Community backlash to proposed Science Centre relocation

Premier Doug Ford’s musing about relocating the Ontario Science Centre as part of a refurbished Ontario Place plan has spawned a negative reaction from residents in the community that is home to the centre.

Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park are two densely populated neighbourhoods that would be directly impacted by the loss of the Science Centre, an attraction considered part of the fabric of the community.

“They shouldn’t be moving it from here,” one area resident tells CityNews. “Just look around the area. There are close to 300,000 people here and all young families. Where do they go? They go to the science centre”

“I think that this is a very special place,” said another area resident. “I’ve come here my whole life growing up as a child. I’ve come here pretty often just to see films at the IMAX. I think it would be a great tragedy if we were to lose this position and just build housing.”

RELATED: ‘I think it’s a great idea,’ Ford supports moving Science Centre to Ontario Place

Ahmed Hussein runs a community organization in Thorncliffe Park and says the Science Centre is a significant part of the area for reasons that go beyond just being a city attraction and a place for science education.

“The Science Centre is a pillar in our community. The community is connected. They go out of their way to support the community, to accessibility in terms of newcomers. Actually, the first couple months while there, they access that,” explains Hussein.

Reaction on social media to the proposed move echoes that of area residents who spoke to CityNews.

No no no no……. Not a good idea. Ontario Science Centre needs to stay where it is. Lots of opp. for development. @OntScienceCtr is such a benefit to the entire #FlemingdonPark, #DonMills area. We are about to get the Crosstown & Ontario Line. Why do this? #OntarioScienceCentre

— Manny James (@iammannyj) April 13, 2023

Omg what a huge waste of money. Use the science center parking lots for development…the LRT signs are already on the Science center stops…lol. if it ever gets finished…Eglinton LRT another waste of money!!

— o (@ttctaker) April 13, 2023

Why though?! I grew up in #DonMills . The #OntarioScienceCentre was a HUGE part of my childhood. It was a close by, affordable place for kids to wonder, learn & grow. Not everyone is a tourist. It was built there to teach about our nature too. Focus on things we need. Not this!!

— Jess (@PunkJesster) April 14, 2023

Ford has suggested housing could be built on the Science Centre site, which community members say would be a positive if its done with the right intentions.

“I think the only trade off that I can see, that I can accept, is that if the whole space is used for affordable housing,” said Hussein. “Not to a developer that will make a condominium, but low income families can acces.”

When it comes to building more housing on the Science Centre site, there are already development plans to build more towers across the street in the densely populated area, plus a brand new 60 acre community is already under construction within walking distance to the north.