TORONTO — Layoffs have begun at the Ontario Science Centre.
The Ontario Public Employees Union says more than 50 food service employees are expected to be laid off in the coming days.
The union says the workers are employed by an outside contractor, Levy Canada.
The state announced the sudden closure of the science center last Friday afternoon.
Ontario Infrastructure said it was forced to suddenly close the building to the public due to structural issues with part of the roof.
The closure sparked an outcry among local residents, science enthusiasts and the architectural firm that designed the building.
“The current government is clearly looking for an excuse to close this beautiful historic building,” union president JP Hornick said.
“But they didn’t calculate how many people across Ontario love the science centre and want it to remain open and in place.”
The province previously announced the science centre would move to the new Ontario Place, which is in the early stages of construction, and would be combined with a giant spa, a revamped concert venue and a new marina.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2024.
Canadian Press
