Thousand Islands Boat Museum Reconnects Youth with Local Heritage and Learning Thanks to $148,800 OTF Grant from Ontario Government

Gananoque – On Wednesday, local MPP Steve Clark and Gananoque Mayor John Beddows joined representatives of the Thousand Islands Boat Museum to celebrate the successful completion of a $148,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Over the past two years, the project helped the Museum strengthen its long-term sustainability through new educational programming, renewed school partnerships, and innovative approaches to community engagement.

“Located on the Gananoque waterfront, The Thousand Islands Boat Museum connects the community with the heritage of the river,” said Steve Clark, MPP, Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I’m pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has made this important investment in the Boat Museum, a project that has helped the Museum strengthen its educational programming, reconnect with local youth, and build a stronger foundation for the future. I want to congratulate the staff, volunteers, and board members whose dedication continues to preserve and share the rich heritage of the Thousand Islands region.”

Awarded in 2024, the grant supported the Thousand Islands Boat Museum’s efforts to strengthen it’s resilience and sustainability by rebuilding connections with local schools and youth and developing new educational programming. Through the grant, the Museum hired an Educational Engagement Coordinator to research, develop, implement, and evaluate new program delivery methods. The project also included consultation with educators, schools, students, and youth organizations to better understand emerging community needs and identify new approaches to learning and engagement.

The Thousand Islands Boat Museum is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich boating heritage of the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence River region. For more information, please visit the Thousand Islands Boat Museum website, Facebook page and Instagram account

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.