Doug Ford says it’s ‘a great idea’ to move the Science Centre to Ontario Place

Moves are afoot to bring the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place, says Premier Doug Ford.

Thestar.com
April 14, 2023
Robert Benzie

Moves are afoot to bring the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place, says Premier Doug Ford.

The premier, who has been under fire over the planned private Therme spa for the waterfront park, insisted the looming Ontario Place redevelopment would “be a world-class destination.”

“You know, it doesn’t come without bumps and hurdles. Therme (spa) and then Live Nation is going to just have a spectacular outdoor venue,” Ford told reporters Thursday in Kitchener.

“But when it comes to the Science Centre, that came on the table probably a year ago and I personally think it’s a great idea,” he said.

Ford said he could not divulge any details that will be shared within days by Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma.

“If I told you now, my minister of infrastructure would shoot me on the spot. So can you stay tuned till next week, but I think it’s a fabulous idea -- and there’s a tremendous opportunity,” the premier said.

Surma said last Thursday that “since 2019, our government has been working with the Ontario Science Centre to explore including science-related tourism and educational programming as part of our vision to bring Ontario Place back to life.”

Asked if the current Don Mills site of the Science Centre could be repurposed for housing, Ford left the door wide open.

“If we decide to move it, yeah, I think there’s an opportunity right there at Don Mills and Eglinton,” he said.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think there’s about 90 acres -- and I don’t know if it’s all buildable -- but even if it’s half of that that’d be great opportunities as well (for) highrises, density around that whole area,” the premier said.

“That’s where the Ontario Line (subway) is going to go to as well, so I think there’s a tremendous opportunity to create something -- attainable homes and affordable and non-profit homes in that region if we decide to go down that road,” said Ford.

The future of Ontario Place has emerged as a major issue in the June 26 Toronto mayoral byelection campaign.

Therme, an Austrian company, is planning a 65,000-square metre private entertainment, water recreation and wellness centre on Ontario Place’s West Island.

As part of the plan, Queen’s Park would spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a five-level, 2,100-spot underground parking garage to service the spa and a rebuilt Budweiser Stage concert venue operated by Live Nation.

Mayoral candidate Ana Bailao, a former deputy mayor to John Tory, has been urging Ford to move the Science Centre to Ontario Place, freeing up much of the city-owned Don Mills land to build 5,000 homes, 1,500 of them affordable.

Bailao said that would enable Ontario Place to be a family-friendly showcase for science and innovation.

“I am pleased to hear that Premier Ford and I agree on this proposal -- and that the province has been working on this for some time. I look forward to seeing the full details of their announcement next week,” she said.

But Bailão emphasized the existing “beloved heritage building” that houses the Science Centre should be turned into a community hub for Flemingdon and Thorncliffe residents with the new housing built on the massive parking lot.

Rival Josh Matlow, a city councillor, says the city should “move forward with a revitalized public park that is fully integrated with a reimagined Exhibition Place” with no spa at Ontario Place.

Mark Saunders, the former police chief and Ford’s former $700-a-day adviser on Ontario Place, says the site is a “crown jewel which means the tourism opportunity, associated job creation and economic development must also be a strong factor in decision making.”

But NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre), whose riding includes Ontario Place, said Ford’s scheme is “another distraction” to deflect attention from other problems besetting the government.

“Who asked for this proposal? There’s been no meaningful consultation,” said Wong-Tam, adding the plan reminded her of when the premier was a city councillor who wanted “a mega mall and a Ferris wheel” as part of the waterfront.