Funding will support the return of RMS Segwun and upgrades to local museum
The Ontario government, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is providing more than $1.3 million to support two projects in the Town of Gravenhurst that will protect Ontario’s heritage, strengthen local tourism and grow the local economy. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to create good-paying jobs, boost regional economic opportunities and attract more visitors to the Muskoka region.
“Our government’s investment through the NOHFC will ensure that the RMS Segwun and visitor centre will remain a destination of choice in Gravenhurst,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This funding will help protect an important piece of local history, while promoting local tourism and economic growth for years to come.”
The Muskoka Steamships Association is receiving $830,875 to upgrade and repair the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Segwun, North America’s oldest steamship still in operation. The repairs include structural wood replacement, weatherproofing, engine room upgrades and mechanical restorations, which will increase the steamship’s passenger capacity and ensure it can continue to cruise the Muskoka Lakes safely and efficiently.
The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is also receiving $500,000 to modernize its interpretive hall and install the Love Muskoka, Sustain Muskoka interactive exhibit, which will promote environmental sustainability, climate change awareness, cultural diversity and Indigenous knowledge. The project will create a more accessible, energy-efficient and inviting learning facility, drawing visitors from across the province and beyond.
“Supporting projects like this is part of our government’s commitment to protecting local heritage and preserving the stories that shaped our region,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “The RMS Segwun has sailed the Muskoka Lakes since before Canada became a country, and I’m proud to support its restoration so it can continue to sail for many years to come. I appreciate the efforts of the Muskoka Discovery Centre in restoring this important piece of Muskoka heritage, and I’m grateful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for recognizing the importance of investing in this project. I’m also excited to see the new interactive exhibit being supported through this funding.”
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries, jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
