Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced on December 16 that FedNor is investing $650,000 to support Woven by Water, a project that will renew more than 20 percent of the third floor at Science North in Sudbury. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Woven by Water will modernize and connect the third and fourth floors of the science centre with a multi-level play structure and a series of exhibits that explore the intricate and vital relationships between water cycles, with a focus on Indigenous learning. Visitors will explore how water ecosystems have shaped land, species, and people in Northern Ontario and understand how to become stewards of water systems.
Once complete, Science North will have the first indoor multi-level, full-body play-based structure, catering to all developmental stages and learning styles. The new space will be inclusive and accessible, celebrate Canada's cultural heritage, and support learning activities that align with Ontario's grades 1-12 curriculum.
This priority project will not only boost tourism in Northern Ontario and encourage extended visits, it supports Canada's Truth and Reconciliation commitment by promoting Indigenous learning through the concept of two-eyed seeing, which embraces multiple perspectives.
Quotes
"Science has the power to inspire, and Woven by Water will help Science North do just that. By modernizing Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction, FedNor is supporting tourism, encouraging extended stays, and inspiring return visits.
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor
"This investment will support the continued evolution of Science North, Northern Ontario's premier tourism destination. The Woven by Water initiative represents a renewal of experiences, cultural elements and exhibits designed to attract visitors from across the region. This investment in Science North is about unlocking new growth opportunities and further positioning our region as a must-visit destination"
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
"This support from FedNor enables us to imagine a new future for our third floor. One that reflects the importance of water in shaping our environment, our cultures, and our communities. Woven by Water will offer immersive learning experiences that honour Indigenous knowledge and invite visitors to explore Northern Ontario through a new lens. We are proud to advance a project that will enhance tourism, deepen understanding, and ignite lifelong curiosity."
- Ashley Larose MSc, Science North CEO
Quick facts
- The funds announced on December 16 are in part provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
- These projects inline the Government of Canada's Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.
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