Upgrades at Sudbury science centre support Indigenous learning and tourism

July 27, 2026

SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing $650,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to establish a new interactive water ecosystems exhibit that highlights Indigenous knowledge at Science North. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is supporting new learning opportunities and renovations at Science North to upgrade this landmark northern institution and boost tourism in the area.

“Our government is making investments to ensure people continue to enjoy the attractions that have helped make northern Ontario a great place to live and visit,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Science North’s new modern exhibit will support the delivery of quality programming, further solidifying the centre as a leading tourism and educational destination.”

Science North provides education and programming related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics and will be using NOHFC funding to build its new Woven by Water exhibit. The space will include a climbing structure to encourage learning while playing, a simulation of a heron’s vision in a wetland, a wild rice exhibit that shows harvesting techniques and their cultural significance, an interactive digital projection of aquatic life, as well as an accessible area for workshops.

“The Woven by Water exhibit marks both a renewal of our exhibit spaces and a deepening of our commitment to reflect the science, stories and perspectives of northern Ontario in fresh and engaging ways,” said Ashley Larose, CEO of Science North. “The full body play and learning experience will physically connect two floors of the science centre, encouraging visitors to explore northern ecosystems, engage with the Anishinaabek Water Cycle and discover how water shapes the land and life all around us. Science North is grateful to the NOHFC for their investment in, and support of, this transformative project.”

Woven by Water will increase Science North’s capacity to deliver learning opportunities and help deepen people’s understanding of Indigenous perspectives. The exhibit will also help attract more people to the centre, contributing positively to the economy and local tourism sector. In addition, the project will support the retention and creation of jobs at Science North.

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 8,600 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 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.