Bushplane Centre Mounts Major Fundraising Campaign

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre has grown to be rated the #1 tourist attraction by Trip Advisor with a projected 43,000 visits making it we believe the most visited tourist attraction in Sault Ste. Marie. The Centre has now reached a level where we need to make changes to our space/operations to reach our community engagement, program delivery, collection preservation and sustainability goals.

The Centre has developed a Capital Improvement Plan which totals $1,150,000 for new construction and equipment.  The Centre is responsible to raise 10% of the project costs or $115,000. The Centre hopes to raise at least $50,000 through crowdfunding in order to meet the grant requirements and reach its goals. We have submitted grant applications to government agencies totalling $1,035,000 for the balance.  The capital plan  will add classroom /studio, event space for travelling exhibits, washrooms in display area and various equipment purchases plus more.

Support of this project will allow the Bushplane Centre to:

·      Continue and expand delivery of community and education programs such as; the Algoma District School Board – White Pines Field School for challenged youth;

·      Expand the Building Maintenance and Construction Training Program in partnership with Ontario Works, Sault College and Habitat for Humanity;

·      Expand the Dr. Roberta Bondar Air Cadet Training Program in partnership with 155 Royal Air Cadet Squadron;

·      Attract larger corporate events and weddings;

·      Host travelling exhibits that will generate additional revenue and broaden the bushplane’s customer base;

A GoFundMe (gofundme) campaign is already underway.

The Bushplane Foundation members have also begun to approach individuals and corporations to seek additional support to leverage the government funding. Bushplane President Kim Park stated ” we know how much the bushplane means to Sault Ste Marie not only as a tourist attraction, but also as a community gathering place for education and entertainment. Our facility is in need of upgrades to increase our offerings and to generate the kind of revenues we need to grow”. It is hoped the required funding can be raised by the end of October so that renovations can be completed over the winter months.

 

For information:

 

Edie Suriano:    [email protected]

 

Todd Fleet:       [email protected]

 

Tel:                  (705) 945-6242