There's a petition to stop Doug Ford from moving the Ontario Science Centre

Doug Ford confirmed the province's "worst-kept secret" on Tuesday, announcing that the Ontario Science Centre would relocate to Ontario Place as part of the shuttered amusement park's controversial redevelopment, a move that has triggered an outpouring of anger across Toronto.

The Flemingdon Park neighbourhood, home to the current science museum since 1969, appears to be emerging as a hotbed of resistance against the province's plans, and one area resident is fighting back with a petition, quickly gaining momentum on change.org.

"Don't Move the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place," a petition created by Mustafa Khan, calls the current facility a "vital place for the communities of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park," pointing out how "nearby schools bring their students to the Science Centre for field trips, to learn about many different things."

Petition · Don't Move the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place · https://t.co/ooxjVy9bv4 #topoli #onpoli https://t.co/ixMofzBzqa

— Ontario Place for All © (@ONPlace4All) April 18, 2023

The petition points out problems with the current plan, including the fact that the yet-to-open Eglinton Crosstown LRT station at Don Mills and Eglinton was named for the adjacent science museum, and that redevelopment would limit ridership by removing a prime destination from the upcoming line.

Created in the wake of Doug Ford's Tuesday announcement with an initial goal of 500 signatures, the petition has since gained almost 1,700 signatures with a current goal of 2,500.

The petition closes with a plea, asking the public to "convince Doug Ford and the government to keep the Ontario Science Centre where it is."

"Moving the Science Centre to Ontario place is a terrible idea and a waste of money," concludes the petition statement.