Ontario Awards $1.04B Contract for New Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place

TORONTO — The Ontario government has unveiled the final design and awarded a $1.04 billion fixed-price contract to build and maintain a new 400,000-square-foot Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, marking a major milestone in the province’s waterfront redevelopment plans.

The contract, awarded to Ontario Science Partners, includes design, build, finance and maintenance of the new facility. The consortium includes Hariri Pontarini Architects, which has led major cultural redevelopment projects across Ontario.

Once completed — as early as 2029 — the new Science Centre will anchor the revitalized Ontario Place site and is projected to create more than 1,000 jobs in construction and tourism. The broader Ontario Place redevelopment is expected to generate more than 5,700 jobs during construction and contribute approximately $420 million to Ontario’s GDP.

A Larger, Modernized Science Centre

The new facility will feature a state-of-the-art mainland building integrated with the site’s iconic pod complex and a fully modernized Cinesphere. According to the province, the new centre will offer more programming space than the former Don Mills location.

Planned features include:

• A new mainland building designed for immersive, hands-on exhibits and educational workshops

• Renovated and enhanced pods modernized for new science-themed experiences

• A fully upgraded Cinesphere IMAX theatre, with acoustic enhancements and double the seating of the former OMNIMAX Theatre

Premier Doug Ford said the project will continue five decades of science education tradition while creating a landmark on Toronto’s waterfront that could attract millions of visitors annually.

Today, we unveiled plans for a brand new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place.

This state-of-the-art facility will have more space for programming than ever before, incorporating Ontario Place’s famous pods and Cinesphere and offering incredible new exhibits and learning… pic.twitter.com/SRjg71fOTB

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 26, 2026

Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, said the new centre is designed to provide families with access to world-class science programming while protecting long-term economic interests.

Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre, said the new home will bring science to life “in an inclusive and playful way” for visitors, including teachers and students.

Revitalizing Ontario Place

The new Science Centre is part of Ontario’s broader transformation of Ontario Place into a year-round waterfront destination. Planned public features include:

• More than 50 acres of free public trails and expanded green space

• Urban beaches and boardwalks

• Interactive fountains and playgrounds

• Event spaces and a revitalized marina

• The redesigned RBC Amphitheatre

The government has also confirmed that Harbourfront Centre will continue serving as the interim home of the Science Centre until the permanent facility opens.

Angela Clayton, President and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario, described the procurement milestone as an important step toward delivering a modern and vibrant facility while preserving the historic Cinesphere and pod complex.

Transit Connectivity and Accessibility

Officials emphasized improved transit access through the future Ontario Line at Exhibition Station, connecting the site to GO Transit service and Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. The project aligns with Ontario’s broader Destination Waterfront Strategy aimed at strengthening Toronto’s position as a premier global waterfront city.

The new Science Centre facility will meet all accessibility requirements and seek Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification.

Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure, said the investment forms part of Ontario’s $223 billion capital plan focused on infrastructure and job creation.

Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, noted the new centre will support student achievement by providing hands-on learning opportunities and real-world skills development.

Cultural and Industry Impact

The revitalized Cinesphere is expected to strengthen Ontario’s film and television industry. Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, highlighted the theatre’s legacy as the world’s first permanent IMAX cinema, originally opened in 1971.

Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of Ontario Creates, said integrating the Cinesphere into the redevelopment supports Ontario’s creative economy and enhances the province’s appeal to international production partners.

With construction expected to prioritize Ontario-based businesses under the Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025, the province says the project will reinforce domestic supply chains while delivering long-term cultural and economic benefits.

Once complete, Ontario Place is projected to welcome up to six million visitors per year.

---

GTA Today will continue to track major infrastructure and waterfront redevelopment projects across the Greater Toronto Area.