Ontario Science Centre lays off 31 workers, union says

The Ontario Science Centre has laid off 31 employees, according to the union representing staff. OPSEU Local 549 said the cuts affect 27 permanent positions and four contract roles, and that the centre’s standalone science unit has been eliminated. The province said the changes are intended to support science programming at the interim Harbourfront Centre location and at the future Ontario Place site. A ministry spokesperson said no programming changes are planned and said some affected workers may be offered new roles. Union leaders and some advocates criticized the move, arguing that removing science staff undermines the centre’s mission. The layoffs come after the province closed the east Toronto facility in 2024 because of roof concerns, and while plans continue for a new science centre at Ontario Place expected to open in 2029.