Portfolio • Other social infrastructure • Greenfield • PPP • North America

Ontario Science Centre, Canada

A landmark Design-Build-Finance-Maintain public-private partnership (PPP) delivering a new, world-class Ontario Science Centre on Toronto's waterfront. Acquired in 2025.

Key facts

64% John Laing ownership interest

30yr term operations and maintenance

~400000sq ft facility size

Construction began in 2026

John Laing holds a 64% equity stake in Ontario Science Partners (OSP), the consortium delivering the Project alongside Sacyr Infrastructure Canada (26%) and Amico Major Projects (10%). The Design-Build Contract is held by a 50/50 joint venture between Sacyr and Amico, with design led by Hariri Pontarini Architects in partnership with international studio Snøhetta, and facilities management delivered by Johnson Controls Canada over the 30-year operating term. Ontario Science Partners (OSP) reached commercial agreement in 2025, with construction beginning in 2026 and the facility targeted to open in 2029.

The Ontario Science Centre Relocation Project is one of the most significant social infrastructure public-private partnerships currently underway in Canada. Delivered as a Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) project, it will create a new, purpose-built science centre on the mainland at Ontario Place, seamlessly integrated with the site's iconic Pods and historic Cinesphere.

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Excellent sustainability

Sustainability is embedded through a whole-life design approach: the facility is targeting LEED Silver certification, with performance targets set for energy use intensity, greenhouse gas intensity and thermal energy demand intensity across its 30-year operating period. The delivery team has also set a target to maximise the use of locally sourced construction materials from Ontario and...

Design, sustainability and innovation

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Flagship social infrastructure

The Project's value extends well beyond its physical footprint. It is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs across construction and tourism, contributing to local economic activity while establishing a lasting public institution on Toronto's waterfront. The new Centre is designed to be fully accessible and inclusive, prioritising intuitive navigation, flexible learning environments and welcoming public...

Community impact