Construction has begun on the new 65,000 square foot Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, ON.
The five-acre site of the new museum will provide stunning west-facing views of Little Lake, a connection to the Trans Canada Trail and will be surrounded by public parks. It will become a vibrant community space for activities and the Museum’s canoeing and outdoor programs and events.
The inspiring two-storey building will be a purpose-built facility that will serve as home to the Museum’s collection and activities, helping to preserve history through the display, restoration, and appreciation of the canoe. Features include a 17,000 square foot exhibition hall, a lakefront events and education centre and a cafe with a fireplace and adjacent Lakefront Terrace.
“It has been a long journey, and we are very excited that construction is starting. The new Canadian Canoe Museum is a welcome addition to the Peterborough/Nogojiwanong waterfront and will continue to be an important community asset,” noted Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien. “The new location and state-of-the-art build will be an attraction for locals and tourists alike. The city is proud to be a partner in this exciting venture.”
The new museum will enable CCM to house 100 per cent of its collection in a building that meets Class A conservation standards, directly on the water, which allows for increased on-water and in-person programming while being a key cultural tourism driver in what will become a vibrant community hub on the Peterborough waterfront.
The museum recently completed purchasing the city-owned site and intends to sell its current property at 910 Monaghan Road to help fund the project, in addition to a fundraising campaign that has raised just over 82 per cent of the $40 million needed. Chandos Construction Ltd. and Lett Architects Inc. will be overseeing the project, slated for completion in 2023.
