Ontario Science Centre Eliminates Entire Science Dept. As 31 Workers Are Laid Off

The Ontario Science Centre has laid off 31 workers and eliminated its standalone Science Unit in a major September 2026 restructuring, according to the latest count from the union representing affected employees. The union told CBC News that 27 permanent roles and four contract roles were affected; earlier reports had put the total at 30.

The cuts go well beyond the science team. CEO Paul Kortenaar told employees that entire teams were affected, including science, business development, security and live exhibits. The workers involved in the current round are represented by OPSEU/SEFPO Local 549.

Unionized employees affected by the cuts should contact their union immediately about their rights and next steps. Employees who are not represented by a union or are excluded from the bargaining unit should not sign termination documents or a release before finding out what they could be owed.

For ongoing workforce updates and broader employee-rights information, see our Ontario Science Centre layoffs guide.

On This Page:

• 1. Job Cuts At A Glance
• 2. What Happened?
• 3. Why Is The Science Unit Being Eliminated?
• 4. What Should Employees Do?

Ontario Science Centre Job Cuts At A Glance

• Announcement date: September 10, 2026
• Latest reported total: 31 affected positions — 27 permanent and four contract roles
• Initial reported total: 30 roles
• Teams affected: Science, business development, security and live exhibits
• Science department: The standalone Science Unit is being eliminated
• Union: OPSEU/SEFPO Local 549

OPSEU/SEFPO’s initial statement described the change as an 18 per cent reduction, with the complement of 166 unionized workers falling to 136. The union subsequently told CBC News that 31 positions were affected when four contract roles were included.

What Happened At The Ontario Science Centre?

The Ontario Science Centre is restructuring its organization as it operates from its interim Harbourfront Centre location and prepares for a new permanent home at Ontario Place.

Kortenaar told staff that some departments would no longer form part of the new organizational structure and that entire teams were affected. He said several functions are being streamlined, consolidated or reconfigured, while new positions requiring different skills and expertise will also be created.

The union said the cuts represent more than 540 years of combined service among the affected workers and that only one affected employee had been offered alternative permanent employment within the public service when it issued its statement.

Why Is The Ontario Science Centre Eliminating Its Science Unit?

The Science Centre says the cuts are part of an organizational restructuring designed to prepare it for future operational and programming needs. Kortenaar said the organization’s circumstances have changed significantly and that its structure needs to change as it prepares for the future.

The province says eliminating the standalone unit does not mean science programming is being eliminated. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming said science programming, expertise and exhibits remain embedded across the organization and that there will be no change to the learning experiences delivered by the Science Centre.

The organization is also creating new teams, including a research and impact team, and the province says new roles will be available for some affected workers.

Where Is The Ontario Science Centre Now?

The Ontario Science Centre opened its temporary home at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto in June 2026. The province says that location will operate while the permanent Science Centre is built at Ontario Place.

Construction on the new 400,000-square-foot Ontario Place facility began in 2026, with the province targeting a 2029 opening.

What Should Affected Ontario Science Centre Employees Do?

The employees affected in this round are represented by OPSEU/SEFPO Local 549, so their first step is to speak with their union. The union can explain their rights under the collective agreement and whether a grievance, reassignment or other process applies.

If you work for the Ontario Science Centre but are not represented by a union, or you are excluded from the bargaining unit, the rules are different. Don’t sign a termination package or release until you know whether the offer reflects your full rights.

For non-unionized employees, the minimum amount required by employment standards law is not necessarily your full severance. Full severance can be substantially higher and, for some employees, can reach as much as 24 months of compensation.

Sources

• CBC News — Ontario Science Centre lays off 31 workers, union says.
• The Canadian Press / CityNews — Ontario Science Centre laying off entire science department.
• OPSEU/SEFPO — Science Unit and other core staff jobs being cut at Ontario Science Centre.
• Ontario Newsroom — Ontario breaks ground on new Science Centre at Ontario Place.
• Ontario Newsroom — Ontario Science Centre interim location opens at Harbourfront Centre.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about a publicly reported workforce reduction and the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It does not state or suggest that Neo Financial, any related company or any other employer acted unlawfully, made an improper severance offer or failed to meet its obligations to any employee.