The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum received funding from My Main Street to draw visitors and increase
vibrancy in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON - The Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) Museum is pleased to announce that its
Past is Present Heritage Festival was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator initiative and
has received support to encourage people to explore NOTL’s heritage district.
The festival transformed Castlereagh Street this past August into a market of crafters, vendors, artisans,
musicians, and historical demonstrations. The NOTL Museum’s Tiny Museum was also on site for
families to explore. The spirit of adventure overflowed into the surrounding streets, with more than
2,000 visitors creating a significant impact on the commercial district. Historical re-enactors, live music,
and a scavenger hunt complemented the Queen Street restaurants, specialty shops, and boutiques.
Visitors learned about the history of NOTL and what makes it a unique destination.
My Main Street support for the Past is Present Heritage Festival enabled the NOTL Museum to build its
presence in the community, bringing awareness to its exhibitions, programs, events, and membership
benefits. As an economic driver of heritage tourism in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this strengthened the NOTL
Museum’s long-term sustainability.
My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating
vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods which will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while also
promoting sustainable and inclusive community development. My Main Street is delivered by
the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), and supported by a Government of Canada investment through the
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Learn more about the
My Main Street program at mymainstreet.ca.
Quotes
“Support through My Main Street for the Past is Present Heritage Festival is particularly special to a
historic community like ours. Our town draws visitors from around the world, and our stories are part of
Canada’s national identify. This support helped us share those stories and promote our very unique
community.”
- Sarah Kaufman, CEO, NOTL Museum
"The Past is Present Heritage Festival truly brought our community’s heritage to life, attracting visitors
who are passionate about history and the unique stories of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This event, with the
support of the My Main Street, highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating our historic
spaces, which are at the heart of our town’s charm and appeal.”
- Kathy Weiss, Executive Director, Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce
“The Past is Present Heritage Festival is one of the many impactful placemaking projects happening
across Ontario’s main streets thanks to the federal government’s investment in My Main Street
Community Activator projects. Placemaking supports healthy, vibrant main streets and millions of
Ontarians who live and work around them. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum has been empowered to
leverage community events on their main street to create a hub of social and economic activity, setting
long term change in motion.”
- Mary W. Rowe, CEO and President, Canadian Urban Institute
“Communities throughout southern Ontario offer a diverse range of exciting experiences and
businesses, attracting both local and international visitors to their lively main streets. Our government,
through the Canadian Urban Institute, is supporting organizations that bring events and festivals, such as
the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum’s Past is Present Heritage Festival, to showcase their region. When we
invest in programs like My Main Street, we’re supporting and revitalizing our local communities.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development
Agency for Southern Ontario
For more info: www.notlmuseum.ca