Funding will support return of RMS Segwun and upgrades to local museum
GRAVENHURST — 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 strengthen Ontario’s heritage, boost 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, advance 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 Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre remain destinations 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 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. In 2025, mechanical issues were discovered, cutting the sailing season short. Upgrades and 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 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 Steamships Association 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 Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre’s new interactive exhibit being supported through this funding.”
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and 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.
Quick Facts
- Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8000 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.
Quotes
“Provincial funding for the Segwun Restoration Project is a commitment to safeguarding our shared heritage, strengthening local jobs and tourism, and ensuring that this provincial tourism icon continues to serve future generations. Quite simply, we would not be able to undertake a project of this scale and importance without this invaluable provincial support.” – John Miller, President, Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
“Thanks to the province’s funding of Love Muskoka, Sustain Muskoka, the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre can continue to celebrate and share the unique stories of our region, foster local economic and environmental opportunities and engage residents and visitors alike. Projects of this ambition and impact simply wouldn’t be possible without this generous provincial support.” – Wendy Fairbairn, General Manager, Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
“For more than a century, the steamships of Gravenhurst have been a symbol of Muskoka’s identity. By investing in these projects through the NOHFC, our government is protecting Ontario’s legacy, supporting community pride and ensuring Muskoka remains a must-visit destination for years to come.” – Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Officesand Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
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