Canadian Canoe Museum Receives $150,000 Ontario Trillium Grant For Expansion of Volunteer Roles

The Canadian Canoe Museum received a $150,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) during its annual Volunteer Appreciation event earlier this year.

Photo courtesy of Justen Soule and the Canadian Canoe Museum.

The two-year grant has supported the Museum’s Volunteer Program at its new waterfront location and helps strengthen connections across the Peterborough area and beyond according to a press release.

“The Resilient Communities Fund was designed to help vital organizations like the Canadian Canoe Museum adapt and thrive during major change,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This $150,000 in support has allowed the Museum to completely rebuild its volunteer structure, train new roles, and welcome back its dedicated team after a pause. I am incredibly proud that our government, through the OTF, is supporting the passionate volunteers who are so essential to the Museum's continued success.”

The grant supported the hiring of a Volunteer Coordinator and the development of several new key volunteer roles. These new positions - including Visitor Services Attendant, Exhibition Attendant, Cleaning Support, Lakefront Campus Attendant, Tour Guide, and Event Support. The mony also allowed the Museum to purchase equipment and provide training, networking and learning opportunities.

“This generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been transformational for our volunteer program during a time of exciting growth and change,” said Carolyn Hyslop, Canadian Canoe Museum executive director. “Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and this grant has allowed us to build the structure, training, and support needed to help them thrive in our new home. We are deeply grateful to OTF for helping us strengthen our community—paddling forward together with purpose and connection.”

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