Letter to Premier Ford RE: Ontario Science Centre

To: Premier Doug Ford

RE: The Ontario Science Centre

My fellow members of the Toronto and Area Council of Women (TACW) and I read the wonderful letter by Raymond Moriyama in the Toronto Star in April. The architect of the Science Centre reminded the public that it was the Conservative Premier of Ontario, John Robarts, who had the foresight to build a permanent project to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. The site was carefully chosen outside the downtown core to enhance the Don Mills area and to use suitable conservation land for a public building. Its innovative design and its interactive exhibits were a new concept in 1970. It received dazzling reviews, especially from delighted school children. The Science Centre has now been copied by around 3,000 similar projects around the world. 

The members of the TACW which is affiliated with the National Council of Women of Canada, co-founded in 1893 by Lady Aberdeen, wife of the Governor General of Canada, are advocatesfor the people of Toronto. We are aware that Moriyama anticipated that this building would last100 to 250 years, i.e., until 2070 to 2170. Yes, it needs repairs, but they would cost considerably less than building a new Science Centre at Ontario Place. And the new transit stop will make it easily accessible to all.

Perhaps, Premier, it would be advisable to praise the foresight of past fellow Conservative premiers who supported this architect, the designer of extraordinary buildings around the world. Perhaps it is time to have an Appreciation Day for Moriyama and his Science Centre which has hosted millions of satisfied and happy visitors.

Finally, we agree that Ontario Place is past its glory days: we used to enjoy sitting on the grass listening to the music as well as being thrilled by the IMAX offerings. We agree that Ontario Place needs a new glory and we believe you are smart enough to find a new vision for Ontario Place that does not include the Science Centre. Leave it where it is: for the local community and for all of Toronto and Ontario.

Connie Zboch, President of the Toronto and Area Council of Women

A shortened version of this letter appeared in the Toronto Star on July 24, 2023: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/canada-pays-to-search-for-submerged-billionaires-but-not-for-the-remains-of-indigenous-women/article_c09f47f8-2bbb-5491-9d77-16d9986c9b56.html