The Ontario Science Centre announced on September 10, 2026, the elimination of 30 positions, including its entire science department, as part of a major organizational restructuring. The layoffs affect multiple teams including business development, security, and live exhibits, raising concerns about the future direction of one of Canada’s most beloved educational institutions.
CEO Announces Restructuring During Staff Meeting
Science centre CEO Paul Kortenaar delivered the difficult news during a video conference call with employees. The meeting revealed that several departments will no longer exist within the new organizational structure being implemented at the institution.
“As part of the changes, some departments will no longer form part of the new organizational structure. In some cases, this means entire full teams are impacted, including business development, science, security, and live exhibits.”
The announcement comes as the province prepares for a significant transition. The government is currently constructing a new $1-billion science centre at Ontario Place, with plans to open by 2029.
Provincial Government Defends Decision
The office of newly appointed Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Zee Hamid responded to the layoffs by emphasizing that science programming would continue. Hamid was appointed to the role in a cabinet shuffle that occurred the same day as the layoff announcement.
According to the provincial government, the changes are designed to help the science centre effectively deliver science learning experiences at both its interim and future permanent locations. Officials stated the project would create 1,000 new jobs.
The government maintains that science programming, expertise, and exhibits remain embedded across the entire organization. New roles will reportedly be available for some of the impacted workers at both interim and permanent facilities.
The Controversial Closure History
The province abruptly closed the original science centre in east Toronto during the summer of 2024. Officials cited an engineering report identifying deficiencies with the roof as the reason for the closure.
Critics have consistently questioned this reasoning, pointing out that the roof has survived record snowfall and rainfall over the past two years without incident. This skepticism has fueled ongoing controversy about the true motivations behind the closure.
A business case for relocating the science centre to Ontario Place suggested the move could help reduce criticism of another major component of the Ontario Place revitalization project. That project includes a spa and waterpark development by European company Therme.
Union Representatives Express Outrage
Labor representatives reacted strongly to the restructuring announcement. Raluca Ellis, president of Local 549 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, expressed frustration with the decision to eliminate the science department entirely.
“How can you have an Ontario Science Centre with no science unit? With these job cuts, over 540 years of combined service would be eliminated.”
The union’s concern centers on the institutional knowledge and expertise being lost. The combined 540 years of service among affected workers represents decades of dedication to science education in Ontario.
Advocacy Groups Voice Concerns
Jason Ash, co-chair of Save Ontario’s Science Centre, offered a pointed critique of the layoffs. He suggested the changes indicate a fundamental shift in the institution’s mission.
“With these layoffs, the province appears to be repositioning the Ontario Science Centre as a vacation day trip for American tourists, not an educational destination Ontario’s children.”
This criticism reflects broader concerns within the community about whether the new science centre will maintain the educational focus that made the original institution so valuable to Ontario families.
Current Operations Continue
Despite the original location’s closure, the Ontario Science Centre continues to serve the public. The institution currently operates an interim location in downtown Toronto alongside periodic pop-up exhibits at various venues.
Staff members also continue delivering educational programming directly to schools across the region. These outreach efforts have helped maintain connections with students and educators throughout the transition period.
The CEO explained that the restructuring aims to prepare the organization for its future operational needs. New teams are being created, including a research and impact team designed to support the institution’s evolving mission.
Political Opposition Calls for Reversal
Liberal provincial legislator Adil Shamji, who represents the area where the original science centre stood, urged the government to reconsider its plans. He called for a return of programming to the original building rather than proceeding with the relocation.
Shamji characterized the elimination of the science department as deeply troubling, suggesting it undermines the core educational mission of the institution.
What This Means for the Latin Community in Canada
The Ontario Science Centre has long served as an accessible educational destination for immigrant families, including the growing Latin community in the Greater Toronto Area. The institution offered programming in multiple languages and provided hands-on learning experiences regardless of visitors’ English proficiency.
For Latin families who valued the science centre as an affordable educational outing, these changes raise questions about what the new facility will offer. Parents concerned about their children’s STEM education should monitor announcements about the new Ontario Place location opening in 2029.
In the meantime, families can visit the interim downtown Toronto location or check the science centre website for information about pop-up exhibits and school programming that continues throughout the transition period.
Looking Ahead to 2029
The restructuring represents a significant pivot for an institution that has shaped science education in Ontario for decades. While the government promises 1,000 new jobs and continued science programming, critics remain skeptical about the direction of these changes.
Kortenaar acknowledged the difficulty of the transition in his remarks to staff, noting that the organizational reality has changed significantly. He emphasized the need to adjust structure and plan for future operational and programming needs.
The new $1-billion Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place is scheduled to open in 2029. Affected workers who wish to explore new positions at the interim and permanent locations should contact the Ontario Science Centre’s human resources department for information about available opportunities.
Will the Ontario Science Centre still offer science programming?
According to the provincial government, science programming, expertise, and exhibits will remain embedded across the organization. The government states there will be no change to the science programming and learning experiences delivered by the Ontario Science Centre.
When will the new Ontario Science Centre open?
The new $1-billion science centre at Ontario Place is scheduled to open by 2029, according to provincial government plans.
Where can families visit the Ontario Science Centre now?
The Ontario Science Centre currently operates an interim location in downtown Toronto and offers periodic pop-up exhibits at various locations. Staff also continue delivering programming in schools.
