Local benefactors donate over $1M to ensure Ontario Science Centre remains operational

June 27, 2024 TruthUSA

A group of philanthropists from the Toronto area has stepped up to offer over $1 million to ensure the Ontario Science Centre remains open for the summer following its abrupt closure last week.

The Science Centre, established in 1969, shut down on June 21 due to structural issues with the roof, as reported by government officials.

This closure came after Premier Doug Ford announced plans to relocate the Science Centre to Ontario Place with construction set to commence in 2025. According to a press release from the Science Centre, the new facility is expected to open in 2028.

Despite these plans, a few affluent residents in the region are advocating for the Science Centre to remain in its current location and stay open.

Adam McNamara, a technology entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Oakville, pledged to cover the $522,500 cost of replacing faulty roof panels as stated in the Ministry of Infrastructure engineering report.

“I will personally cover the expenses for the panel remediation recommended by your engineers to keep the Science Centre open for children throughout the summer,” McNamara expressed in a June 22 X post.

McNamara further stated in subsequent posts, “If the lack of funds for repairs is the only thing keeping the Science Centre closed this summer, my friends and I are more than willing to assist. Providing countless children and families with the opportunity to develop a love for science is incredibly valuable.”

Another philanthropist, Sabina Vohra-Miller, pledged to contribute up to $1 million to ensure the Science Centre remains in its current location permanently.

Vohra-Miller proposed in a June 23 X post to assemble a collective of ex-Shopify members to raise funds. Vohra-Miller, along with her spouse, Craig Miller, established the Vohra Miller Foundation.

Vohra-Miller reached out to ex-Shopify members Fahd Ananta, Loren Padelford, and Bram Sugarman to contribute to the cause, and all three committed to supporting the initiative.

Roof Replacement

The engineering firm Rinkus Consulting Group’s report identified several roof panels vulnerable to snow weight collapse this winter. The recommended solution is replacing the entire roof, a project taking two to five years and between $22 million to $40 million in expenses.

While the engineers assured the building’s safety until October 31, the province chose to close down the facility on June 21.

Ontario Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma stated in a press release that the decision was made to safeguard the health and safety of visitors and staff at the Ontario Science Centre.

Regarding the closure, Surma remarked that while it was a tough decision and saddened her, it was essential to prioritize health and safety concerns. She emphasized, “One must remember that this was a warning, a health and safety warning, and as a representative of government, I have to take that seriously.”

Infrastructure Ontario plans to find a temporary location for a science centre until the new one at Ontario Place is ready.

Meanwhile, the province is refunding all Ontario Science Centre members and summer camp participants. Additionally, a nearby school will host similar programs as an alternative summer camp venue at no cost for previously registered campers.

Centre Relocation

Relocating the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place would save over $250 million for taxpayers over 50 years compared to renovating and modernizing the facility at its current North York site, according to a report released last year.

The proposed expenditure to refurbish the existing structure and update exhibitions would total $1.3 billion over 50 years, as per a business case report by Infrastructure Ontario from November 29.

The report advocated for relocating the attraction to a revamped Ontario Place on Toronto’s waterfront, at a cost of $1.05 billion over 50 years. This move would allow simultaneous revitalization of two provincial assets through one capital investment.

Last April, Premier Ford announced plans to move the Science Centre to the waterfront and unveiled further redevelopment schemes in July for Ontario Place, including not only the new Science Centre but an enlarged amphitheatre, a public beach, bars, restaurants, a new marina, and a spa.

At a news conference at Ontario Place last July, Ford outlined that it would be a cutting-edge, world-class Science Centre.

Despite the premier and his administration supporting the Science Centre’s relocation, there has been opposition from the community and some politicians, not only regarding the relocation but also concerning the sudden closure of the facility last week.

A local group has initiated a campaign to keep the Science Centre operational. The Save Ontario’s Science Centre group is encouraging concerned citizens and science enthusiasts to sign a petition-style letter to the premier and urge the centre’s continued operation.

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