Rush to close shows lack of respect

When a major landmark closes, time is often provided for the public to have a final look. It may take the form of a closing ceremony, or a set period of time to visit before the doors are locked forever.

- JAMIE BRADBURN

People require time to process their feelings and memories about places that were a treasured part of their lives, similar to the period of mourning when a beloved person passes.

Two years ago, my hometown high school closed after a century of serving the community. Toward the end of the school year, an open house was held to allow a final look. Displays covering the school's history were assembled and the cafeteria's legendary chocolate chip cookies were sold. The afternoon allowed alumni to revisit that time of their lives and provided a sense of closure.

The sudden shutdown of the Ontario Science Centre by the provincial government on Friday does not provide that sense of closure. Queen's Park has robbed us of the opportunity to celebrate and mourn an institution that, for over half a century, opened the eyes of children to the wonders of science.