Protecting the Ontario Science Centre Building and Preserving Recreation Assets for Flemingdon and Thorncliffe Park Residents - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Jon Burnside

The City of Toronto has an obligation to explore all possible means to keep the Science Centre at its current location in spite of the Province's current plans. The future of the Science Centre or STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programming at 770 Don Mills Road depends on the upkeep of the building. The province has obligations to maintain the building under the lease, but City Council has not received information verifying that the building is being adequately maintained. One key concern is that if the province is not turning on the heat during this winter, the building's condition could deteriorate at an accelerated pace. This motion requests the Province of Ontario provide timely information about the current condition of the building and any investments that have been implemented or are planned. Furthermore, the Teluscape Exploration Plaza at 770 Don Mills Road, which is a free interactive outdoor venue containing park space and public art, has been significantly impacted by the province's closure of the building and the current Ontario Line construction staging. It is critical that this outdoor asset be preserved as recreation space and public access is protected for the benefit of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon communities.

2. City Council request the Province of Ontario to maintain the outdoor landscaping and activity installations at the Science Centre site located at 770 Don Mills Road, including the Teluscape Exploration Plaza, and provide public access to serve the recreation needs of the Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park Communities.