A group called Save Ontario’s Science Centre organized a nature walk in Don Mills on Saturday to protest against plans to relocate the Ontario Science Centre (OSC). Led by arborist Todd Irvine of City Forest and ravine advocate Floyd Ruskin of Lost Rivers Toronto, the walk aimed to raise awareness and garner support for keeping the OSC in its current location. The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Neil Lumsden, had confirmed earlier this year that the facility would be moved. However, organizers and participants at the event expressed their disappointment and concerns about the potential negative impact on the Toronto community.
Ruskin highlighted the fear among Science Centre supporters that the Ford government would misuse legislative power, similar to what happened with Ontario Place, to disregard public opinion and the advice of the auditor general, ultimately harming communities in Fleming, Thorncliffe, and Don Mills. He also criticized the government’s reasoning for the relocation, referring to it as unnecessary. Ruskin argued that the building’s disrepair was solely due to consistent underfunding and deferred maintenance by the government.
The province had released a business case in November justifying the move, citing an operational crisis at the current site and the need for indefinite closure for repairs. However, Ruskin raised concerns about the size of the new facility under Ford’s plan, stating that it would be significantly smaller. He also pointed out that more than the reported 53 employees would likely lose their jobs, affecting hundreds of individuals and families.
The Ontario Science Centre, designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, has been an integral part of the Don Mills community for over 50 years. Ruskin and other supporters of the Science Centre firmly believe that the relocation is unnecessary and that it goes against the advice of the auditor general, media outlets, and the taxpayers of Ontario. Despite widespread opposition, Premier Doug Ford remains steadfast in his plans to move the facility.
The nature walk organized by Save Ontario’s Science Centre was a visible demonstration of the community’s commitment to preserving the Science Centre’s current location. By bringing attention to the issue, the organizers and participants hoped to influence the government’s decision and ensure the preservation of this iconic institution.
