PRESS RELEASE - BC Destination Development Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Government of BC has provided a $1M Destination Development Grant for the Accessible Renovation and Expansion of the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre.
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre has been busy fundraising for Phase Two of the Rossland Museum Renewal Project - the Mine Experience - since 2017. Phase Two will allow for year-round access to the museum’s renowned geological collection, replace an underground mine tour that closed in 2012, and create rotating/temporary exhibition space, among other upgrades. This renovation and expansion will improve accessibility, add new public presentation and gathering spaces, increase visitor services and economic diversification, and redevelop historical and cultural content with inclusivity and reconciliation in mind.
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $1 million Destination Development Grant from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. This grant is aimed at supporting tourism development in the province and will allow the museum to enhance its facilities and programming, attract more visitors, and further contribute to the local economy.
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, showcasing the rich history and culture of Rossland and the surrounding area. With a collection of over 20,000 artifacts, major exhibits on mining, skiing, and the history of Rossland, and interactive displays for visitors of all ages, the museum has become a must-see attraction for those visiting the region in addition to an incredible, educational and interactive space for the entire community. The Renewal Project has significant community support in addition to key partners such as the City of Rossland, Teck Trail Operations, Tourism Rossland, and the Autonomous Sinixt.
“Our government is proud to support the tourism sector, the people who work in it, and its sustained recovery,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “By supporting the Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre, we are investing in tourism infrastructure to strengthen a year-round visitor economy and increasing community vibrancy for residents and visitors alike.”
With this funding, the Museum will be able to build on its own successes and provide an even more engaging and educational experience for visitors. The Destination Development Fund grant will be used to develop several components of Phase Two, including the construction of a new public presentation space, a new Mine Experience exhibition, and an expansion of existing facilities. The Museum will also be able to upgrade its technology and enhance its educational programming, making it an even more valuable resource for the community and visitors.
“We are extremely grateful to the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport for this generous grant, as well as the hard work put in by our staff and volunteers in helping obtain it,” says Mike Sloan, President of the Rossland Historical Museum & Archives Association. “This funding will allow us to continue to improve our facilities and programming, and to provide an even better experience for our visitors. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to the museum in the years to come.”
In addition to this exciting funding announcement, the museum previously secured a $700,000 donation from Teck Trail Operations, $480,000 from the Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund, $100,000 from the PacifiCan Tourism Relief Fund, $50,000 from the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Gas Tax Fund, and $30,000 from the City of Rossland Visitor Centre reserves. The Museum continues to fundraise for this multi-million dollar renovation with many ways to support the project, including our most recent “Ten for the Tunnel” fundraiser that has now raised over $1300, contributing to $125,000 secured in community contributions and investments.
About the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre (operated by the Rossland Historical Museum & Archives Association) aims to preserve and dynamically present the history and culture of Rossland and area. We are the visitor gateway to the Kootenays and the Columbia Basin, and we inspire and engage the public through virtual and real-life displays that bring our history and culture to life. The Museum is open year-round and welcomes visitors of all ages.
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre acknowledges that we live and work on unceded Sinixt tmxʷúlaʔxʷ (homeland).
Contact:
Joelle Hodgins, Museum Director (she/her)
Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
PO Box 26, 1100 Hwy 3B, Rossland, BC
Phone: (250) 362-7722
Email: museumdirector@rosslandmuseum.ca
Website: www.rosslandmuseum.ca