THUNDER BAY - A popular science education program in the Northwest will be expanding, including a new facility in Thunder Bay.
The provincial government announced it is providing $1 million in funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to support Science North in Thunder Bay and Kenora.
“Our government is proud to help Science North take another step in achieving its goal of establishing a permanent presence in Thunder Bay and Kenora,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry in a statement released on Thursday.
“This expansion would deepen engagement with Indigenous audiences and other communities across the northwest, while making a significant economic and tourism impact in the region.”
Part of the Northwest Expansion Project includes a Schematic Design Phase for a new 33,750-square-foot facility in Thunder Bay, as well as a 4,000-square-foot expansion of the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre in Kenora, and an operating plan for these potential permanent attractions.
Science North provides educational programming and exhibits to engage youth in science related topics.
“A permanent Science North presence in Kenora and Thunder Bay will serve over 80,000 people across Northwestern Ontario annually with innovative, unique and interactive science education experiences,” said Jennifer Booth, Interim CEO, Science North.
“The Schematic Design Phase will be informed by strong collaborations to help us better understand and serve the needs of communities across Northwestern Ontario, ensure new attractions reflect the region and its heritage and set up these centres for economic and tourism success. We thank the NOHFC and the Ontario government for its continued support of this exciting project.”
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Cultural Industries, Lisa MacLeod, said Science North is one of the regions great tourist attractions and a valued cultural institution.
“By supporting Science North’s expansion plans through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, our government is creating more opportunities for visitors to explore hands-on, interactive learning experiences – boosting our sense of pride in Northern Ontario’s culture, ingenuity and industrial successes,” she said.
