Collingwood Museum invites community input to shape new Master Plan

Collingwood, ON [29 April 2025] – As part of May is Museum Month, the Collingwood Museum is calling on community members to help shape the future of the museum through a collaborative planning process for its new Five-Year Master Plan. The resulting strategic document will guide the museum’s projects, programming, and strategic directives for staff and committee members from 2026 to 2030.

Public feedback is vital to ensure the museum continues to reflect the needs, interests, and stories of the people we serve. Community members can participate in this exciting process in a variety of ways.

Public Survey – Available online and in print, until May 31, the survey invites participants to share their thoughts on current offerings and aspirations for the museum’s future. All survey entries are eligible for a chance to win a “Getting Loaded and Unloaded in Collingwood” t-shirt featuring the Collingwood Terminals.

Future Focus Onsite Open Houses – Join staff on Saturdays throughout the month of May, starting on May 10, for a series of onsite open houses. Participants can meet staff, share their ideas, and enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of the museum’s largest storage room. Drop-in tours will be offered between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm. No reservations are required. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Farmers’ Market Booth – Visit the museum team in the Town of Collingwood’s tent at the first Farmers’ Market of the season on Saturday, May 17 between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Complete a survey in-person and share your ideas with staff and committee members.

Regular Operating Hours – Museum staff will be available at the museum during regular operating hours, Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., to answer questions and offer assistance in completing the survey.

“The Master Plan is a roadmap for the Collingwood Museum’s next chapter,” said Melissa Shaw, Museum Supervisor. “Whether you’re a frequent visitor, a new resident of Collingwood, or someone passionate about arts, culture and local history, we want to hear from you.”

The museum encourages everyone – residents, visitors, educators, artists, families and community groups – to participate in shaping a museum that is responsive, accessible, and sustainable.

To participate in the community survey and learn more about the planning process, visit: https://engage.collingwood.ca/collingwood-museum-master-plan. Print copies may be picked up at the Collingwood Museum and Town Hall during regular operating hours.

Other notable May is Museum Month activities include a new temporary exhibit entitled “Growing Roots: The Legacy of Smart Bros. Ltd in Collingwood, 1890-1970.” The exhibit will be paired with a special community celebration on Saturday, May 24, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. that you won’t want to miss!

Make sure to also check out the new StoryWalk© installation that begins at the Collingwood Museum. In celebration of May is Museum Month, museum staff are featuring a book about collecting and collections called “Finding Treasure: A Collection of Collections” by Michelle Shaub.

For additional information on upcoming museum events, please visit collingwood.ca/museum.

Community invited to provide input on waterfront public piazza park