Telus World of Science Edmonton temporarily lays off staff as flood closure stretches into November
TELUS World of Science Edmonton says it has temporarily laid off a “significant” portion of its workforce as the science centre is expected to remain closed until approximately November, following last week’s flooding.
The attraction announced Wednesday that the layoffs are the result of its closure after the severe July 10 storm caused significant damage to the building.
“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.”
The science centre said employees were informed of the decision before it was announced publicly, with managers contacting staff directly about their individual status. It is also working with Civic Service Union 52 on the temporary layoff process and the eventual recall of employees as operations resume.
- You might also like:
- An Alberta spot just recorded the largest detached home price increase in Canada
- Edmonton Oilers begin NHL season in September for first time ever
- Severe thunderstorms eye Alberta Wednesday with enormous hail and tornado risk
The organization said it expects to remain closed until approximately November, although that timeline is a planning estimate rather than a confirmed reopening date. It added that it is still exploring opportunities for a safe partial reopening earlier this fall.
As restoration work continues, the science centre said that affected areas of the building are being treated as having Category 3 water contamination, requiring extensive cleanup and the replacement of materials, including flooring, drywall, cabinetry and other building components.
“Our goal is to reopen as safely and responsibly as possible and to begin bringing employees back as operations resume and staffing needs are confirmed,” Scarlett said. “We cannot yet provide individual recall timelines, but we remain focused on accelerating recovery wherever it is safe to do so. More than anything, we want to get back to what we exist to do.”
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.