Restored Blacksmith’s Shop and Stores Building now welcoming visitors
June 24, 2022 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada is responsible for protecting nationally significant examples of natural and cultural heritage and sharing the stories of these treasured places, including the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. As cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada administered places are committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences and supporting tourism in communities across the country.
Today, Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, formally announced the opening of a new, accessible Visitor Centre and interpretive exhibit at Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site. The $4 million project, funded through the Federal Infrastructure Investment Program, features the new visitor offering inside the restored Blacksmith’s Shop and Stores Building. A community celebration was held by Parks Canada and partners, Batchewana First Nation and Métis Nation of Ontario, to mark the occasion.
The new Visitor Centre and exhibit space, which officially opened to visitors on June 6, 2022, features interpretive elements that outline the impact that the construction of the canal had on the First Nation and Métis Nation communities. These include interactive exhibits, interpretive panels, historic photographs, impressive artifacts, and a hand-built birch bark canoe on loan from Batchewana First Nation. A new interactive touch screen map will support visitors in planning their visit at the canal, providing them with information on various points of interest, walking the trails, or guiding themselves to visit one of the many historic structures on site. The technical innovations of the canal are demonstrated through a newly designed interactive lock model.
Parks Canada worked closely with Batchewana First Nation, Métis Nation of Ontario, and other local groups to ensure the materials developed for the exhibit reflect the diverse histories and experiences of the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario. Archival photography work was supported by the Sault Ste. Marie Library and the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, with the museum assisting with exhibit installation. Across the country, Parks Canada is honoured to work in collaboration with Indigenous peoples to develop interpretive materials and activities at national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas with the goal of fostering a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, cultures and traditions.
Through infrastructure investments, the Government of Canada is protecting and conserving national treasures, while supporting local economies and contributing to growth in the tourism sector. National historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of Canada and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.
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