Construction has officially begun on a new Ontario Science Centre, marking one of the most significant steps yet in the ongoing redevelopment of Toronto’s waterfront district at Ontario Place.
The groundbreaking signals the start of work on a 400,000-square-foot facility that will eventually replace the former Science Centre and serve as a central anchor in the province’s broader plan to turn Ontario Place into a year-round destination combining education, recreation, and tourism.
Set to open in 2029, the new complex will bring science programming directly to the lakeshore with a redesigned mainland building, upgraded exhibition pods, and expanded space for interactive learning experiences. The project also includes a major modernization of the historic Cinesphere, which will continue operating as an IMAX theatre with improved acoustics and a larger seating capacity. The new Ontario Science Centre project is estimated at $1.04 billion.
Unlike the former Don Mills location, designers are planning the new site as part of a fully integrated waterfront campus rather than a standalone institution. The redevelopment will reshape how visitors experience science education in Toronto by blending indoor exhibits with outdoor public spaces along Lake Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford, speaking at the groundbreaking, framed the project as both a cultural investment and an economic driver, highlighting its role in attracting long-term tourism and strengthening Toronto’s global profile.
Jobs
Beyond its educational mandate, the project is also being positioned as a major employment engine. Officials estimate more than 1,000 construction and tourism-related jobs will be created during development, alongside broader economic output tied to the revitalization of the waterfront district.
The redevelopment of Ontario Place is expected to extend far beyond the Science Centre itself. Plans include new beaches, expanded green space, pedestrian trails, event areas, and a redesigned RBC Amphitheatre, which will serve as a major outdoor performance venue. Once complete, the precinct is projected to host millions of visitors annually.
A new year-round attraction
Provincial officials say the new Science Centre will act as a year-round attraction rather than a seasonal museum, with programming designed to appeal to families, students, and international tourists. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho described the project as part of a long-term strategy to reposition Ontario Place as a global waterfront destination.
The design approach emphasizes flexibility and immersion, with upgraded pods and exhibition spaces intended to host rotating science exhibits, hands-on workshops, and large-scale educational installations. The reimagined Cinesphere will also remain a cultural centerpiece within the site.
During construction, the Science Centre operates from its temporary location at Harbourfront Centre and gradually expands programming to maintain public engagement while crews build the permanent site.
The project is being delivered through a consortium led by Ontario Science Partners, with architectural design by Hariri Pontarini Architects. Infrastructure Ontario is overseeing delivery under a long-term design-build-finance-maintain structure.
Officials say the broader Ontario Place redevelopment will remain accessible to the public throughout construction, with existing parks, trails, and seasonal events continuing along the waterfront as the transformation progresses.
The Ontario Science Centre redevelopment adds to Canada’s broader investment in science-related infrastructure, alongside federal research facilities such as the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre in Nova Scotia, which focuses on ocean and environmental science research.
Factsheet: New Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place
Project Overview
- Ontario government has broken ground on a new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place
- Part of a wider redevelopment of Toronto’s waterfront into a year-round science, tourism, and entertainment destination
- New facility will replace the existing Science Centre and anchor the revitalized site
Project Size & Timeline
- Total size: 400,000 square feet
- Expected completion: 2029
- Delivery model: Design–build–finance–maintain public-private partnership
- Lead consortium: Ontario Science Partners
Key Features
- State-of-the-art mainland building for exhibits, education, and immersive programming
- Upgraded and modernized “pods” for interactive science experiences
- Expanded programming and learning spaces compared to the former facility
- Upgraded Cinesphere IMAX theatre with improved acoustics and increased seating capacity
Ontario Place Redevelopment Components
- Over 50 acres of public waterfront space
- New beaches, playgrounds, trails, and interactive fountains
- Expanded green space and public event areas
- Redesigned RBC Amphitheatre
- Modernized marina and improved public access to Lake Ontario
Transportation & Access
- Linked to the future Ontario Line via Exhibition Station
- Connections to GO Transit across the Greater Golden Horseshoe
- Proximity to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Economic & Employment Impact
- Over 1,000 construction and tourism-related jobs expected
- Estimated $420 million contribution to Ontario’s GDP during construction
- Up to 6 million visitors per year projected once completed
Interim Operations
- Ontario Science Centre currently operating from Harbourfront Centre
- Expanded temporary exhibits and programming in place during construction period
Stakeholders
- Premier: Doug Ford
- Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming: Stan Cho
- Infrastructure Ontario
- Ontario Science Centre
- Design firm: Hariri Pontarini Architects
Strategic Goal
- Transform Ontario Place into a global waterfront destination combining science education, tourism, culture, and public recreation in a single integrated precinct.
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