Immediately following the surprise closure of the Ontario Science Centre to the public last Friday, there has been an outpouring of public support to re-open the building immediately, fix the roof, and keep the Science Centre in its current location for good.
On June 21, when the rushed closure was announced and carried out, OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick and leaders of Local 549 (which represents all Science Centre workers) met with the employer and with members, and released this statement: Ford government neglect allows Ontario Science Centre to crumble
That same day, government officials told the media and the union that there would be no immediate job losses. Four days later, the union was informed that all food service workers, more than 50 members, at the Science Centre would be receiving indefinite layoff notices: Ontario Science Centre layoffs imminent due to unnecessary closure to the public
Reaction from the public and the media has been swift and relentless for the past week:
- CityNews: Science Centre closure “unnecessary” says firm that designed it, offering free repairs (video includes interview with OPSEU/SEFPO steward)
- Canadian Press: More than 50 workers to be laid off from Ontario Science Centre, union says
- Now Toronto: More than 50 layoffs are expected from the Ontario Science Centre, despite Doug Ford’s claims there would be no ‘immediate job losses’: union
- CityNews: MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam removes fencing around Ontario Science Centre, politicians urge reversal of closure
- CHCH: New campaign promises from opposition leaders following Ontario Science Centre closure
- QP Briefing: Ford government’s closure of Ontario Science Centre has led to layoffs: Stiles, union
- Globe and Mail: ‘Godfather’ of AI Geoffrey Hinton offers $1-million for Ontario Science Centre roof
- Canadian Architect: Ontario Science Centre doesn’t require full closure: A close reading of the engineer’s report
- CBC News: How much of the Ontario Science Centre roof is at risk of collapsing? See for yourself
- Toronto Star/St. Catharines Standard: Ford government slammed over decision to close science centre as workers laid off, opposition argues it’s cheaper to repair it
- Canadian Press: Architecture firm behind Ontario Science Centre says closure was ‘a political move’
- Blog TO: Tens of thousands of people have now signed on to save the Ontario Science Centre
- Canadian Press: Province seeks much smaller home for temporary Ontario Science Centre
- Toronto Star: Architecture firm that designed Ontario Science Centre offers free repair services to keep it open
- CBC News: Hundreds of buildings with Science Centre roof panels remain open
- CTV News: Calls to save Ontario Science Centre persist
- Toronto Star: This family is offering $1 million to help fix the Ontario Science Centre. Will Doug Ford consider it?
- Globe and Mail: Shameless spin aside, closing the Ontario Science Centre is a choice