MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2023

Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum receives federal funding to improve visitor experience.

Smiths Falls, ON – In 2022, the Heritage House Museum received a non-repayable contribution of over $65,000 through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to increase the Museum’s profile and visibility.

“Our government recognizes that tourism is vitally important to the vibrancy and economic health of communities across southern Ontario,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “I am committed to helping businesses find new and innovative ways to recover and thrive once again. Investments through the Tourism Relief Fund are helping ensure that the region’s tourism sector is well-positioned to welcome back visitors today and in the years to come.”

The Fund was launched to help businesses and organizations create and revitalize community spaces and enhance tourism attractions to welcome more visitors and build stronger, more vibrant communities that will lead to job creation and a growing economy that works for everyone.

“The Museum relies on grants to assist with special projects whenever possible, and programs like the Tourism Relief Fund are highly valuable in supporting the goals of the Museum outside regular operational budgets,” said Leisa Purdon-Bell, Tourism & Culture Coordinator, Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum. “We are incredibly thankful for the support of the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario.”

The contribution allowed Heritage House Museum to hire contract staff to build awareness of the Museum collections and services.

“Heritage House Museum is a valuable asset to the Smiths Falls community and tourism operators. The Museum not only provides an opportunity for current and future generations to learn about our town’s history and culture, Heritage House also hosts various community events including exhibitions to promote art and local artists, summer camps, Movies Under the Stars, Halloween Haunted House, Pumpkin Carving Contest and Holiday Heritage House,” said Mayor Pankow. “We are quite grateful for the support of the Government of Canada in helping the Museum to implement and promote these events for community and tourism attraction.”

The Heritage House Museum is working on its upcoming programming for Spring 2023, which includes:

• March of the Museums on March 15, hosted in partnership with the Kingston & Area Association of Museums
• Art Galleries & Historic Sites, St. Patrick’s Day, Day Camp on March 17
• Earth Day Celebration on April 22

For more information about the Museum’s upcoming events or updates on the marketing plan, please contact the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum at 613-283-6311 or heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca.

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Media Contacts:

Esther Njuguna

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Town of Smiths Falls

enjuguna@smithsfalls.ca

613-283-4124 Ext 1137

Edward Hutchinson

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca