From Access to Absence: The Challenges Addressing the Loss of the Ontario Science Centre in Underserved Areas

A Pillar of Scientific Education

For over 50 years, the Ontario Science Centre has been an essential resource for fostering a love of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among youth, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities. With its diverse range of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and summer camps, the Centre has welcomed millions of visitors, including nearly 800,000 in the 2022-2023 fiscal year alone. These programs have been critical in sparking curiosity and nurturing future generations of scientists and innovators, with a notable impact on communities that are underserved.

Reaching Underserved Communities

The Centre has played a significant role in the Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park neighborhoods, areas with high immigrant populations and lower-income families. By providing accessible, hands-on learning experiences, it has helped bridge educational gaps and offered opportunities that many students might not otherwise have. This accessibility is vital for fostering diversity in STEM fields, which continue to be predominantly occupied by individuals from more privileged backgrounds.

Growing up, my parents would take my siblings and I to the Ontario Science Centre regularly. I understand the impact that the Ontario Science Centre had within our community having first experienced experiential and hands-on STEM learning there. Incredibly, my siblings and I reflected on it’s role in us all pursuing STEM education. These outreach experiences were foundational in developing my interest in science and demonstrating the importance of accessible educational resources.

Short and Long-Term Impacts

The relocation of the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place introduces both short-term and long-term impacts, particularly on the communities it currently serves.

Short-term Impact:

1. Accessibility Issues: The immediate impact will be reduced accessibility. Many of the underserved and underrepresented communities that the Centre currently serves are located in the eastern part of Toronto. Relocating to Ontario Place, situated on the waterfront in downtown Toronto, could make it more difficult for these families to visit, due to increased travel time and costs.
2. Interruption of Programs: There will likely be a disruption in the ongoing educational programs and school visits. Transitioning to a new location can lead to temporary suspension of activities, which may cause a gap in the continuous learning and engagement that the Centre provides.
3. Community Disconnection: The Centre has built strong relationships with local schools and community organizations in its current location. Relocation could strain these partnerships and diminish the sense of community connection and support that has been established over the years.

Long-term Impact:

1. Shift in Demographics: The new location at Ontario Place might attract a different demographic, potentially skewing towards more affluent visitors who can easily access downtown Toronto. This shift could lead to decreased focus on serving underserved and underrepresented communities.
2. Sustainability of Programs: In the long term, if the new location does not adequately cater to the needs of the previously served communities, there may be a decline in the availability and sustainability of programs specifically designed for underserved youth.
3. Impact on STEM Career Pipeline: The loss of a local, accessible science centre may reduce early exposure to STEM for many youths, which can have a ripple effect on their interest and pursuit of STEM careers. This could impact the diversity of the STEM workforce in the future.

Continuing the Mission: Science at Home and Pop-Up Programs

In response to the closure, the Ontario Science Centre is committed to continuing its mission through various initiatives. While not as impactful as having a central community hub to learn and enjoy STEM, these adapted initiatives as a response to the closure are still critical to the local community :

1. Virtual Learning and Science at Home: The Centre offers a robust online platform with DIY science experiments, virtual events, and educational resources to keep young minds engaged and curious about STEM from home.
2. Pop-Up Experiences: Temporary, mobile science exhibits and workshops will be organized to reach different communities, ensuring that the hands-on learning experiences remain accessible.
3. Interim Facilities: Plans are in place to establish an interim facility that will host exhibits and educational programs until the new Science Centre at Ontario Place is operational.

While the Science Centre adapts to its new circumstances, there are several ways adults can support continued STEM education for youth in our communities:

1. Utilize Online Resources: Encourage the use of the Science Centre’s online resources and other educational websites that offer virtual experiments and science lessons.
2. Community Science Groups: Organize local science clubs or groups where youth can engage in hands-on activities and collaborative learning. Post-secondary schools, including the University of Toronto, York University and Toronto Metropolitan University each have a STEM outreach strand with free, accessible STEM programming.
3. Support Pop-Up Events: Participate in and promote the Centre’s pop-up events and interim programs, ensuring they reach a broad audience.
4. Advocate for Accessibility: Work with local schools, community centers, and policymakers to advocate for programs that make STEM education accessible to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The Centre wasn’t just a place of learning; it was a source of inspiration and wonder for youth and families. The closure of the Ontario Science Centre marks the end of an era, but through collective effort and innovative approaches, we can continue to find opportunities to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers.