KENORA, ON – Science North is installing a “Northern THINK Hub” at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre, which is modeled on the popular THINK visitor experience that recently opened at Science North. THINK stands for Tinker, Hack, Innovate, Network, and Know. The hub combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and encourages hands-on experimentation with real tools, materials and processes. Permanent installations will be made in six communities across Northern Ontario, including Kenora, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and North Bay. This project is proudly funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and FedNor.
These turn-key installations will allow visitors to access equipment, tools and resources not previously accessible in their communities. Visitors will be engaged and inspired in innovative and iterative learning processes, which are critical building blocks in creating a skilled and talented workforce that can propel Ontario and Canada to be a leader in innovation. This project will expand Science North’s reach and depth of engagement with audiences of all ages and backgrounds in STEM fields, including creating inclusive spaces for specific groups underrepresented in computer science and engineering fields, such as girls and women. Northern THINK Hubs will also attract teens and young adults, and increase engagement with minority populations including Indigenous students and the Francophone community.
These Northern THINK Hubs will be hosted at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre in Kenora, Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, Thunder Bay Public Library, Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, Science Timmins, and the North Bay Museum this summer.
“Education-based exhibits play an important role in Northern Ontario. Not only do they provide fun and engaging science experiences for northerners, but they also generate revenue for host communities and create employment,” said Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “By investing in tourism projects that stimulate local economies, we are sending a signal that Northern Ontario is open for business and open for jobs.”
“Congratulations to the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre and Science North on the official opening of the Northern THINK Hub. I am excited to have this permanent experience in Kenora and look forward to the engaging and hands-on science experiences that this will offer to Northerners of all ages. Our government has put science and innovation at the forefront of our agenda and we are proud to support this project and others like it,” stated Hon. Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for the Kenora riding.
“The City of Kenora is proud to once again have the opportunity to partner with Science North to introduce the permanent experience “The Think Hub” at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre. Being chosen as one of the six communities in Northern Ontario to receive this innovative experience is very beneficial to Economic Development and Tourism for our area. It attracts audiences of all ages including teens and young adults and will reach the interest of many alike. The City thanks the funding partners, NOHFC and FedNor for making this experience possible here in Kenora,” said Mayor Daniel Reynard.
“Science North’s Strategic Plan for 2018-2023 includes being the leader in science engagement and creating new collaborations across Northern Ontario. The installation of THINK Hubs across the six Northern Ontario communities will attract more visitors to the North, resulting in economic benefits for Northern Ontario communities and increased sustainability for the hosting attractions. Science North is very proud of this project, and very proud to work with the NOHFC and FedNor, and our Northern partners on this initiative,” said Science North CEO Guy Labine.
About The City of Kenora
Kenora is North America’s Premier Boating Destination, connecting local residents, visitors, and cottagers to the Lake of the Woods and its 14,500 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline. Kenora’s population is over 15,000 and more than doubles in the summer months.Kenora is a growing City as cottagers make Kenora and Lake of the Woods their permanent home in a City of renowned as a sustainable, lifestyle community. The City of Kenora delivers quality, cost-effective Municipal services to its permanent and seasonal residents. Through our events and amenities, we celebrate our history and build our future. We love our lake; we are its stewards and we nurture its pristine environment. Visit www.kenora.ca for more on our beautiful city.
About Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for children and adults across the province. Science North maintains the second – and eighth- largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel. Science North, in partnership with Laurentian University, have developed North America’s first and only comprehensive Science Communication program, a joint graduate diploma program. As part of its mandate, Science North provides science experiences throughout Northern Ontario including outreach to schools and festivals, summer science camps and more, and has a permanent base in Thunder Bay providing outreach to the Northwest. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, please visit sciencenorth.ca.
