Photo courtesy of the Canadian Canoe Museum
The Canadian Canoe Museum celebrated its dedicated volunteers Wednesday, highlighting how a $150,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has transformed its volunteer program.
The annual Volunteer Appreciation event, held at the Museum’s new waterfront location, recognized the work made possible through the provincial government’s Resilient Communities Fund. The two-year grant, awarded in early 2024, has helped the Museum rebuild its volunteer structure, train new roles, and strengthen connections across Peterborough and beyond.
“The Resilient Communities Fund was designed to help vital organizations like the Canadian Canoe Museum adapt and thrive during major change,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha, in a prepared statement. “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 enabled the hiring of a Volunteer Coordinator and the creation of new positions, including Visitor Services Attendant, Exhibition Attendant, Cleaning Support, Lakefront Campus Attendant, Tour Guide, and Event Support. Existing volunteers, such as board and committee members, librarians, and woodshop helpers, continue to be an essential part of the team. Funding also supported training, networking opportunities, and equipment purchases to ensure volunteers are well-prepared to “paddle together” in support of the Museum’s mission.
“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, Executive Director of the Canadian Canoe Museum. “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.”
The November 12th event also marked the return of the Museum’s Volunteer Appreciation gathering, which had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony celebrated volunteers’ contributions and reinforced the Museum’s mission to share stories, create authentic experiences, and connect people with the cultural and natural world.
Located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations, the Canadian Canoe Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft. Its new facility along the water’s edge offers immersive indoor and outdoor experiences, connecting visitors to the land, water, and one another.
