Ontario Science Centre: An Iconic Building, Architectural Gem, and Great Landmark That Should Be Preserved No Matter What!

 

Our honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Kinga Surma said the Ontario Science Centre had to be closed abruptly because the roof was no longer safe. Public safety was her primary concern. However, based on various reports and experts' opinions, this was not the case. The building was not in imminent danger, and the exhibition could have continued. The Centre was also a good choice for a temporary location. So why did the minister panic the public? Only she knows. 

She is the minister responsible for the closure. She should have consulted with experts, the public, and the architects who designed the iconic building. Then she should have informed her superiors of her decision on this matter. She should have stood up and said loudly that this structure should be saved no matter what.

Why did the provincial parliament abruptly close the Ontario Science Centre?

Why did the provincial parliament abruptly close the Ontario Science Centre? I don't understand the government's logic behind this closure. In my view, the main reason for the centre's closure is developers' greed. The Crosstown railway is about to open after many delays. Due to this railway line, the land value around the Science Centre is skyrocketing. If you see what's going on in its proximity, it becomes clear that this is the main reason. IBM Canada (later Celestica) has moved out, and residential construction has been underway for the past few years. Nearby, the Don Valley Golf Course shows signs of future development. Many residential apartments around the centre are likely to meet the same fate in the future. I feel for the poor residents living there.

According to the late Raymond Moriyama, a Canadian architect who designed the centre, it could last over 250 years with proper management (as stated in his letter published in the Toronto Star).