We started this weeks Northern community visit Monday morning at the Bruce Mines Museum. Congratulations to everyone involved that made this project a reality, now accessible for everyone that stops in to discover some amazing NorthShore history. Through NOHFC funding our Ontario government is glad to support this project.
MEDIA RELEASE June 22, 2026
$22,300 OTF Grant from the Province helped with Accessibility Upgrades at the Bruce Mines and District Historical Society’s Museum
Bruce Mines, ON – On Monday, MPP Rosenberg met with the team at the Bruce Mines and District Historical Society’s museum to hear about the improvements thanks to the $22,300 Capital grant they received in 2025 from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Funds from the grant were used to install new walkways and ramps, replace aging stairs, deck and floor for the entrance to the historic “Church on the Rock”. The project will provide easier access to the building, improve accessibility and provide a space to enjoy the view overlooking the town from a structure that has been a landmark in the Town of Bruce Mines since 1894.
“This investment by Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to replace the aging wooden stairs and deck on the building is a welcome upgrade to the community and the historical society,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin. “There are many in the community who will benefit from this and it ensures that the space remains accessible for all.”
In addition to the installation of walkways, stairs and deck, accessibility upgrades included the addition of a ramp at the museum’s primary entrance. The museum draws visitors from around the world who have enjoyed the unique collection of artifacts preserved, displayed and demonstrated by the Historical Society. And thanks to the OTF grant, people of all abilities will be able to access the building.
“The impact of this Ontario government grant cannot be overstated,” said Dawn Henderson, Co-curator of the Museum. “This grant has allowed much needed renovations to be made. Our building is in itself an artifact and now we can now more easily accommodate people with mobility issues, or families with strollers to enjoy the history of our community.”
The Bruce Mines and District Historical Society is committed to preserving this museum and ensuring that it remains accessible as we research, codify, preserve, and present the history of our area.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Dawn Henderson / Ron Smith – Co-curators
The Bruce Mines & District Museum
705-206-9642 bmd.historicalsociety@gmail.com