Introduction

Alison Motluk may have left the Ontario Science Centre years ago, but her connection to this beloved institution endures. From her time as a Host in the late '80s to her role as a Science Writer until 2021, Motluk reflects on a place that was not just a building but a vibrant hub of discovery and learning for more than 55 years.

The Shocking Closure

But on June 21, 2024, everything changed in an instant. Staff members who reported for their usual duties were engulfed by confusion and dread as rumors swirled about an unexpected all-staff meeting. The eerie installation of fencing around the Science Centre had raised eyebrows, but no one anticipated that the building's closure would be the shocking outcome of what had only been whispers moments prior.

That fateful day, the Toronto Star broke the devastating news: the Ontario Science Centre was abruptly closing due to a report indicating the roof's imminent danger of collapsing. Panic rippled through the staff as they learned this troubling information not just from their employers but from visitors expressing concern about their safety.

The Emotional Response

The decision felt surreal—many of the 250 staff members believed this would only be a temporary closure during repairs. Their incredulity turned to anguish as management delivered a bombshell: they had just over four months to vacate the premises. The air was filled with palpable emotions—shock, grief, and righteous anger.

The Science Centre, a pillar of educational engagement and community involvement, became a canvas for nostalgia and loss. Designed in 1969 by architect Raymond Moriyama, it was a labyrinth of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences, nurturing curiosity in young minds with its electric shows and scientific wonders.

A Space for Memories

But this was more than just a structure. It was a workspace pulsating with innovative artisans crafting exhibits and experiences. It contained classrooms and laboratories, a space where several life-changing moments unfolded—from lively summer camps to heartfelt family outings.

The Dismantling Process

Yet here they were, faced with an unexpected funeral for an institution they loved. Many staff members were determined to treat this process of dismantling the Centre with the utmost care, viewing it as their responsibility to preserve the legacy of the place they called home. They mourned not just for the building but for the irreplaceable memories woven into its fabric.

As the packing and moving process commenced, a haunting dichotomy emerged. Staff were met with tight security measures such as checkpoints and guards enforcing constraints that made moving feel like a crime. They were stripping the exhibits and artifacts which had become extensions of themselves—everything from live turtles to intricate crafts used for demonstrations.

Struggles and Uncertainties

Amidst the chaos, anxiety and a sense of despair grew. Many staff members struggled with mental health issues during this turbulent time, juggling their professional emotions with personal feelings of loss. The path ahead was riddled with uncertainties, especially for those on fixed-term contracts. Their future hinged on pop-up activities envisioned as “Ontario Science Centre Experiences” scattered across the city. But these initiatives felt like haunted echoes of what used to be—a stark contrast to the real magic of the original Centre.

Questions About the Future

As shiploads of scaffolding appeared and evidence of ongoing renovations suggested the government wasn’t finished with the building just yet, the question loomed: why were funds being injected at this late stage? Staff were left to ponder the inconsistencies, the mysteries surrounding the future of a space that had captured countless adventures.

A Quiet Goodbye

With no grand farewell allowed, the Ontario Science Centre quietly slipped away, leaving a hollow space and unanswered questions. By November 1, a cloud of disbelief hung in the air as visitors walked past the perimeter fence, reflecting on the institution’s legacy.

Public Outrage

This controversial closure has ignited public outrage and despair—a bitter farewell to a place that inspired dreams, forged connections, and welcomed curious minds for generations. As this chapter closes, many cannot help but wonder what’s next for the soul of the Science Centre and whether it can truly survive separated from its physical embodiment.

Looking Forward

Stay tuned, as this story unfolds further, raising concerns that extend beyond just one institution, questioning our community’s commitment to preserving educational spaces rooted in local history and engagement. What will it take for the voice of the public to be heard?