The Ontario government has released its case for the relocation of the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma says the business case supports the government’s original vision for Ontario Place, which he says is to bring science-based programming to the heart of Toronto as part of a new world-class destination that offers a range of family-friendly, year-round activities and is easily accessible for families from across Toronto and Ontario.

The province says the relocation will save Ontario taxpayers $257 million over a 50-year period when compared to the cost of remaining at the current site, and will also provide a greater share of space for programming.

The Ontario Science Centre board voted in favour of the move in April 2023.

A third-party assessment, conducted by Pinchin Limited, found that the existing facility, which is more than 50 years old, would require a minimum capital investment of at least $478 million to help repair and replace outdated infrastructure. The government says a report issued last year indicated that the existing Science Centre will reach the end of its useful design life in three to five years.

Forty percent of the new Ontario Science Centre will be programmable space, compared to approximately 25 per cent at the current site.

“I am confident that the new Ontario Science Centre will continue to inspire generations of young people towards the jobs of the future as part of an iconic, all-season destination for up to six million people annually at Ontario Place,” Surma said.