August 2004
Timmins seeks its own regional science centre
A Timmins group has obtained $100,000 in support to explore the feasibility of a new permanent science exhibit in Timmins, with satellite locations throughout northeast and northwest Ontario.
Dubbed the Science Village, the project is spearheaded by Science Timmins, a local group of educators and science and industry representatives. FedNor and the District School Board Ontario North East are among the organizations that have contributed towards the cost of the study.
The facility would be comprised of a cluster of themed huts, inter-connected by underground tunnels. The Village would have remote sites in Moosonee, Hearst, Kapuskasing, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kirkland Lake and the Tri-Town, ideally connected by broadband, perhaps connecting to ORION through the Timmins PoP at Northern College. A "science bus" would also travel to different locations.
Timmins, located in a relatively pristine part of the Canada, is nearly 700 kilometres north of Toronto. The Science Village would be unique, conceptualized from a perspective that embraces conservation awareness and ecological balance, while being energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and "close to nature".
Theme areas include forestry, mining, the environment, meteorology, horticulture, wildlife, waste management and First Nations.
Public support for the project was evident at a public information session at Ecole Secondaire Theriault in Timmins, in April, where Timmins Science outlined a detailed proposal and action plan.
Proponents expect the Science Village would become the region's focal point for major science fairs, demonstrations and competitions. It would also become a major tourist attraction that would offer hands-on and interactive exhibits.
They also expect the facility, which would seek to collaborate with Science North, the Ontario Science Centre and other partners, would become a showcase for technology, science and research for the region, and provide valuable curriculum support for educators.
Project spokesperson Antoine Garwah notes the group would also like to see the project expand to northwest Ontario to communities stretching to the Manitoba border.
The group hopes to obtain financial support from the three levels of government, including FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. The private sector and local and regional educational institutions will also be approached.
The feasibility study would be completed in December, while sources of funding would be secured in 2005, for possible construction and completion in 2008-2009.
Learn more at www.trsf.org/trsf2004/village/SVInfo4.htm.
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