Collingwood, ON [20 May 2026] – In time for May is Museum Month, Council has endorsed the Collingwood Museum Master Plan 2026 – 2030 which provides a strategic framework to guide the Museum’s operations, development, and community engagement over five years. Anchored by the mission “to be a relevant and engaging collaborative resource of Collingwood’s heritage and collective memory,” the Master Plan outlines clear goals and actionable strategies to ensure the Museum continues to serve as a vital cultural institution for the Town of Collingwood.
“This plan is about making sure our Museum continues to reflect who we are as a community, today and for years to come,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “It’s an important step in keeping our history alive, relevant, and accessible to everyone.”
The new plan is organized around four primary goals:
1. Represent our community’s diversity
2. Optimize museum assets
3. Activate and create museum exhibits
4. Engage and interact with our community
Each goal is supported by strategic directions designed to strengthen inclusivity, stewardship, and public value. The plan prioritizes the representation of Indigenous Peoples and diverse community voices within museum spaces, ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, and the creation of new programs that reflect the varied experiences of Collingwood’s residents.
The planning process began in late 2024 with an internal review and visioning exercise with the Museum Advisory Committee, Town of Collingwood staff, museum volunteers, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s regional advisor, Chantale Gagnon. The Town’s Community Engagement Action Plan guided the design of public consultation tools, including a community survey, open houses, and outreach events.
The results of public consultation and internal assessments were reviewed at a special meeting of the Museum Advisory Committee to identify strategic goals and objectives for the next five years. Staff then worked to identify action items to achieve identified objectives and create a final document for review and approval. The new plan positions the Museum for sustainable growth over the next five years, with financial considerations to be addressed through future budget planning.
To read the Collingwood Museum Master Plan and learn more about the planning process, please visit engage.collingwood.ca/museum. For information on upcoming May is Museum events, visit the Museum’s webpage at www.collingwood.ca/museum.
