The Ontario government is investing $650,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to establish a new interactive water ecosystems exhibit that highlights Indigenous knowledge at Science North.
Science North provides education and programming related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics and will be using NOHFC funding to build its new Woven by Water exhibit. The space will include a climbing structure to encourage learning while playing, a simulation of a heron’s vision in a wetland, a wild rice exhibit that shows harvesting techniques and their cultural significance, an interactive digital projection of aquatic life, as well as an accessible area for workshops.
The federal government previously announced a $650,000 FedNor investment in the Woven by Water exhibit in December 2025. The project’s overall budget is $1.9 million.
The science centre said last year it hopes to have Woven by Water completed in 2028, once it finishes its current window renewal project.
“Our government is making investments to ensure people continue to enjoy the attractions that have helped make Northern Ontario a great place to live and visit,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, in a press release.
“Science North’s new modern exhibit will support the delivery of quality programming, further solidifying the centre as a leading tourism and educational destination.”
“The Woven by Water exhibit marks both a renewal of our exhibit spaces and a deepening of our commitment to reflect the science, stories and perspectives of Northern Ontario in fresh and engaging ways,” said Ashley Larose, CEO of Science North.
“The full body play and learning experience will physically connect two floors of the science centre, encouraging visitors to explore northern ecosystems, engage with the Anishinaabek Water Cycle and discover how water shapes the land and life all around us. Science North is grateful to the NOHFC for their investment in, and support of, this transformative project.”
Woven by Water will increase Science North’s capacity to deliver learning opportunities and help deepen people’s understanding of Indigenous perspectives, said the press release.
The exhibit will also help attract more people to the centre, contributing positively to the economy and local tourism sector. In addition, the project will support the retention and creation of jobs at Science North.