SCHREIBER — The Discovery Centre and Railway Museum is showcasing the incredible history of Schreiber.
Mayor Kevin Mullins, counsellor Morrow, deputy mayor McGraph, counselors from the Township of Terrace Bay, Raymond Goodchild from Pays Plat, and Minister of Indigenous services and federal economic development, Patty Hajdu, to name a few, were present for the official grand opening and ribbon cutting, of Schreiber’s Discovery Centre and Railway Museum.
CEO/Clerk Nathan Dias was the emcee for the event, while Raymond Goodchild opened the ceremony with a traditional smudging and song, and also gave his blessings to those who gathered there that day and the Discovery Centre.
Minister Patty Hadju, spoke about the strong relationship that the city of Schreiber had with that of Terrace Bay and how the township had worked hard as a community to get to this day. Hajdu also spoke about the strong economic state that Canada and communities like Schrieber were in, prior to the pandemic. “Things shut down and the economy stopped growing and sectors like tourism struggled,” said Hadju. “With perseverance a Northern Ontario quality, and the hard work Northerners are willing to do, the community of Schreiber is able to witness this day,” added Hajdu.
Curator for the Discovery Centre and Railway Museum, Ray Janette, spoke at length about the long journey he and so many other members of the community, as well as key community partners had to take to come together to make this project possible. “This started 30 years ago, and we had many bumps along the road, but we got it done,” said Janette.
The event was filled with reflection and acknowledgements of each group, individual volunteer and organization who helped make this project a reality.
The Discovery Centre and Railway Museum represents a key part of Schreiber’s economic development and future tourism. It not only celebrates its past but also what so many guest speakers there described it as, “an incredible history of Schreiber."
This project also represents an important boost for the tourism sector for the Township of Schreiber. Mayor Kevin Mullins closed the grand opening ceremony by thanking each level of government who helped fund this project, including FedNor who provided $1.67 million for it and Minister Hajdu, for her support. The Northern Heritage Fund also provided $2.1 million for this endeavour.
Mullins offered a special token of thanks to one of the original founders of this project, Ray Janette now curator of the Centre, presenting him with the first “Northern Star Award.”
“The corporation of the Township of Schreiber is pleased to present our first ever Northern Star Award to Ray Gionette,” stated CEO/Clerk Dias.
The special day ended with the official ribbon cutting ceremony witnessed by the many dignitaries and special guests.
