Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré announced $16,000 in funding support for the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre in Capreol on Sept. 3.
Specifically, the FedNor funding will allow NORMHC to purchase and customize a mobile app to facilitate self-guided tours of the facility and its railyards.
This new tourism experience will feature a dramatic storytelling narrative to engage visitors as they explore an important era in Canadian history and the everyday lives of the people that helped create Northern Ontario’s rail network.
“Self-guided app tours are a safe and exciting way for people to explore the history of Northern Ontario railways, while supporting the economic recovery of our region. I’m pleased that FedNor is stepping up to help the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre modernize its operations with new technologies designed to help them adapt to the new realities facing our tourism industry," said Serré.
"NORMHC has strong community roots and it is exciting to watch them continue to grow their capacity with innovative and entertaining initiatives that draw in visitors. Looking forward to taking part in this tour!”
Tourism is an inclusive sector that showcases Canada’s culture, diversity, natural beauty and unique experiences to the world. It delivers economic benefits across the country by supporting one in ten jobs.
During these challenging times, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to ensure tourism businesses and organizations are well positioned to be part of our economic recovery and emerge from it stronger and more competitive than ever before.
Innovation is essential to making this a reality, which is why FedNor is working at the local level to support technology adoption, create jobs and strengthen this important sector of Northern Ontario’s economy.
“By providing fun, safe and engaging new ways for visitors to explore our facilities, we are creating a more complete tourism experience so people keep coming back with their family and friends," said Stu Thomas, President of the Board, Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre
"This exciting project will help us stay ahead of the curve by adopting new technologies that increase efficiencies and maximize the visitor experience.”
This builds upon previous FedNor investment for the museum totalling over $90,000 announced in 2018. This funding supported the restoration of steam locomotive #219 and enhanced the preservation of local history.
