The Ontario Science Centre has cut 30 jobs, eliminating its entire science department as part of a restructuring announced by CEO Paul Kortenaar. The provincial government plans a C$1 billion facility at Ontario Place, targeted to open in 2029, while an interim site operates in Toronto. Officials say programming will continue and the redevelopment could create about 1,000 jobs, but unions argue the cuts undermine the centre's mission and leave displaced workers without immediate help.
Ontario Science Centre Lays Off 30 Staff, Eliminates Entire Science Department Amid Restructure
Image by archer10 (Dennis), CC BY-SA 2.0.
The Ontario Science Centre has laid off 30 employees, including its entire science department, as part of a restructuring announced by CEO Paul Kortenaar. The Canadian Press obtained a recording of a conference call in which Kortenaar outlined the changes.
Those affected include staff from business development, the science team, security and the live-exhibit crews. The cuts follow the centre's closure in 2024 after officials cited roof deficiencies — a claim that drew public scrutiny because the roof reportedly withstood record snowfalls without causing immediate structural failures.
Plans For A New Facility
The provincial government plans to build a new C$1 billion Science Centre at Ontario Place, targeted to open in 2029. An interim location is currently operating in Toronto while the permanent facility is developed. According to CTV News, the province says science programming will continue at interim sites and at the new Ontario Place facility.
Reactions And Rationale
Unions responded angrily to the layoffs, arguing the cuts undermine the institution's core mission: you cannot run a functioning science centre without a science department. Kortenaar defended the restructuring as a necessary step to secure the centre's long-term viability and to align resources with the redevelopment plan.
Provincial officials estimate the redevelopment could create about 1,000 jobs overall — a projected net gain that does not immediately help those who were just laid off. Union leaders say displaced employees should be offered redeployment, fair severance or other supports during the transition.
Broader Context
Observers note the Science Centre cuts come amid a wider pattern of workforce reductions across sectors. Media coverage has highlighted several high-profile examples in recent years, from major public health staffing changes to layoffs at private companies; some affected workers have raised concerns about automation and AI, though such claims are often unconfirmed.
These job losses occur against ongoing cost-of-living pressures: rising rents, largely stagnant wages and many people juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. The combination of layoffs and economic strain is heightening public concern about worker security and the pace of institutional change.
What Happens Next
For now, unions say they will pursue discussions with the Science Centre and provincial officials about rehiring, compensation and future programming. The centre and government maintain that programming will continue at interim locations while the long-term Ontario Place facility is built.
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