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May 26, 2026 by Anthony Teles 373 New Ontario Science Centre Construction Begins at Ontario Place Yesterday marked the official groundbreaking for the new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, signaling the start of building the Province’s long-awaited replacement for the previous Don Mills campus. With a fixed-price contract of $1.04 billion awarded to Ontario Science Partners, this new facility spans 400,000 ft² and is designed by Snøhetta and Hariri Pontarini Architects. It aims to open in 2029 as part of the redevelopment of Ontario Place. The project will feature a fresh mainland Science Centre building linked to refurbished pods and an updated Cinesphere. Looking north to the Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, designed by Snøhetta and Hariri Pontarini Architects for the Province of Ontario, Infrastructure Ontario, Amico Infrastructures, and John Laing Limited Intended as a replacement for the original Science Centre located at Don Mills and Eglinton, this four-storey waterfront complex will blend exhibition space with education and event programming through interactive exhibits, adaptable learning areas, workshops, and immersive science zones. Existing pods will be renovated for new science-related uses while upgrades will be made to the Cinesphere’s interior and exterior. This includes enhanced IMAX systems and better acoustics; seating capacity is expected to be nearly double that of the former OMNIMAX theatre in the old Science Centre. The facility is also being built with current accessibility standards in mind as it seeks Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification. A high-angle view looking south to the Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, designed by Snøhetta and Hariri Pontarini Architects for the Province of Ontario, Infrastructure Ontario, Amico Infrastructures, and John Laing Limited The plans for Ontario Place include over 50 acres of public open space along with extended shoreline trails, new beaches, playgrounds, interactive fountains, boardwalks, upgraded marina facilities as well as year-round event programming featuring the RBC Amphitheatre (the renovation of Budweiser Stage). The Science Centre complex itself will connect with existing pods and Cinesphere via elevated walkways within a waterfront park system. “The new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place represents a shared commitment to the creation of a dynamic new space that will inspire curiosity, foster innovation and create unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages,” said John Carmichael, Chair of the Ontario Science Centre’s Board of Trustees. “This milestone is an exciting step towards our bold and vibrant future.” says it is positioning the new Science Centre as both an educational institution and a tourism driver. Construction of this facility is expected to support over 1,000 jobs while redeveloping Ontario Place could generate around 5,700 jobs altogether plus contribute $420 million to provincial GDP during construction. Provincial materials state that local businesses in Ontario will be prioritized through procurement policies linked to the Buy Ontario Act. Once complete again with its revitalization efforts aimed at attracting up to six million visitors each year. Ground breaking ceremony image via twitter. com/Stan Cho MPP “Today marks an exciting milestone as we break ground on the new Ontario Science Centre where expanded programming space will deliver science-based learning to next generations,” said Todd Mc Carthy acting Minister of Infrastructure. “Our government is creating much-needed jobs as construction advances on this facility along with revitalizing everything within Ontario Place.” Project delivery is managed by Infrastructure Ontario using a design-build-finance-maintain procurement model with contracts given out to Ontario Science Partners which consists of Agentis Capital Advisors Amico Infrastructures Sacyr Construction alongside John Laing Ltd. This agreement has included maintenance coverage extending over 30 years aiming toward supporting long-term operations after completion. “Bringing this vision to life requires not only remarkable design engineering but collaboration right from its core,” said Angela Clayton President & CEO from Infrastructure Ontariо “Thank you goes out specifically towards those involved such as partners like Ontario Scientific Partners Ministry Tourism Culture Gaming City Toronto your cooperation means everything-we’re dedicated delivering something spectacular everyone can enjoy here at Ontаrio Plaсe.” A high-angle view looking northeast towardsthe Ontario Science Centreat Ontario Place designedby Snøhettaand Hariri Pontarini Architectsforthe Provinceof OntаriоInfrastructure OntаriоAmico Infrastructuresand John Laing LimitedVisitors can accessthe Science Centreviaanabovegroundparkinggaragewhichwillbeconstructedto theeast or viatransitat Exhibitionstationon Lakeshore West GOline, TTCstreetcarbusservices, andinfutureontario Line3’swesternterminus.
