MISERY BAY—While phase two of the interpretive centre exhibit work being carried out by Science North is just a little over a couple of months away from being completed, Manitoulin Transport and Ontario Parks have provided funds toward the project fundraising completion.
“Phase two of the Misery Bay Park interpretive centre which is being done by Science North, including installation work and completing the project is to be completed by the end of June,” said John Diebolt, special projects leader with the Friends of Misery Bay (FOMB), earlier this week.
“It is the final phase for completion of the exhibits at the interpretive centre at Misery Bay Provincial Park, and the end of a five step plan to get to this point; which started eight years ago,” said Mr. Diebolt. “Science North is using leading edge equipment to complete the exhibit display, including using video drone footage. When the work is completed with this and phase one of the project, this interpretive centre will be a world class interpretive exhibit,” stated Mr. Diebolt. He explained, “a visitor to the park will be able to visit our the discovery centre at the park and can get a real good, detailed idea of what the park is all about and the environment it showcases and protects. They can spend half an hour or more getting a good idea of what is in, and what Misery Bay Provincial Park is all about and end their trip there or decide to view the park and set out on their own.”
“The exhibits represent the park, a small version of Misery Bay Provincial Park and also promote what can be found at the Queen Mum Provincial Park,” continued Mr. Diebolt.
The Friends of Misery Bay are actively fundraising to make up the funding shortfall in required for completion of phase two of this project, said Mr. Diebolt. “As of today (Monday) Jeff Smith of Manitoulin Transport has informed us that the company will be taking part in this project and have donated $20,000 towards it. They are a phenomenal company and really look to help the local community. And Ryan Gardner of Ontario Parks has committed $5,000 out of his budget for this year towards the project.”
“And (the FOMB) is actively fundraising to help make up the shortfall,” said Mr. Diebolt. He pointed out FOMB is committed to fundraising on its own and has itself raised close to $20,000 through raffles over the past few years and will be holding another raffle this year. “The main prize will be a Canadian made kayak with a value of $1,000 graciously donated by Jan McQuay. There will be other prizes including a Robert Bateman print.”
Mr. Diebolt also explained, “activity on completion of our access trail is set to begin around the end of April. Our plan is to schedule work so that we try to spend a day a week at Misery Bay working on this project. The handicapped universal access trail, will be 1.1 kilometres in total form the centre of the park to the bay.”
