WDM SASKATOON RECEIVES FUNDING FOR ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT ON BOOMTOWN

The Government of Canada is investing in the WDM Saskatoon through $106,410 from PrairiesCan under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), and $40,790 from Canadian Heritage under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to make Boomtown Street more accessible to visitors.

The WDM is committed to inclusivity. As Saskatchewan’s human history museum, we have a responsibility to preserve the objects and stories that illustrate our diversity, and to ensure that they are accessible physically as well as intellectually, through our exhibits, programs and activities. Wheelchair accessibility should not be a barrier at the WDM. The WDM consulted with Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan Inc. to create a plan to make six additional buildings on Boomtown Street wheelchair accessible. These buildings include the pool hall, newspaper office, bank, telephone house, town office and the railway platform. These changes include banister railings, creating ramps, curbs on walkways, transitions from ramps to pavement and the installation of guard rails.

Boomtown Street opened to the public in 1972 and is a representation of a prairie town from 1910. It has more than 30 buildings featuring everything from a harness shop and livery to a doctor’s office and schoolhouse. Visitors to Boomtown Street take a walk back in time and experience life as an early settler in Saskatchewan.

“Our government is partnering with communities across Canada to revitalize public gathering spaces that benefit both residents and tourists. Through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, accessibility will be enhanced at Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum, helping to attract new visitors to Boomtown by offering a welcoming walk through history for all.”

-The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support this important infrastructure project at the Western Development Museum because we believe in an accessible and inclusive Canada. Expanding accessibility to the Boomtown Street exhibit means all visitors can enjoy this unique interactive experience and learn more about Saskatchewan’s history.”

– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage

The WDM Board of Directors, management and staff would like to thank Government of Canada, PrairiesCan and Canadian Heritage, for funding this project. Thank you also to Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan Inc. for working with us to identify areas needing increased accessibility.