The Ontario Science Centre closed abruptly and permanently in late June due to structural issues with the roof. Plans were announced to move the science centre to a new location as part of a revamped Ontario Place. This decision sparked outrage among workers, nearby residents, and visitors, and has become a political issue for Premier Doug Ford. Workers had to quickly pack up and send numerous truckloads of items to various storage facilities. Some items were too difficult to move and remained in the building, raising questions about the necessity of the closure and the possibility of returning in the future.
On her final day in the building, volunteer co-ordinator Emma Meadley Dunphy visited meaningful places, such as the camp room she worked in as a volunteer 20 years ago and the rainforest. The animals in the rainforest had been re-homed, and much of the vegetation was transplanted to the Toronto Zoo. Despite the lack of vegetation, the earthy smell of the rainforest remain, but Meadley Dunphy feels that the magic is gone. She spent her last few months helping to wind up volunteer operations and pack items for storage, despite it not being her usual job, and found it to be a sad reminder of what was happening.
Workers had an emotional final day, with an ice cream party for cleaning staff who were laid off due to the closure. While Ford promised to help find them a job, it never materialized. Some workers have accepted buyouts, while others are concerned about where they will end up. There is hope for a return, as ongoing repair work is being done, but the purpose of the repairs remains unclear. The province is looking for an interim location until a permanent new space is ready in 2028, and the production team remains without a new home.
Ward Kennedy, who has been with the science centre for nearly 25 years, recalled the memories of his first visit in 1970 and his experiences volunteering at the centre. As items were dismantled and sent off to storage, Kennedy felt the emotional toll of the closure. He mentioned some items that had been relocated, such as bee hives and iconic exhibits like the Canadarm and fin whale skeleton. Despite many items being moved, there are still significant pieces left behind, leaving uncertainty about their fate. Kennedy expressed his emotional attachment to the science centre and how it has been a one-of-a-kind building for him and his family.
Despite the closure, the hope remains among workers and the public that the science centre will one day return. Repair work is ongoing, but the purpose of these repairs and the fate of the remaining items in the building are still unclear. Workers have faced uncertainty about their future job prospects, despite promises from the government. The emotional toll of the closure has been felt by many long-time workers and volunteers who have fond memories of their time at the science centre. The future of the Ontario Science Centre remains uncertain, with plans for relocation and potential opportunities for workers still up in the air.
