Toronto city councillors submitted a motion to the Ontario provincial government on July 28, 2026, asking that the province transfer ownership of the former Ontario Science Centre building to the city.
The motion, presented at a regular council meeting, outlines the city’s request that the provincial authorities hand over the vacant facility so that municipal officials can determine a new public use for the property.
Council members noted that the former science centre has remained unused since the museum’s relocation, leaving a large downtown structure without an active tenant. City planners have identified a shortage of community space in the area, and they argue that the building could address that gap if repurposed for local programs, cultural events, or social services.
The request comes as Toronto officials seek cooperation from the province to accelerate the process of finding a sustainable function for the site. Municipal representatives indicated that a transfer of ownership would give the city the authority to negotiate leases, renovations, or partnerships needed to activate the space.
Provincial officials have not yet responded to the motion, and the timeline for any decision remains uncertain. The city has indicated that it will continue to engage with the province while exploring interim options for securing the building’s future.
If the transfer is approved, Toronto plans to conduct a public consultation to gather input on potential uses. The council’s proposal emphasizes that reactivating the former science centre would align with broader municipal goals of expanding accessible community facilities across the city.
The motion reflects ongoing discussions between municipal and provincial leaders about the management of underutilized properties and the role of government in supporting local infrastructure needs.