Inside the fight to save the Ontario Science Centre
Jul 5, 2024
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The podcast discusses the sudden closure of the Ontario Science Centre due to a dangerous roof, sparking debates on potential relocation and offers for repair. It delves into the historical significance of the Science Centre, government responses, and uncertainties surrounding its future location.
The Ontario Science Centre suddenly closed due to roof risks, sparking public outcry and offers of support.
Government plans to relocate the Science Centre to Ontario Place, raising debates over transparency and community impact.
Deep dives
Closure of Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre, a 55-year-old iconic Toronto landmark, suddenly closed due to risks of roof collapse, as reported by the Ford government. The closure sparked public outcry, with offers of financial support and expertise to fix the building. Despite the possibility of an easy fix for specific roof panels, the government plans to relocate the Science Centre to Ontario Place, with a new facility expected to open in 2028.
Controversy and Long-term Plans
The Ford government aims to move the Science Centre to Ontario Place as part of a waterfront revitalization project, triggering debates about the location shift. Concerns arise over accessibility, community impact, and the government's prioritization of developers in decision-making. The potential connection between the new Science Centre's construction and agreements with other waterfront tenants raises transparency issues.
Moving Forward and Uncertainties
Plans involve an interim Science Centre while waiting for the new facility at Ontario Place, creating challenges in relocating complex exhibits and maintaining operational functions. Discussions continue regarding the future of the current Science Centre site, with Toronto City Council exploring options for its potential retention. The overall shift reflects a complex blend of political decisions, public sentiments, and logistical considerations.
First the Ontario Science Centre was to be moved in a year or two, and that was enough to spark a protest movement to keep the iconic building designed by a renowned architect right where it was. Then, out of nowhere, it was simply closed for good, with Ontario's government citing a report that the roof would pose a danger in winter.
In the wake of its sudden closure, there have been offers of private donations to fix the roof, the architectural firm that designed it has offered to lead those repairs and thousands of citizens have rallied to try and change the province's mind. But nothing's changed. Why did the Science Centre close so suddenly? Where will it live next? And who profits from that?