A Mission-Focused Nonprofit
The Okanagan Science Centre (OSC) is a nonprofit, charitable organization whose mission is to "inspire scientific inquiry through dynamic and interactive learning experiences; to encourage all ages to appreciate the relevance and universality of science, and its application in our region."
Our centre is based in Vernon, British Columbia, but we also offer engaging school-based education programs throughout the region. Our organization has served the North Okanagan community for over three decades.
Inspired by a Vision
In 1985, at a time where nobody believed a community the size of Vernon could support a science centre, a small group of passionate volunteers had a vision. The Okanagan Science Centre was founded as the Vernon Science and Discovery Society, with humble beginnings in a local family's garage. Bill Sim, his wife Marg, and other dedicated volunteers gave their time and passion to support the growth of the organization. By 1990, the volunteer-run organization moved into the basement of Tolko Industries, a local forest products company. The founders' vision was for Vernon to have a space where scientific discovery was available to residents and visitors of all ages.
Expansion and Growth
After a few years at the original location and fuelled by the dedication of volunteers, the organization moved into a historic schoolhouse building in Polson Park, downtown Vernon. This signified a period of growth and exciting potential for the organization and coincided with the arrival of its first full-time staff member, Kevin Aschenmeier. Kevin is still a part of the team and is actively involved with delivering many of the programs at the centre.
Another unique addition to the Okanagan Science Centre is the Bruce Aikenhead Planetarium, which is the only fixed-roof planetarium in the entire Okanagan region. Bruce Aikenhead was a legendary Canadian space pioneer and a committed supporter of the space program at the Okanagan Science Centre. When major upgrades were completed to the planetarium facility in 2022, it was decided to name it after him in honour of his commitment to scientific education, the Canadian Space Agency and the Okanagan Science Centre.
Inspiring Future Scientists Today and Tomorrow
Led by a small group of dedicated citizens and with humble beginnings the basement of a lumber company’s office, the Okanagan Science Centre has grown and expanded over the decades. The facility now hosts over 25,000 guests per year and offers planetarium shows, dinosaurs, and a wide range of engaging and interactive exhibits. Local children have the opportunity to visit the space through educational programs and popular summer camps. Visitors of all ages, and from all over the world, enjoy the opportunity to discover–or rediscover–a love of science while visiting a relatively small city in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. The vision of the original founders is now a reality.