Here's what the $1 billion Science Centre at Ontario Place will look like

The Ford government has officially unveiled the final design and awarded the contract to build, finance, and maintain the new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place. 

Following an extensive procurement process, the province announced on Thursday that it has awarded a $1.04 billion contract to Ontario Science Partners, a collaboration that includes local firm Hariri Pontarini Architects. 

The unveiling of the final design comes just under two years after the Science Centre's controversial and abrupt closure in June 2024, following an engineering report that deemed the 1969 building was "at risk of potential roof panel failure." 

Late last year, the provincial government announced that the Harbourfront Centre would serve as the interim home for the Ontario Science Centre until a new, permanent facility is completed at Ontario Place. 

The forthcoming 400,000-square-foot Science Centre will feature an integrated pod complex, an upgraded Cinesphere, and new interactive exhibits.

The province says the mainland building will be used for dynamic programming, immersive experiences, educational workshops, and hands-on exhibits, while the iconic Cinesphere will feature 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."

The facility is projected to be completed as early as 2029, and once operational, will welcome up to six million visitors per year. 

Overall, the year-round waterfront destination is set to offer more than 50 acres of public trails, new beaches, a controversial spa, a modernized marina, a redesigned RBC Amphitheatre, playgrounds, and interactive fountains.

Construction on the new facility is expected to start in the coming weeks.