Event Details

The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs, and challenges the communities we serve. We enrich people's lives and their understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. We are the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology.

This application is for “Ontario Science Centre Interim Site Launch”, taking place from July 1 to December 31, 2026, at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. This project establishes a central hub for science programming during the transition to its future permanent facility at Ontario Place in 2029, building on successful satellite programming previously delivered at Harbourfront Centre and Sherway Gardens and expanding in scope and scale to offer a more comprehensive science destination. The launch takes place in two phases: Phase 1 (July–October) focuses on launch and awareness building, while Phase 2 (November–December) expands programming and includes the opening of new exhibit spaces. Programming will include an updated KidSpark experience, several new exhibits exploring core science themes, a makerspace, and live demonstrations designed to encourage hands-on learning and repeat visitation. Programming includes: (1) Official public opening of the Ontario Science Centre’s expanded Harbourfront site at York Quay Centre with activation of core program areas; (2) Core programming open to the public daily, including live science demonstrations connected to exhibition themes, with components including: (A) KidSpark experiential play environments (Town & Country, Medical Centre, and the Pond) supporting early learners and families; (B) Space & Moon Exploration exhibit at the Lakeside Terrace introducing core concepts in astronomy and space science; and (C) Innovation Station/Makerspace offering facilitated hands-on activities and creative experimentation; (3) Collection of Ontario Science Centre favourites, a curated selection of interactive exhibits adapted from the 770 Don Mills location; (4) Opening of the North Commons temporary structure and additional exhibit spaces; (5) Relaunch of the Access Science program beginning in September, providing free admission for equity-deserving schools in Toronto; and (6) Additional seasonal programming including weekend theatre programming, FIFA-related pop-up soccer activity, and school-oriented programming.