Popular Sault bugs need public’s support

It’s not in danger of disappearing, but Entomica needs the public’s help as it forges ahead as a not-for-profit.

The insectarium, situated in a small but fascinating space at Mill Market, has been a popular attraction for locals of all ages and tourists since it opened in June 2014, but is holding a fundraising dinner Nov. 2.

“Originally we were a partner and component of Mill Market but in the last year we have gained our not-for-profit status with most of the same people and the same minds, but we’re no longer attached financially to some of the original benefactors and board members,” said Michael Odom, Entomica spokesperson, speaking to SooToday Friday.

Plans by Riversedge Developments, Entomica’s original benefactor, called for the insectarium to have a permanent home in one of the former St. Marys Paper buildings, near the now-refurbished Algoma Conservatory of Music and Machine Shop buildings, as part of a tourist attraction known as Destination North.

Those plans have yet to materialize and instead, Entomica has become a not-for-profit organization (known officially as Sault Ste. Marie Insectarium) in Jan. 2017.

An organization must have not-for-profit status for 12 months before becoming eligible to apply for funding from certain federal and provincial funding envelopes, Entomica officials explained (though the insectarium is already eligible to apply for some grants from the senior levels of government, Odom said).

“We don’t hit our 12-month mark until Jan. 6, 2018,” Odom said.

Until then, a cash injection is needed to tide Entomica over, hence the fundraiser Nov. 2.

Once eligibility for funding comes, along with the actual money from the senior levels of government, what are Entomica’s plans?

“We’re very happy being located at Mill Market,” Odom said.

“We bring a lot of school groups here, we’re doing birthday parties here all the time, and we’re trying to develop a plan that would allow us to stay here.”

That said, Odom said Entomica is open to moving to a new location if necessary, but emphasized that is the insectarium’s second choice.

“If we came into a situation where we had the ability to expand, absolutely we’d be looking to do so,” Odom said, adding Entomica has been in discussions with certain potential partners and locations in town.

Entomica currently has three paid staff, “about to expand by a couple of people, with a very strong volunteer network of all ages,” Odom said, estimating Entomica has up to 50 volunteers.

The Entomica fundraising dinner will be held Thursday, Nov. 2 at Northern Grand Gardens, located at 1324 Great Northern Road.

The entertainment begins at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. 

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth and $10 for children, and are available by going to Entomica’s Facebook page, by calling (705) 251-6776 ext. 1003 or at Mill Market between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Entomica may also be reached by email.

At the fundraising dinner, there will be a chance to handle live insects, games and a dance party will be held for children, along with a silent auction.

Braver souls will have the chance to take part in the Amazing Race Canada Cockroach Cranium event.