LETTER: Reader says Ontario Science Center is moving to Barrie

BradfordToday and InnisfilToday welcome letters to the editor at (email protected) or through the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for authorship verification, not for publication). The following letter concerns the Ontario Science Centre, which was abruptly closed on Friday.

Mayor Alex Nuttall should pick up the phone and ask his friend Premier Doug Ford to send some of the Ontario Science Center exhibits to Barrie.

The Toronto landmark was permanently closed on June 21 due to concerns that the roof of the 55-year-old structure will collapse if there is heavy snow next winter.

The PC government plans to spend billions of dollars of our taxpayers’ money to relocate the science center to the Ontario Place spa in 2028.

The science center needs a temporary home and beautiful Barrie could provide a solution.

The City of Barrie may put a giant circus tent in the Sadlon Arena parking lot to host exhibits this summer and fall. Parking could be expanded on the former Molson Park site next to Park Place, and shuttle buses from the Allandale Recreation Center could also be used if there are events in the Sadlon Arena.

Our city could become a more attractive tourist destination, bringing in big money for the local economy.

Mayor Nuttall might invite Bill Nye, the science guy, to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Exhibits may be moved indoors during the winter months to spaces in the City Hall Rotunda, our public libraries, museums, recreation centers, and local Catholic and public high schools.

Please pick up the phone, Mayor, and ask the Premier to bring the Ontario Science Center to Barrie.

Kyle Tilley
Barry