Museum Plays Key Role In Regional Cultural And Tourism Economy
SHAWNIGAN LAKE – The Shawnigan Lake Museum is expanding to provide much needed space to display the facility’s unique collections, develop new exhibits as well as attract new events, thanks to funding through the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s (ICET) Economic Infrastructure and Innovation Program (EIIP).
The Shawnigan Lake Historical Society is leading a project to triple the Museum’s floorplan. This expansion will create a new exhibit area showcasing the entire collection of original E.J. Hughes drawings, as well as new E.J. Hughes acquisitions.
The expansion will also facilitate an improved visitor experience and a more comprehensive display of the popular Kinsol Trestle exhibit, including more archival records, construction photos and improvements to the Kinsol Trestle model. A new Cowichan Tribes Exhibit in collaboration with Cowichan Tribes is also being developed.
“This project builds on Shawnigan Lake’s recognition as a regional recreation destination and will help diversify and broaden its reputation as a cultural and heritage draw,” says ICET Board Chair Aaron Stone.
“Prioritizing tourism funding to address gap and growth areas is essential to our work – especially now – and the Museum’s expansion has the potential to become a significant attraction for the region.”
In addition to developing the display and exhibition areas, the visitor experience will be improved through the creation or enlargement of several other new spaces. A larger gift shop will provide opportunities for local artists and artisans to have their projects displayed and purchased.
Lori Treloar
A multi-purpose room, known as the Great Room, will be built to accommodate events, traveling collections, group visits and rental space accommodating up to 100 people. A 500 square foot archives and research space and a 200 square foot public Community Living Room will be developed. A new, open and spacious lobby, with a reception area and public washrooms will also be created.
“The Museum is a gateway to visitors in the South Cowichan region and plays a role in promoting the tourism assets in the South Cowichan area,” says Shawnigan Lake Museum Executive Director Lori Treloar. “This project will not only allow for an improved visitor experience, but will also provide catalysts for new business development in the area, cultural programming for children and youth and cultural benefits through community activities and safe gathering spaces.”
ICET will contribute $250,000 to the project’s overall $1,827,000 cost. The project is expected to get underway in 2021.
