Science East closing temporarily
Organization’s board says it had to lay off many staff members at downtown facility
A science museum and educational centre in downtown Fredericton is feeling the financial crunch, as it announced Thursday it’s closing temporarily and laying off staff.
Science East Science Centre’s board of directors announced the move on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.
“Due to financial and operational considerations, the Science East Science Centre is temporarily closing to the general public as the board assesses next steps,” it said.
“Unfortunately, given the constraints, we have had to make the difficult decision to lay off many of our talented staff. We are maintaining a core group of employees who will continue to deliver outreach programs and help us rebuild the organization.”
The post said the facility and its skeleton staff will continue to offer its educational programs on science and technology for school and group bookings only.
“Science East will also continue to provide workshops in schools and the community, resources for educators, and work with our partners to organize the 2024 Anglophone Regional Science Fairs,” the board’s statement said.
The board said it hopes Science East can offer a summer program in the months ahead, noting it’s “assessing” its options, and any such developments will be announced in the organization’s newsletters and on social media.
“As an organization that relies heavily on government and corporate funders on a project-by-project, program-by-program basis, we are sometimes required to re-evaluate and realign activities based on available funds,” it said.
The post indicated that those with Science East memberships will find they’re still valid at partner organizations, and members will receive updates via email.
“All existing bookings are still in place, and we look forward to welcoming groups to the Science Centre,” it said.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.