On July 30, 2026, Toronto City Council adopted Item MM43, requesting the City Manager to convene meetings and determine a sustainable public use for the former Ontario Science Centre site at 770 Don Mills Road, following a Spring 2026 community engagement report. The LRA had written in support of the report’s acceptance on July 28.
The report presents the findings of a community engagement process undertaken in Spring 2026 to reimagine the future of the former Ontario Science Centre site at 770 Don Mills Road. Informed by this public feedback, the report puts forward a community-informed vision for the site’s return to public use.
The report and engagement process was led by Save Ontario’s Science Centre (Save OSC), Moriyama Teshima Architects, Councillor Josh Matlow, and Councillor Jon Burnside, and was carried out under the direction of motions approved by Toronto City Council.
Read the reportThe consultation findings ultimately demonstrate that 770 Don Mills Road is a significant public asset whose value lies in the intersection of learning, landscape, architecture, culture, and community. The message from participants is clear: the use of the site may change, but its public purpose should endure. The next chapter of 770 Don Mills Road should build on that legacy, creating a place where learning, discovery, and connection continue to shape Ontario’s future.
July 28, 2026
Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Attention: Sylwia Przezdziecki
RE: MM43.73 – Reimagining the Future of the Former Ontario Science Centre Public Consultation Report – by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Jon Burnside
Dear Mayor Olivia Chow and Members of City Council,
The above captioned Member Motion recommends that the report presenting the findings of a community engagement process undertaken to re-imagine the future of the former Ontario Science Centre site at 770 Don Mills Road be received for information. Informed by the public feedback, the report puts forward a community-informed vision for the site’s revitalization, re-opening, and return to public use.
In April 2023, the Provincial government announced its decision to relocate the Ontario Science Centre to the waterfront, and in June 2024 it abruptly closed the building.
The purpose of the community engagement was not to revisit the relocation decision, (which in our opinion was unnecessary and regrettable), or to evaluate specific redevelopment proposals. Rather, the process sought to identify the public values, priorities, and principles that should guide the future of this significant public asset, and to consider how its educational, environmental, cultural, architectural, and civic contributions can continue to serve communities across Toronto and Ontario. Key themes that emerged included continued public use of the site, multiple purposes including learning and discovery, access to the ravine and surrounding green space, the architectural significance of the building, and priorities for community and cultural programming.
We appreciate and strongly support the initiative of Save Ontario’s Science Centre, Moriyama Teshima Architects, together with Councillor Josh Matlow, and Councillor Jon Burnside.
Geoff Kettel
Co-President with Carol Burtin Fripp
c.c. Jason Ash, Save Ontario’s Science Centre
