The Ontario government is providing more than $1.3 million in funding for two heritage and tourism-related projects in the Town of Gravenhurst.
The funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and will support restoration work on the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Segwun and upgrades at the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.
The Muskoka Steamships Association will receive $830,875 to complete repairs and upgrades to the RMS Segwun, which is described as North America’s oldest operating steamship. The work will include structural wood replacement, weatherproofing, engine room upgrades and mechanical repairs. According to the province, the improvements are intended to maintain safe operations and increase passenger capacity.
The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre will receive $500,000 to modernize its interpretive hall and install an interactive exhibit titled Love Muskoka, Sustain Muskoka. The exhibit is intended to focus on environmental sustainability, climate change awareness, cultural diversity and Indigenous knowledge. The project also includes accessibility and energy-efficiency improvements.
George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, said the funding is intended to support tourism and preserve local heritage assets.
“Our government’s investment through the NOHFC will ensure that the RMS Segwun and visitor centre will remain a destination of choice in Gravenhurst,” Pirie said.
Parry Sound–Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith said the projects support the preservation of regional history and tourism activity.
“Supporting projects like this is part of our government’s commitment to protecting local heritage and preserving the stories that shaped our region,” Smith said.
The province says it is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC to support northern industries, jobs and economic development. The government has also announced an additional $30 million in funding over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to $110 million.
According to provincial figures, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,000 projects across Northern Ontario since June 2018. The province reports that those investments have leveraged more than $3 billion in total spending and created or sustained more than 12,500 jobs.
John Miller, president of the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre, said provincial funding is helping support the Segwun restoration project. Wendy Fairbairn, general manager of the Muskoka Discovery Centre, said the new exhibit is intended to highlight regional history and environmental themes.
Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho said steamships have long been associated with Muskoka’s tourism industry.
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