Canadian Museum of Water and Georgian Bay Heritage League Present Bold Vision to Penetanguishene Council
Fred Addis (pictured) and Basil Lafreniere proposed establishing the Canadian Museum of Water in Penetanguishene, Canada’s only water museum. The museum would promote water advocacy and restore Georgian Bay’s maritime heritage, aligning with local and regional goals. It promises economic and environmental benefits, including for Tiny Township. Council expressed interest, recognizing its potential to enhance the area’s cultural and natural legacy.
11/17/20242 min read
A transformative proposal to establish the Canadian Museum of Water as a physical institution in Penetanguishene was presented to Town Council this week by Fred Addis, Director of the museum, alongside Basil Lafreniere, President of the Georgian Bay Heritage League.
Speaking before Mayor Doug Rawson, council members, and town staff, Addis outlined the museum’s unique role as Canada’s sole member of WAMUNET, a UNESCO-backed international network of over 100 water museums. Currently operating as a virtual museum, the Canadian Museum of Water seeks to establish a permanent facility in Penetanguishene, a move that aligns closely with the Town’s Strategic Plan.
Addis emphasized the economic and cultural benefits of the proposal, noting the increasing likelihood of government funding for water education, monitoring, and research. “Why not spend it here, in the Town of Penetanguishene?” Addis asked, urging the council to consider the opportunity to position the town as a leader in water advocacy.
Lafreniere, representing the Georgian Bay Heritage League, currently operating out of Perkinsfield, highlighted the League’s dedication to restoring historic boats crafted in the region and preserving the cultural heritage of life on Georgian Bay’s waters. This includes safeguarding the traditions, skills, and stories that have shaped the area's identity, fostering a deeper appreciation for its maritime history.
Together, the Canadian Museum of Water and the Georgian Bay Heritage League envision the museum as more than a display space—it would serve as a hub for education, research, and community engagement. The initiative would benefit the entire region, including Tiny Township, by amplifying efforts to protect its globally renowned aquifers and supporting water sustainability initiatives.
The museum’s potential to attract tourists and government funding would bring economic opportunities to Tiny Township and neighboring communities, while also creating a platform to celebrate and protect the area’s natural and cultural legacy.
The proposal has been met with interest from council members, who will assess its potential impact on the community. If successful, the Canadian Museum of Water could become a flagship institution for water advocacy and heritage preservation, fostering both local pride and international recognition.
This initiative promises to honor the shared history of life on Georgian Bay’s waters while advancing regional efforts for water stewardship and sustainable growth. Stay tuned for updates as this proposal progresses.
