TORONTO, ON – May 25, 2026 – A significant milestone in Ontario's tourism and cultural landscape was reached today as the provincial government officially broke ground on the new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place. This groundbreaking ceremony marks the commencement of a major redevelopment project poised to revitalize the iconic Toronto waterfront into a premier year-round destination for science, entertainment, and tourism.
A World-Class Facility for a New Generation
The state-of-the-art, 400,000-square-foot Ontario Science Centre is designed to be a beacon of innovation and learning, offering immersive and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Scheduled to open its doors in 2029, the new facility will feature a modern mainland building, an integrated pod complex, an upgraded Cinesphere, and significantly expanded programming spaces. The project underscores the government's commitment to providing accessible, engaging, and educational experiences that inspire future generations.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho, emphasized the project's vision: "The Ontario Science Centre will be a world-class facility designed for a new generation, a place where families, students and visitors can explore, learn and be inspired through immersive science and innovation." He added that the groundbreaking is a "major milestone in the revitalization of Ontario Place and our government's plan to build a vibrant, year-round destination that will drive tourism, create jobs and inspire future generations."
Transforming Ontario Place into a Vibrant Waterfront Destination
The new Science Centre is a cornerstone of the broader Ontario Place redevelopment, which encompasses over 50 acres of public trails, new beaches, expanded green spaces, playgrounds, an interactive fountain, a modernized marina, and a redesigned RBC Amphitheatre. This comprehensive revitalization aims to create a dynamic, accessible, and engaging waterfront experience for both residents and tourists.
The construction phase alone is projected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, with the full Ontario Place redevelopment expected to generate 5,700 jobs and contribute $420 million to Ontario's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Upon completion, Ontario Place is anticipated to welcome up to six million visitors annually, significantly boosting local tourism and the provincial economy.
The contract for the design, build, finance, and maintenance of the new Science Centre has been awarded to Ontario Science Partners, a consortium including Hariri Pontarini Architects, known for their work on significant cultural and architectural projects. The revitalized Ontario Place will also ensure the iconic Cinesphere remains a modern, accessible venue, coordinating programming with the Science Centre and supporting various events and film festivals.
Interim Location and Economic Impact
Until the new Science Centre at Ontario Place is ready, an expanded presence at the Harbourfront Centre will serve as its interim location, offering new interactive exhibits and programming. This ensures that the public can continue to engage with the Science Centre's offerings without interruption.
The project aligns with the province's economic development strategy, emphasizing the use of Ontario businesses and services in construction, consistent with the Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025. This focus on local procurement aims to support businesses within the province and across Canada.
The revitalization of Ontario Place and the construction of the new Science Centre represent a significant investment in the future of tourism, education, and economic growth for Toronto and the province of Ontario. The project is set to redefine the city's waterfront, offering a unique blend of cultural, scientific, and recreational attractions for years to come.