The Manitoba government has announced that it has completed construction of the Whiteshell Natural History Museum at Nutimik Lake, officially reopening the site to the public.
“The Whiteshell Natural History Museum was a must-see for thousands of visitors each summer,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “After being closed for many years, our government is proud to announce the opening of a new museum and interpretive programming space to once again welcome Whiteshell visitors, residents and cottagers.”
Originally constructed in 1959, the museum featured a large collection of animal mounts of local wildlife, many donated by local Whiteshell residents and cottagers. The museum closed in 2017.
The Manitoba government invested $2.2 million to reopen the museum with several new features, while incorporating elements of the original site, such as the fireplace, chimney and the classroom building, the minister noted. The museum includes a new reception building, washrooms, amphitheatre and a covered exhibition space, featuring interpretive panels on petroforms found in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
“The Whiteshell Cottagers Association and Manitoba Parks have forged a strong partnership, united in the commitment to preserve the rich heritage of the Whiteshell Natural History Museum,” said Ken Pickering, president, Whiteshell Cottagers Association. “Through collaborative efforts and the dedicated team at Manitoba Parks, this partnership has successfully revitalized the museum, culminating in the creation of a new outdoor interpretive centre ensuring that future generations can connect with the region’s storied past. This enduring co-operation exemplifies a shared vision for cultural and environmental stewardship.”
The Whiteshell Natural History Museum is part of a $12-million investment in Whiteshell Provincial Park, which includes the recently completed Crescent Beach Seawall at West Hawk Lake. New pedestrian bridges and a new washroom and shower facility for the West Hawk seasonal campground are still to come, noted the minister.
