Science North looks to have more permanent presence locally

As part of a pilot project, Science North officially opened a new local space with hopes of having a more permanent presence in Sault Ste. Marie.

The space is intended to be a staff resource for Science North staff locally currently and was opened by way of a ribbon-cutting on Friday.

Following is a full release from Science North:

Science North announced today plans to expand its presence in Sault Ste. Marie through a programming and outreach hub, as part of its two-year pilot project.

For nearly 40 years, Science North has been sharing its unique experiences across Northern Ontario through long-standing partnerships in various communities including Sault Ste. Marie. Science North has hosted annual Science Festivals, permanent and travelling exhibits, education and outreach programming, and Summer Science Camps in Sault Ste. Marie.

Expanding on this success, Science North intends to explore having a more permanent presence in the Sault Ste. Marie region. The science centre is planning to broaden its reach in the Algoma region through a two-year pilot project that will establish a programming and outreach hub that will: staff three to five Science North Bluecoats; grow Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) engagement through enhanced education programs; build outreach events and initiatives; and support partners in achieving or exceeding their visitor attendance, revenue, and engagement goals. In addition, Science North will continue to partner with Indigenous communities and organizations in the region to increase opportunities for STEM education, experiences and entertainment.

This longer-term presence in Sault Ste. Marie, located at 2A-875 Queen Street East,  will make a significant economic impact and be a key driver of growth for northeastern Ontario. With the expansion, Science North will support education and labour market development through STEM skills development, grow partnerships and collaboration, develop new audiences and events, deepen partnerships and engagement with Indigenous communities and audiences, as well as pilot the feasibility of a permanent location in Sault Ste. Marie.

Moving forward into the summer, Science North will outfit this new outreach program with a small team of Bluecoats to support the extensive summer programming in the Sault Ste. Marie region and beyond. There are currently job openings with the Sault Ste. Marie team and interested parties can click here or contact Genna Patterson, STEM lead - outreach, Sault Ste. Marie by email.

Partners, dignitaries, and Science North board members and staff celebrated the opening of its new space with an official ribbon cutting ceremony today. The new programming and outreach hub is located at 875 Queen St. East. This new space is currently a Science North staff resource and not open to the public.

“Offering programs of science learning across Northern Ontario is embedded in Science North’s mandate. Through this project, Science North has the ability to grow tourism to the Sault, increase revenues and attendance at partner attractions, provide quality employment opportunities, attract and retain residents, and further establish Sault Ste. Marie as a STEAM and innovation hub of the North.” - Jennifer Booth, Interim CEO, Science North

“I have always felt that Sault Ste. Marie is a natural place to extend the programming and attractions from Science North. I’m very excited to see what opportunities this project can bring to Sault Ste. Marie families and to visitors in our community.” – Hon. Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Affairs and MPP for Sault Ste. Marie

 “I am pleased that Science North has officially opened a satellite office in Sault Ste. Marie. The resources and activities that they will provide our community will greatly enrich us. People of all ages, residents and tourists alike, will all be able to have fun learning about scientific ideas and pursuits through science related activities and displays. We will all enjoy learning about the natural world around us and learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our economy will no doubt benefit in a variety of ways.” - Terry Sheehan, MP for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour

“Science North expanding its presence in Sault Ste. Marie is a welcome and important development for our community. The creation of a STEAM Centre has been identified by the City as an important opportunity to strengthen local labour market capacity through educational and engaging programming. I am excited to see Science North pursue this concept through a pilot project and the potential of a permanent location in our community.” – Mayor Christian Provenzano