Telus World of Science Edmonton is bracing for months of extensive repairs and will temporarily lay off more than two-thirds of its workforce following severe flood damage from last Friday’s powerful thunderstorm.
In a news release, the centre announced that current assessments indicate it must plan for a full closure until approximately November 2026.
However TWOS is working to accelerate the restoration process, with a possible phased reopening in the fall.
Restoration experts and Epcor workers have both confirmed that areas of the building are being treated as having Category 3 water contamination, meaning it can’t just be dried out and reopened immediately.
Flooring, drywall, and other building materials will need to be removed and replaced.
Guests with affected camps, programs, IMAX screenings, events and other bookings, along with annual members, will receive direct communication about cancellations, refunds, credits and rebooking options, according to the science centre.
Due to the closure, TWOS said it is temporarily laying off a large portion of its workforce.
Nearly 70 per cent of full-time and part-time employees — a total of 147 staff members across every department — are affected.
“This is the most difficult decision we have faced during an already devastating week,” President and CEO Constance Scarlett said in a statement. “The temporary layoffs are not a reflection of the extraordinary people affected. They are a direct result of the building closure and the interruption of most of our onsite programs and operations.”
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