The Telus World of Science Edmonton (TWOSE) will be closed until at least November due to significant flood damage caused by recent severe weather. A notice on the TWOSE website said current assessments indicate that restoration and recovery work could take months to complete. TWOSE CEO Constance Scarlett told CTV News Edmonton the uncertainty meant the layoffs of 147 staff members temporarily, about 68 per cent of the centre’s employees. “We rely on building admissions to cover 80 per cent of our budget, so without those revenues coming in and without our building being opened to the public, we simply can’t sustain our usual staffing load,” she said Wednesday. The notice added the November estimate was not a confirmed reopening date. “We continue to explore opportunities for safe and partial reopening earlier in the fall,” it read. Refunds for camps, tickets, IMAX experiences, booking and events scheduled up to and including Sept. 30 are being processed automatically. TWOSE advises that it could take up to two weeks for processing due to the volume of affected bookings. The facility closed Friday evening after a storm caused flooding during operating hours, prompting the evacuation of patrons and staff. The centre says flooring, cabinets and drywall will need to be replaced in many areas. Anyone entering damaged areas has to wear proper equipment and follow strict safety protocols. “At the end of the day, the science centre team is hurting, and it will take us a while to get our doors bck open to the public,” Scarlett said. Nearby pool also closed The nearby Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre is also closed due to substantial flooding and a power outage following excessive rain. A facility notification says the centre will be closed until July 25. The neighbouring Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre is open with the exception of the running track.
