Friday, February 27, 2026
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG) awarded a fixed price contract of $1.04 billion to Ontario Science Partners to design, build, finance and maintain a new state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre facility. The new Ontario Science Centre will be located on the mainland at Ontario Place and will include the preservation of the historic Cinesphere and Pod complex.
The Ontario Science Partners team includes:
- Applicant Leads: John Laing Limited, Sacyr Infrastructure Canada Inc. and Amico Major Projects Inc.
- Design Team: Hariri Pontarini Architects & Snøhetta
- Construction Team: Sacyr Canada Inc, and Amico Design Build Inc.
- Facilities Management: Johnson Controls Canada L.P.
- Financial Advisor: Agentis Capital Advisors
Ontario Science Partners will begin mobilizing on site and construction is expected to start in the coming weeks (Spring 2026).
“We are taking an important step towards a new, modern and vibrant Ontario Science Centre with this successful procurement. Working closely with our partners, we’re excited to deliver a new centre that will inspire future science education, while celebrating the site’s legacy by preserving the historic Cinesphere and pod complex,” said Angela Clayton, president and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario.
(Government of Ontario)
The new Science Centre will include:
- A state-of-the-art mainland building designed for dynamic programming, exhibitions and immersive visitor experiences, including hands-on exhibits, learning activities and educational workshops
- Renovated and enhanced pods, fully modernized to create new science-themed experiences
- The iconic Cinesphere, upgraded with acoustic enhancements to its world-class IMAX theatre and complete interior and exterior revitalization. It will offer double the seating of the former OMNIMAX Theatre.
“With state-of-the-art facilities that offer more space for visitors, interactive exhibits and programming, the new Ontario Science Centre will continue five decades of tradition, inspiring the next generation of young people,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As part of the revitalized Ontario Place, the Science Centre will be a historic landmark on Toronto’s waterfront and skyline, attracting millions of visitors a year.”
“We are proud to present the future home of the Ontario Science Centre, a new facility for a new generation that will explore innovative new approaches and give Ontario families access to world-class science programming,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By focusing on thoughtful planning and strong design, our government is protecting Ontario’s long-term economic interests and ensuring public infrastructure delivers real benefits for Ontarians.”
The new state-of-the-art facility will also integrate and embody sustainability principles, including being designed and constructed to achieve targets for energy use intensity (EUI), operational and embodied greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI), thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
“The Ontario Science Centre’s future is so exciting with limitless potential for unforgettable programming,” said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. “Our future home will bring science to life in an inclusive and playful way, where visitors, including teachers and students, can experience the wonder of science.”
Featured image: (Government of Ontario)
