficient OSC facility at Ontario Place as part of the government’s redevelopment efforts,” the report concluded.

Doubling down on his decision, Premier Ford said in a press conference Wednesday the building must move, and trying to repair its current structure would be “foolish.”

– with files from The Canadian Press

[hasanjamil]

There is no science in Ontario. Just "real" estate.

[proffreedom]

Even if we give the benefit of the doubt and believe it is cheaper to move to Ontario Place then to fix the roof, the repeated pattern of our municipal, provincial, and federal leaders giving juicy development deals to their friends make it impossible to trust anything they say.

[MichaelCraik-uh]

The biggest issue is that there has been no investment in the Science Center in over 25 years. The same exhibits are still there from 40 years ago, from when I was in grade school. I visited 4 years ago. With my kids. It was so disappointing. It was so boring. Even my kids were ready to leave after 2 hours.

[SovereignShooter]

Its obvious they just want this place demolished, no matter what.

[Jewels]

Literally was planing on taking my son here for the first time as he is 1. hope it looks the same and is the same building when new

[Ynalaw]

Big government = big graft ... I truly hate what has become of Ontario and Canada. I wish enough people could get together and separate and start a low-tax, low-immigrant, family-valued, anti-drug, private-property respecting Civic project. Seeing these unscrupulous public officials like Jill Andrews and Kinga Surma talk as if they have a valid platform to do so just demoralizes all who watch.

[TURNKEYiNK]

Wish these ‘officials’ would take a look at queens park, i’m sure a condo would do better there 🤨

[sharinglungs]

I can’t stand this woman. She is such an obvious liar. She has zero qualifications to not only order it’s closure but to even speak of it’s durability and repairs. Why isn’t she being investigated for corruption?

[drumswest]

None of those are structural issues, they are mechanical, big difference. Get your facts straight

[johnbernier]

MR FORD IS NOT THE MAIR OF TORONTO MRS CHOW IS WHAT IS SHE GONE DO ABOUT IT

[Itsmytest]

I'm not sure I believe the figures to repair the building (time and materials), but I do think we're getting caught up in nostalgia here a bit too much. Before Ontario Place and before the Science Centre, we had none of these facilities, and we were excited when they came, we loved what they were and what the represented to us at the time, but that time has changed. I bemoaned when the Liberals closed Ontario Place, and I bemoan the closure of the Science Centre by the PC's. But do we really think that none of these things are irreplaceable? The CN Tower has about another 50 good years before it either has to be completely retrofitted, rebuilt entirely, or demolished altogether. How are we going to respond to that?

I think relocating it to Ontario Place makes the best sense. I think repurposing the land at Don Mills and Eglinton makes the best sense, especially when we're in the midst of a housing crisis. I just wish that both governments were a little more direct about their reasoning for closing the facilities they did. They didn't, and now we're all acting like petulant children (on both sides), refusing to acknowledge very simply that: the complexes are old; were never properly maintained; are unsafe for future operation, and; by closing the facilities, there's new opportunity for the land they currently sit on. Ontario's capital city won't be left without a Science Centre or a waterfront attraction.

[seenunseenr]

Lies. Lies. Lies. The entire space is going to be build on. Watch

[infamousnicone]

lol they are going to turn this into condominiums or a golf course

[mikeholler]

That ponding on the roof is a deficiency. 1 cubic foot of water weighs 62 lbs

[optimusdaddy]

I noticed minor things but I’m no inspector

[fredleung]

Close this old and outdated building. Build a new up-to-date date science center in Ontario. Anyone object it, are they FULLY RESPONSIBLE to all safety of peoples visit there especially

[zeusman]

Sorry, there is nothing special about this building. It was fine for it's time but is a wreck today and really is ugly. It's time for a new Centre. Support the Government on this 100 percent. Get going on it now and not wait for 10 years consulting.

[JoachimwGermain-cozw]

No more bus 🚎 rides to the basement yay 😃

[gregstewart]

Place looked like a relic of the 70s totally dilapidated and old, displays that were covered in dust and webs or broken. What lunatics are defending not building a new one.

[johngawrylash]

Why not build the biggest science centre in the world on the lake and never mind the resort owned by foreigners. Build new housing on the existing site and give us something that we could really be proud of.