Public pressure grows for Ford government to reverse science centre closure

Seven-year-old Maryam Sayed burst into tears last month when she saw the fences going up around the Ontario Science Centre. The place had become a beloved playground and learning space for her and two siblings, as well as a cultural and educational hub for her parents. For the Sayed family, who live just across the street, the sudden closure of this iconic institution is a heartbreaking loss.

“This came as a shock. My daughter saw the fences and cried,” said Sameer Sayed. “She said, ‘Dad, I’ll just climb over it and go.’”

The Ford government announced the closure of the Ontario Science Centre on June 21, immediately canceling summer camps and barring entry to new visitors. According to the province, the sudden decision was necessary after a report from professional engineers found serious structural issues with the building. Specifically, the report said issues with some roof tiles could become critical as early as this winter under the pressure of heavy snow.

However, many advocates note the engineers had proposed alternative measures, such as restricting access to vulnerable roof areas and installing temporary reinforcements and horizontal hoarding.

Sayed also feels the reasons for closure are unfounded. “Every week, they [the Ford government] are giving new reasons, and every reason is false.”

Since then, public outcry has been growing. An advocacy group, “Save Ontario Science Centre,” which includes Sayed, has launched an online petition that has amassed over 58,000 more signatures since the announcement.

“I strongly disagree with the Government of Ontario’s plan to close and tear down the Ontario Science Centre and to relocate it to Ontario Place, with a significant decrease in space,” reads the letter, also signed by Sayed. “I am concerned that closing and demolishing a world-renowned science museum is a waste of our taxpayer dollars, may cause unnecessary negative environmental consequences, and is not in the public interest.”

Sayed, who emigrated from India to Toronto seven years ago, shares his deep connection with the centre and its educational impact on his kids. “I can see the Science Centre from my balcony. It was so close to me,” he said. The family has cherished learning about science and Canadian history, particularly through its IMAX theatre and engaging exhibits like “Dinos in Motion” and the “Great Canadian Invention Circus.”

Just a week before its closure, Sayed and his kids visited, and together, enjoyed the movie, “Backyard Wilderness.”

Sayed’s kids never came home disappointed.. “Even after spending the whole day there, they would often say, 'We wish we could stay a bit longer.' That was their only disappointment.”

Jason Ash, co-chair of the advocacy group. “Save Ontario's Science Centre,” criticized the Ford government's decision, saying it was made without public consultation or feedback.

“We’ve seen a tremendous volume of letters and actions from Ontarians, but publicly, it doesn’t appear that the premier is willing to listen,” Ash said. “In the first week after the closure, our petition numbers doubled and tripled. People reacted immediately and strongly.”

Last week, Toronto City Council passed a motion from Coun. Josh Matlow that directed the city manager to request a working group with the Ontario government and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The group will review the 1965 lease agreement requiring that the current building be used as the Ontario Science Centre. The motion also asks the city manager to evaluate the province's obligation to maintain the centre in a “state of good repair” and explore future collaboration on the centre’s future.

Speaking to reporters at an unrelated event on Monday, Premier Ford stated that he aims to transform Ontario Place into the country's premier tourist destination. Ford’s plan includes relocating the science centre because the current location is "a sleepy little neighborhood in the suburbs that no one goes to," he said.

“I always say, only in Toronto when the government comes up and says, ‘We're going to invest $1.5 billion making a world class destination Science Centre and Ontario Place,’ and you get a small percentage, because it is small overall, they make a lot of noise. We have an old building, 55 years old, with a lot of problems … We're going to build something brand spanking new. We know it's right. People know what's right, and it'll be the number one attraction out there,” said Ford.

But living so close to the current science centre, Sayed has observed plenty of vibrant activity around school trips, summer vacations and special events.

“The best thing about the science centre was that kids were learning through fun. They were learning without even realizing it.” His daughter’s volunteer role in the circus show called “The Great Canadian Invention Circus” was an experience that left a lasting impression.

“Whenever I look at these fences, the first thought that comes to my mind is, ‘If you can’t convince them, confuse them.’ That’s what the government is doing because they can’t convince the people why they closed it.”