The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre has just received a financial boost with a grant from the federal government’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of $20,722 to help with audio-visual equipment upgrades. This is on top of $438,000 in grants the Sault Ste. Marie-based museum has received already under Ottawa’s FedNor program, which is designed to provide funding for economic development projects in northern Ontario.

“On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, I want to thank Canadian Heritage for their support,” said museum executive-director Dan Ingram in a written statement. “As a top tourist attraction and community-gathering place in Sault Ste. Marie, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality engaging experiences in our museum. This funding will go a long way to enhancing that guest experience.”

In operation for 31 years, the museum concentrates on both local and remote bush plane history and artifacts, as well as the role played in firefighting in northern Ontario.

“Our government knows that investments in arts and culture help build vibrant communities,” said Canadian Heritage minister Steven Guilbeault. “We are proud to support improvements to spaces like the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, which provide access to unique educational experiences for residents and visitors and help preserve the heritage of local communities.”

The announcement was made by local MP Terry Sheehan, who said he was thrilled that the government is investing in improvements at the museum.

Photo submitted