September 3, 2024
We are grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from New Brunswick families over the past several months as we’ve limited our programming to STEM education workshops and outreach at community events. We have heard that you believe, as we do, in the power of hands-on science education for youth. We have heard that many of you miss having a place to visit and explore. We also miss welcoming visitors to our science centre.
We have reflected on the future of the organization and its ability to deliver on our mission, as well as what makes sense and is feasible given fiscal and resource realities. We concluded that the location in downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick no longer suits our needs as a public science centre.
In consideration of the future we imagine for Science East, we have made the decision to list our current property for sale. All proceeds from the sale will go toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of our STEM education programs and establishing a better future for Science East.
You might wonder why we are making this decision now. In February 2024 we made the difficult decision to temporarily close public access to our facility due to financial and resource constraints. This decision has given our Board and team much-needed time to assess options for the future of Science East.
The former York County Jail is a fascinating building full of history, but it has become clear that the space is not suitable for us as we look to the future of Science East. Our organization’s value rests in our delivery of experiences, not in the building. We’re excited about establishing a more accessible, welcoming and appropriate space for our important work.
We are actively looking for an appropriate location to serve as an interim space for Science East as we further explore the possibilities for a new long-term home for a science centre in New Brunswick.
As always, Science East will continue to offer science workshops for youth, participate in community events and lead professional learning opportunities for teachers thanks to the generous contributions of funders and donors who understand our situation and are supportive of our plan.
We offer a heartfelt thank you to families, friends, supporters, funders and staff for reinforcing every day that the work we do makes a difference in the lives of New Brunswick youth. We are excited to continue to inspire and inform through hands-on learning opportunities.
We can’t wait to collaborate with each of you as we take the next steps in building a brighter future for Science East. There is a fulsome Q and A below. If you have further questions please contact us.
Thank you!
Adam Harris, President
Jennifer MacDonnell, Executive Director
Q and A
1. Why is this happening now? Why is the Science Centre closed?
Plans to expand and modernize our facilities have been under development since 2016 in recognition of the need for more public space, more flexibility and more revenue-generating activities. Due to recent financial constraints, we took the decision in February 2024 to retract some of our activities and limit spending while taking the time to imagine a brighter future for the organization. Through this period, it became clear that the future of Science East would not be in the former York County Jail. The sale of the property is the latest step in revitalizing the organization and securing its future. We are grateful for our community and all the special memories they have shared with us about their experiences at our science centre.
2. What are your immediate plans for Science East’s programs and staff?
The Science Centre will remain closed for the foreseeable future except for its use as Science East’s offices and workshops with our existing team/team structure. We will offer STEM workshops in the fall. We will also offer professional learning workshops to educators. Information on our programs and activities is available on our website and Facebook page, or you can reach out to us directly to discuss.
3. What will happen to the property?
The Science East Association, Inc. owns the property and is offering it for sale. The Old York County Jail has been the home of Science East since 1999 and is an important part of our history. The heritage value of the property is protected by legislation.
4. What does Science East need to secure its future?
Science East needs new sources of financial support to secure its future. Our revenues from grants, sponsorships and sales do not cover the costs of our operations at the present time. We need the support of donors and sponsors to continue our work to improve STEM education in the public school system. Our work in schools throughout New Brunswick is our most important initiative and is our current focus for fundraising. Sponsorship is key to saving our school programs. Future sales and grant revenues will help support our operations but are unlikely to be enough on their own. We invite anyone who would like to get involved in securing our future to contact us!
5. What are you doing to raise money?
We were successful in receiving new funding in 2024 to support some of our operations. This support has allowed us to focus activities on our core mission, prepare the property for sale and plan our future. We are continuing to make requests for additional funding from public, private and philanthropic sources. We are excited to invite potential new donors and supporters to come along with us as we establish a brighter future for Science East.
We will continue to share the success of our outreach education programs and will be launching more targeted fundraising events and campaigns as our plans solidify.
6. I want Science East to visit my class/daycare/event. Can my class come to your centre? Can my classroom borrow a STEM kit?
We have not finalized our education programming for the 2024-25 school year.
We will offer a limited number of STEM workshops in September/October and we expect to have more availability later on in the school year. However, our centre will not reopen to visitors until we move to a temporary location.
7. What will happen to Science East in the future? What about exhibits? When will you reopen?
Our goal is to open a new destination science centre in 2028. In the meantime we will move to a temporary facility. We look forward to sharing more information about our temporary facility and our plans for renewal soon.