Ontario Science Centre cuts 30 jobs, eliminates entire science department
The Ontario Science Centre laid off 31 workers including its entire science unit as part of a major restructuring, affecting departments such as business development, security, and live exhibits.
On September 10, 2026, the Ontario Science Centre laid off 30 workers including the entire science department, with CEO Paul Kortenaar announcing the organization is being restructured. The layoffs impacted entire full teams including business development, science, security and live exhibits.
The cuts wiped out more than 540 combined years of service and shrank the unionized workforce by 18%. Union representative Raluca Ellis questioned how the Ontario Science Centre could operate without a science unit.
Context and Future Plans
The province abruptly closed the science centre in east Toronto in the summer of 2024, citing roof deficiencies. Ontario plans to build a new science centre at Ontario Place costing one billion dollars, with an expected opening in 2029.
If you are employed in Ontario's cultural or museum sector, or work for a publicly funded institution undergoing "restructuring," this closure signals that layoffs can occur with limited notice and may eliminate entire departments. The centre currently operates an interim location in downtown Toronto and periodic pop-up locations while staff deliver programming in schools.
Sources
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