The Telus World of Science Edmonton (TWOSE) has been forced to close its doors for several months due to severe flooding damage, resulting in the temporary layoff of 68% of its staff.The closure follows a powerful storm that caused extensive water damage, with the main floor completely submerged within minutes.

Engineers and restoration teams discovered widespread contamination, including raw sewage and toxic chemicals, classifying the site as Category 3 water damage.This necessitates the removal and replacement of significant structural elements, delaying reopening until late fall at the earliest.The facility’s CEO, Constance Scarlett, emphasized that the closure is a direct result of the disaster, not a reflection of staff performance.While partial reopenings are being considered, no confirmed dates have been released.

Affected families face challenges in finding alternative science-based activities for children, with many expressing disappointment over the loss of educational opportunities.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of large public spaces to extreme weather events and underscores the financial strain on organizations reliant on visitor revenue.