September 18, 2026

Upgrades to Muskoka Lakes tourism attraction will include new interactive displays and interpretive signage

TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES — The Ontario government is investing $45,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to expand and make improvements to the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame’s exhibit in Muskoka Lakes. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments in local infrastructure and tourism attractions that will help boost regional economies, create jobs and increase tourism across the North.

“Our government is making investments to ensure people continue to enjoy the attractions that have helped make the Muskoka region an attractive place to live and visit,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment in the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame’s new exhibit supports the delivery of quality, interactive programming and strengthens the region as a leading tourism and recreation destination.”

The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame celebrates the rich history of Canadian boat racing, honouring the achievements and innovations of Canadian drivers, designers and boat builders. The organization’s facility offers captivating displays and exhibits featuring iconic raceboats. With NOHFC funding, the organization will add five new interactive displays to its exhibit entitled Time Travel Through Canada’s Boat Racing History and add new signage to its complementary trail system.

“The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame is proud to thank MPP Graydon Smith and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for their generous funding and support of our bilingual interactive exhibits celebrating the remarkable achievements, innovations, and stories of Canadian raceboating,” said Ann Curley, Executive Director, Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame. “This important support has allowed us to enhance the visitor experience with engaging signage, bilingual interactive exhibits, bilingual display panels, Braille signage for visually impaired visitors, and an Indigenous storytelling trail. Together, these additions create a more inclusive, accessible, and engaging experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.”

“Our government continues to support organizations that are working to create more inclusive and accessible experiences for everyone,” said Graydon Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “This project has helped the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame enhance its exhibits and ensure that more people can fully enjoy everything it has to offer. I’m grateful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for recognizing the value of this project and helping make these improvements possible.”

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 increased investment, 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 $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices, and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.