Ontario Science Centre being moved to make way for more housing
The Ontario Science Centre is on its way to a revamped Ontario Place.
Tourism Minister Neil Lumsden says the science centre will be moved in 2025, but it will remain open at its current location until that point.
The redevelopment of Ontario Place has been in the works since it was closed to the public in 2012.
"Our government has a mandate to bring Ontario Place back to life," said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. "With today’s announcement, we are continuing to make progress on our vision to create a cultural and recreational landmark that will, once again, be fun for everyone. Together with the Ontario Science Centre, Live Nation and Therme Canada, we are creating an iconic destination on Toronto’s waterfront that will bring visitors from Ontario and around the world together, providing people of all ages with something to enjoy."
The province is working with Live Nation to bring a year-round concert venue to the site, with a capacity of 20,000 fans.
As well, European company Therme Group will build a large spa and waterpark at the site.
Premier Doug Ford says moving the Ontario Science Centre will also help with the province's goal of building more housing.
The plans have prompted responses from the opposition and advocates who don't want a private spa at a public park.
Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser is among those criticizing the move, saying the attraction will likely benefit wealthier people.
"The premier is hell bent on development, so much so that he doesn't see the big picture and that there are assets, green assets in this province, that belong to everyone and they should remain that way," Fraser said.
Site servicing work is expected to start this spring.
The province says once the work is done, the revamped Ontario Place will bring in about four to six million visitors each year and create thousands of new jobs.
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