Fighting for the Heart of a Community
In recent months, I’ve found myself writing two heartfelt letters to our provincial government representatives. The first was a plea to reconsider their decision about relocating the Science Centre. The second came after receiving their response—a politely worded but firm confirmation that the relocation plans would proceed as announced.
As someone who grew up in the surrounding neighbourhoods of Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park, this isn’t just about the relocation of a building. It’s about the potential loss of a community cornerstone that has shaped countless lives, including my own.
Growing up in community housing nearby, the Ontario Science Centre wasn’t just a weekend destination; it was a window into possibilities. Its exhibits and programs sparked curiosity and wonder in young minds, particularly those from underrepresented communities who might not otherwise have easy access to such enriching experiences. For me, it ignited a lifelong passion for computers and science, partially shaping my educational journey and career path.
What Happens to the Community Left Behind?
What troubles me most isn’t just the decision to relocate, but the apparent lack of consideration for what will become of the existing facility and the communities it has served for generations. While plans for a new, modern facility elsewhere may promise innovation and accessibility, they don’t address the void that will be left behind in these diverse, growing neighbourhoods.
In my correspondence with government officials, I proposed several alternatives for the existing facility that could preserve its legacy of education and community enrichment:
- Transforming the building into a dedicated STEM or science education center: Continuing its tradition of hands-on learning experiences.
- Establishing an environmental science facility: Focusing on sustainability and ecological education, which are crucial in today’s world.
- Developing a higher education institution or a new school: Meeting the needs of the growing community.
What makes this situation particularly poignant is the lack of closure. We weren’t even given the opportunity to properly bid farewell to this institution. There will be no community celebration of its legacy, no final chance for longtime visitors to share their stories and memories of how this place changed their lives.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
The Science Centre has been more than just a building housing exhibits. It has been a beacon of curiosity and knowledge, particularly for communities that have historically had limited access to such resources. Its relocation shouldn’t mean the erasure of its legacy in these neighborhoods.
As we look to the future, my hope is that decision-makers will recognize that while progress is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of abandoning the communities that have been served by this institution for so long. The spirit of discovery and learning that the Science Centre embodied must find a new home in these neighborhoods, even if the institution itself moves elsewhere.
Sometimes, progress requires change, but it shouldn’t mean leaving communities behind. We owe it to future generations to ensure that the legacy of wonder and discovery lives on in these neighbourhoods, even if it takes a different form.