ATIKOKAN, Ontario, May 28, 2009 – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament (Kenora), today announced funding to support the Atikokan Centennial Museum’s renovation project.
 
“Our Government is investing in infrastructure projects in order to boost our economy and create jobs,” said Minister Moore. “In many communities across Canada, cultural infrastructure—which includes theatres, museums, and libraries—needs upgrades, repairs, and renovations. By investing today, we can ensure the sustainability of local arts and cultural institutions for many years to come.”
 
The renovation will involve upgrading equipment and creating new exhibition space. Access to the facility will be improved by adding two new permanent exhibition halls, as well as a gallery for temporary exhibitions. Other upgrades will help improve lighting, climate control, and collection storage facilities.
 
“Museums in small Northern Ontario towns and cities are important. The Atikokan Centennial Museum ensures that our community’s treasures remain well protected,” said Mr. Rickford. “This museum is a living account of our rich history and life in Northwestern Ontario, and I’m pleased that our Government is supporting its renovation project.”
 
“This funding has opened new opportunities for our museum, and the gallery space is something our community can be proud of,” said Catherine Reilly, Curator of the Atikokan Centennial Museum. “Behind the scenes, as the curator, I’m confident that with the additional storage space, we will now be better able to care for our community’s heritage under proper conditions. With the completion of this project, our community can be excited about celebrating our heritage in this much improved museum.”
 
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $35,900 through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation or exhibition. It is designed to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts, as well as to museum collections and heritage exhibitions.