Ontario Science Centre Closing: What Happened, Why It Matters, and What It Means for Workers

The Ontario Science Centre closing has left employees, families, and visitors across the province stunned. Once a beloved hub for education and innovation, the landmark shut its doors abruptly in June 2024 following serious structural safety concerns — a decision that has since triggered controversy, layoffs, and political backlash.

Why Did the Ontario Science Centre Close?

On June 21, 2024, officials announced that the Ontario Science Centre was closing immediately after engineers discovered that parts of its roof were at risk of collapse (CTV News).

The report revealed that rain or snow buildup could cause the structure — made of air-filled concrete similar to that used in several now-closed U.K. schools — to fail without warning. The Ministry of Infrastructure emphasized that “any risk of collapse is too much risk,” prompting the board to act swiftly.

• Although the building wasn’t yet unsafe, it was deemed unsustainable under “status quo conditions.”
• Repair estimates exceeded $600 million more than building a new facility at Ontario Place, according to an Ernst & Young report.

The decision immediately affected approximately 250 workers, many of whom were members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Around 2,000 children enrolled in summer camps had their programs moved to nearby schools, while event bookings — including a weekend wedding — were refunded or relocated.

Layoffs Following the Closure

Within days of the closure, more than 50 food service workers employed by Levy Canada were informed they would lose their jobs. OPSEU criticized the government’s handling of the situation, calling the closure “an excuse” to fast-track the controversial relocation to Ontario Place.

By September 2024, another wave of layoffs hit. Dexterra Group, which provided cleaning services, cut 28 positions after its contract with the Science Centre ended (CBC News). Union representatives said many of these workers had decades of service and were “devastated” to lose jobs they loved.

Premier Doug Ford promised that the province would help these employees find new work “within the system,” though union leaders later told CBC News that no such help materialized.

What Happens Next?

The Ontario government plans to relocate the Science Centre to a new, permanent home at Ontario Place — expected to open in 2028 at the earliest. In the meantime, officials are exploring temporary spaces for programming and exhibits.

The move remains politically charged. Critics accuse the Ford government of using safety concerns as a pretext to push a redevelopment plan, while supporters argue that rebuilding offers a safer, more modern facility for future generations.

Employment Rights for Affected Workers

For those impacted by the Ontario Science Centre closing and related layoffs, it’s important to understand your rights.

Non-unionized employees in Ontario are entitled to full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to restructuring, downsizing, or closure.

This applies to full-time, part-time, hourly, and contract workers, and compensation can reach up to 24 months’ pay, depending on factors like tenure, age, and position.

If you worked at the Ontario Science Centre, Levy Canada, Dexterra Group, or a related contractor, you should not sign any termination agreement before seeking legal advice to ensure your severance package is fair.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and should not be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer.