The Ontario government is investing more than $1.3 million to repair and upgrade the RMS Segwun, and make improvements to the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.
The funding, being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), aims to preserve local heritage, strengthen tourism, and support economic growth in the Muskoka region.
“We would not be able to undertake a project of this scale and importance without this invaluable provincial support,” said John Miller, President of Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.
The Muskoka Steamships Association will receive $830,875 to renovate and enhance the RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest steamship still in operation. Mechanical issues discovered in 2025 forced the vessel to cancel its sailing season. RMS Segwun will not be sailing this summer : My Muskoka Now Planned upgrades include structural wood replacement, weatherproofing, engine room improvements, and mechanical restorations. Once completed, the work is expected to increase passenger capacity and ensure the vessel can continue to operate safely on the Muskoka Lakes.
“Supporting projects like this is part of our government’s commitment to protecting local heritage and preserving the stories that shaped our region,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith. “The RMS Segwun has sailed the Muskoka Lakes since before Canada became a country, and I’m proud to support its restoration so it can continue to sail for many years to come.”
An additional $500,000 has been allocated to the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre to modernize its interpretive hall and install the Love Muskoka, Sustain Muskoka interactive exhibit. Officials said the new exhibit will focus on environmental sustainability, climate change awareness, cultural diversity, and Indigenous knowledge, while creating a more accessible and energy-efficient learning space designed to attract visitors from across Ontario and beyond.
“For more than a century, the steamships of Gravenhurst have been a symbol of Muskoka’s identity,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By investing in these projects through the NOHFC, our government is protecting Ontario’s legacy, supporting community pride, and ensuring Muskoka remains a must-visit destination for years to come.”
The province says the investments align with its broader strategy to strengthen northern industries, protect jobs, and support long-term economic growth. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,000 projects across Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in additional investment and helping create or sustain more than 12,500 jobs.
