Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre releases early concept drawings for future STEM-based learning centre

From left: Ehsan Naimpour, Diarmuid Nash and Olivia Keung from Moriyama Teshima Architects and Steve Dolson, board chair announce new concept designs of the Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre at the 2026 AGM in March. ~ Amanda Nelson photo

By Amanda Nelson

At the Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre’s 2026 annual general meeting March 26, board chair Steve Dolson introduced the team from Moriyama Teshima Architects, which developed concept designs for the future 10-acre site in Listowel.

The Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre aims to become a place for learning and play that showcases the innovation and importance of the agriculture and agri-food sector across Ontario, while highlighting what Huron and Perth counties have to offer.

Although still in the conceptual phase, the centre is already drawing attention and praise from local politicians, including Matthew Rae.

“This centre will showcase the strength of Ontario’s agri-food sector and the people behind it,” said the MPP for Perth-Wellington. “It’s an industry that drives our economy and puts food on our tables every day.”

The STEM-based centre is envisioned as a hub for science, education and community engagement, promoting curiosity and bridging the gap between consumers and agricultural practices. It will also highlight diverse career opportunities in the agri-food industry.

At the meeting, plans were discussed for an expanded facility, growing from 20,000 square feet to 34,000 square feet, with estimated costs increasing to $38 million.

The board secured $100,000 in grants from the Gay Lea Foundation and the Agricultural Adaptation Council, allowing the project to move forward with architectural proposals and the concept phase.

A total of 41 proposals were received before officials selected Moriyama Teshima Architects. The overall project is expected to raise $40 million to $50 million, including $100,000 for concept design, $300,000 for planning and $150,000 for fundraising support.

The firm has worked on a number of civic and cultural institutions, including the Canadian War Museum, the Aga Khan Museum, the Discovery Centre and the Honey Bee Research Centre. They are currently leading new design work at Science North, as well as the Rouge National Urban Park Visitor, Learning and Community Centre.

Their approach to the project focuses on helping the public better understand Ontario agriculture and making food systems more visible.

“Food is everything. Food is national security. Food is economy. It’s employment. It is energy, history. If we approached many of today’s issues understanding the importance our food makes, we would be making much better decisions,” said Diarmuid Nash, partner. “Food is infrastructure, its climate resilience, its economic strength and its community stability, and yet, for something so fundamental to our lives, much of this food system remains invisible to the public.”

He reiterated that the centre is about making the agri-food system visible to everyone, including those in urban centres, like Toronto.

“It’s a place for agriculture, technology, sustainability and education to come together - a place where Ontarians can better understand the land that sustains them, the systems that support it and the innovation shaping its future,” he said. “While the building is about agriculture, it’s also a civic institution about stewardship. It reflects resilience, and it’s about the future of food in Ontario.”

Olivia Keung, director of sustainability, said the concept will focus not only on the agri-food sector but also on sustainability and land use.

“Our projects focus on public engagement, learning and connections to the landscape,” she said. “We were inspired by the conversations during the tour and throughout the months we have been working together with the board, and we are deeply committed to sustainability and innovation.”

Keung said sustainability is a top priority for the concept.

“Architecture must embody environmental sustainability. That same belief - that buildings can actively demonstrate stewardship, innovation and responsibility to the land - is central to how we approach the Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre,” she said.

The project began in 2020 with a feasibility study conducted for the Municipality of North Perth. A non-profit organization was formed in 2021, gained charitable status in 2022 and developed a strategic plan in 2023. In 2024, the Municipality of North Perth committed 10 acres of serviced land as the project expanded to a provincial scope.

The board plans to launch a capital campaign next year.

More information is available at oafdc.ca.