Temporary home at Toronto’s waterfront will allow the science centre to continue programming, supporting jobs and boosting tourism
TORONTO — The Ontario government is opening an interim location for the Ontario Science Centre at the Harbourfront Centre by summer 2026, supporting one of the province’s key cultural assets and enhancing tourism, protecting jobs and driving economic growth. This work will bring a wave of new events, attractions and performances to the downtown waterfront for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy.
“By establishing the Ontario Science Centre’s interim location at the Harbourfront Centre, we’re helping Ontario families access world-class science programming even as we continue building a new, expanded and state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre just steps away at Ontario Place,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “This move will help the Science Centre continue its mission of creating lasting memories with friends and family and nurturing a lifelong love of science, all while contributing to the vibrancy of Toronto’s waterfront.”
The Ontario Science Centre’s popular KidSpark learning space opened at Harbourfront Centre in December 2024 inspiring a new generation of STEM students. Building on this success, the centre will expand its space at Harbourfront Centre by summer 2026, offering a customized location for exciting science and technology programming until the new, permanent Ontario Science Centre is completed at Ontario Place.
The plan includes dedicated areas for Science Centre exhibitions and workshops, as well as shared spaces for programs and community events. Covering approximately 86,000 square feet, the expanded site will also include classrooms and outdoor program areas.
“We are delighted that our interim home will be on Toronto’s waterfront at Harbourfront Centre, said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “Building on the success of our KidSpark experience, this expanded space at Harbourfront Centre will offer even more opportunities for visitors to enjoy hands-on science experiences as we build our future home at Ontario Place. It is an exciting time for the Ontario Science Centre, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors, students and educators to explore, learn and experiment with us!”
“Harbourfront Centre has long been a trusted destination for families, and we are pleased to welcome the Ontario Science Centre’s expansion on our campus,” said Cathy Loblaw, CEO of Harbourfront Centre. “As Toronto’s waterfront home for arts, culture, learning and recreation, Harbourfront Centre is a natural fit for the centre’s interim location, creating a place where kids and families can explore, play and discover together.”
Ontario’s investments in the long-term economic potential of Toronto’s central waterfront are a part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by boosting local economies, supporting job creation and unleashing our tourism industry.
Quick Facts
- Harbourfront Centre is located along Queens Quay between Union Station and Ontario Place, serving as a primary access point to the waterfront for pedestrians, transit users and tourists.
- This investment builds on recent provincial investments on Toronto’s waterfront, such as such as $2.2 million for the launch of The Corleck, a new Irish-Canadian arts venue.
- Ontario Science Centre Experiences at CF Sherway Gardens will welcome visitors until it closes on January 4, 2026, allowing the Science Centre team to focus on the interim location at Harbourfront Centre.
Quotes
“The government’s new interim location at Harbourfront Centre will allow the Ontario Science Centre to put down roots on the waterfront, not far from our future home at Ontario Place. This provides stability and the knowledge that the Science Centre will be creating lasting science experiences and new memories for generations to come.”
- John Carmichael, Chair of the Ontario Science Centre Board of Trustees
“This investment will help to ensure the successful expansion of the Ontario Science Centre’s interim home. For more than five decades, both Harbourfront Centre and the Ontario Science Centre have served as important public institutions dedicated to learning, culture and community. We value the Ontario government’s commitment to strengthening these long-standing assets on the waterfront and look forward to working with the Ontario Science Centre to deliver high-quality, accessible experiences for communities across the province.”
- Tenio Evangelista, Chair, Harbourfront Centre Board of Directors
“Year-round activation is critical to waterfront revitalization. Harbourfront Centre is a beloved waterfront institution, and we’re pleased to see this new partnership with the Ontario Science Centre that will help create a more vibrant, active waterfront.”
- George Zegarac, CEO, Waterfront Toronto
MEDIA CONTACTS
Kelsey Hrappstead
Minister’s Office
Kelsey.Hrappstead@ontario.ca
Denelle Balfour
Communications Branch
MTCG.Media@Ontario.ca