The Ontario Science Centre has recently undergone significant restructuring, resulting in the layoff of 30 employees, including the entire science department. This information was disclosed by CEO Paul Kortenaar during a staff meeting, indicating that the organization is undergoing major changes. Kortenaar explained that certain departments will not be part of the new organizational structure, affecting teams in business development, science, security, and live exhibits.
In the summer of 2024, the Ontario Science Centre, located in east Toronto, was abruptly closed by the province. This decision followed an engineering report that cited deficiencies in the roof of the facility. Critics have raised doubts over this justification, particularly since the roof has endured severe weather conditions in recent years. Currently, the provincial government is focused on constructing a new $1 billion science centre at Ontario Place, with an anticipated opening in 2029.
The government has stated that the Ontario Science Centre is enacting changes to "effectively and successfully deliver science learning experiences and new programming" at both interim and future locations. According to officials, this initiative is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs. The office of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Zee Hamid reassured the public that science programming and exhibits will continue to be integral to the organization despite the layoffs. Some affected employees may also be offered new positions at the interim and permanent sites.
As part of its relocation efforts, the province aims to help mitigate criticisms regarding the redevelopment plans for Ontario Place, which includes a spa and waterpark developed by the European company Therme. Kortenaar emphasized that the restructuring will facilitate progress as the organization gears up for the new facility, which will entail streamlining, consolidating, and reconfiguring several departments while also creating new roles that require different skill sets.
Among the new teams being formed is a research and impact team, while the science centre is currently maintaining an interim location in downtown Toronto alongside sporadic pop-up programming at different venues. Despite these efforts, concerns have been raised about the centre's future direction. Jason Ash, co-chair of the advocacy group Save Ontario’s Science Centre, articulated criticism of the layoffs, suggesting that the province is reshaping the science centre to cater to tourism from the United States rather than serving as an educational resource for Ontario's youth.
The union representing the science centre's employees expressed outrage over the job cuts. Raluca Ellis, president of the Local 549 branch of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, questioned how the Ontario Science Centre could function without a dedicated science unit, noting that the layoffs would eliminate over 540 years of collective experience among the staff.
In response to the restructuring, Kortenaar addressed the staff, asserting that "our organizational reality has changed significantly and changes are needed to prepare us for the future." He emphasized the importance of adjusting operational structures to align with the organization's future programming requirements. Provincial legislator Adil Shamji, who represents the area where the former science centre is located, called for the government to reconsider its plans for the new facility and restore programming at the existing site. He expressed bewilderment at the decision to dismantle the science department, paralleling the situation to having a hospital without medical professionals or a fire department devoid of firefighters.
