Telus World of Science could stay closed until November due to flood damage

Telus World of Science could stay closed until November due to flood damage

Centre says it made decision to temporarily lay off a significant portion of its workforce

Edmonton's Telus World of Science faces months of repairs and is laying off a large amount of its workforce after sustaining significant damage from last Friday's major deluge.

The centre said in a news release Wednesday that, based on current assessments, it has been advised to plan for a closure until approximately November 2026.

However, it noted that its recovery schedule could change in the future, as it is working with a restoration team and “exploring opportunities for a safe partial reopening earlier this fall, if possible.”

“This is a current planning estimate, not a confirmed reopening date,” the centre said.

In a separate news release on Wednesday, the centre announced it is temporarily laying off a “significant portion” of its workforce due to the closure.

“This is the most difficult decision we have faced during an already devastating week,” said Constance Scarlett, president and CEO of Telus World of Science Edmonton.

“[The temporary layoffs] are a direct result of the building closure and the interruption of most of our onsite programs and operations.”

It said no action is required by membership holders, as all active memberships will be automatically paused during the closure, and will “be extended by the full duration of the closure.”

The centre added that members who prefer not to extend their membership may request a prorated refund for the unused portion of the membership.

The release said refunds for affected camps, tickets, Imax experiences, bookings and events scheduled until the end of September will be automatically processed to the original method of payment.