GRAVENHURST, Ontario, April 24, 2019
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the creation and renovation of cultural spaces to make heritage and the arts more relevant to everyone.
Today, Marco Mendicino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Eglinton-Lawrence), announced $950,000 in government funding for the expansion of the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
This support, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will support the expansion of the Muskoka Discovery Centre and the creation of a new, permanent Steam Era exhibit. The exhibit space will also double as a boathouse and in-water slip for one of the museum's primary artifacts, the yacht Wanda III.
The expanded museum will allow more visitors to discover the region's history and develop a stronger connection with the area's steam era heritage.
"Our government knows that investments in arts and culture help build vibrant communities. We are proud to support the expansion of the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre, which will make the area's heritage, history and culture more tangible and relevant to Muskoka's residents and visitors."
-The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"This support is an important milestone for the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre and for the region's cultural scene. By investing in the museum's expansion, our government is supporting a unique part of Muskoka's colourful heritage."
- Marco Mendicino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Eglinton-Lawrence)
"The funding from Canadian Heritage has energized our project and will be the catalyst for making the Steam Era Exhibit a reality. This contribution will allow us to preserve a one-of-a-kind artifact and create a new state-of-the-art exhibit to continue our celebration and promotion of the culture and heritage of Canada's
Muskoka District."
- John Miller, President, Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
Quick facts
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Based in Gravenhurst, the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre's mandate is to acquire, catalogue and preserve its collection of historic artifacts and papers related to steamships, the boat building industry and the Muskoka region.
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The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the renewal of the physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation, including creative hubs. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.
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Budget 2017 included an investment of $300 million over 10 years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to help support entrepreneurship and development in the arts and cultural community. These investments across Canada will help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada's rich cultural heritage.
