FedNor invests $1 million to help Science North launch its Go Deeper project across Northern Ontario

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario - FedNor

News release

Federal funding will help create new tourism experiences and 47 full-time jobs in the region

November 8, 2022 – Sudbury, ON - Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, was joined by Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, to announce a FedNor investment of $1 million that will help Science North develop and roll out its Go Deeper tourism project at Dynamic Earth and across Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Go Deeper is a new regional tourism experience that engages visitors with hands-on learning about the world of modern mining, the future of mining and the importance of critical minerals in Northern Ontario, including Canada’s role as a key global supplier of precious metals. Funded through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), the Go Deeper project is expected to help create and maintain 47 jobs and generate $10.1 million in economic benefits for Northern Ontario.

Specifically, the funding will allow Science North to engage audiences across Northern Ontario with permanent interactive Go Deeper exhibits at eight or more partner tourism attractions located in rural communities across Northern Ontario. These smaller versions of the main exhibit will feature a modern mining digital game and hands-on activities with local mining and geology content. To boost tourism in all corners of the region, portable pop-up exhibits will also be created for use at festivals and events. The initiative will also include programs for First Nation schools with hands-on activities and customized content focused on topics such as local mining activities, geology and connections to Indigenous culture.

Science North will also renew and expand its Dynamic Earth facilities. This includes creating new drifts with modern mining experiences, a new underground multi-purpose theatre and programming space featuring an iconic new multimedia experience, a new Elevator Chasm show for a unique sensory experience, and a signature film about Sudbury’s regreening story.  Additional upgrades include an Innovation Gallery where visitors can discover current technology and future innovations that will make mining safer, more productive and environmentally sustainable through interactive and changing exhibits.

Quotes

“Science North is a major driving force behind Northern Ontario’s tourism industry, and for nearly 40 years they have been creating good jobs while inspiring the next generation of scientists and mining enthusiasts. Adding the Go Deeper exhibit will help attract more tourists to all corners of our region and inspire return visits. FedNor’s $1 million investment will support 47 full-time jobs, strengthen our tourism sector, and help Science North reach even more people!"

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“I’m pleased this FedNor investment will help Science North create and maintain over a dozen local jobs and generate over $10 million in economic benefits for communities and businesses across Northern Ontario. By helping expand Dynamic Earth and roll out the Go Deeper initiative across Northern Ontario, we are connecting communities, strengthening alliances and encouraging a regional approach to tourism that benefits everyone.”

- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“Our investment in Science North will help showcase the importance of mining and critical minerals in a fun and interactive way that draws in more visitors and inspires people of all ages. If you were looking for another reason to visit Northern Ontario, Go Deeper is it! This engaging initiative will give visitors a hands-on experience that focuses on the science behind modern mining, its future and the importance of environmental sustainability to the industry.”                                            

- Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“Go Deeper is a transformational project that will encourage vast audiences to more fully engage with mining in a meaningful way. New experiences will appear to underrepresented groups in science, technology, math and engineering (STEM), including Indigenous people, youth, women and racial minority groups, and inspire coming generations to get involved in the industry. By stimulating interest in career choices in mining, geology and engineering, we can create a future for youth in their communities and help to ensure a skilled workforce for the industry. We are very thankful to FedNor for their generous support of this exciting new project”

- Ashley Larose MSc, Science North CEO 

Quick facts

  • Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource operating the second-and eighth-largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel. Science North also oversees an award-winning International Sales unit, which develops custom and ready-made exhibits and multimedia experiences for sale to science centres, museums, and other cultural institutions all over the world.

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), which supports projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that promote sustainable community economic development, diversification, job creation, and self-reliant communities.

  • Since 2015, FedNor has provided more than $179 million in NODP funding to support close to 500 projects, which helped create and maintain 8,300+ jobs in communities and First Nations across Northern Ontario.

Associated links

Contacts

Alison Murphy, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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