The doors at Kincardine's new Welcome Centre will open to the public later this week.
Starting Friday at 9 a.m., guests are welcome to the downtown venue to learn more about local attractions, establishments, history and more. Visitors can also find information about the Downtown Dig, as the Welcome Centre will act as a "support hub" for businesses in the area throughout the construction project.
The centre's regular hours will be Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will remain open for the season until September 4.
Tourism Coordinator Kathryn Bruce says there is a ton of exciting events planned for the next several months.
"The Community Happenings Calendar for the upcoming season has items added everyday. We’re such a vibrant community with so much going on – it’s going to be a great season," Bruce said.
As part of these attractions, the Welcome Centre will be featuring one of three Legacy of Hope exhibits, with the other two appearing at The Walker House at 235 Harbour Street. These exhibits are presented by the Legacy of Hope Foundation, an Indigenous organization that raises awareness about residential schools and reconciliation.
“It’s the first time these exhibits have come to the region,” says the municipality's Manager of Strategic Initiatives Lorie Fioze. “They are deeply moving and meant to create awareness, promote healing, and encourage acts of reconciliation. We are grateful The Legacy of Hope Foundation for sharing their resources and The Walker House for their collaboration.”
A grand opening for the Welcome Centre is set for Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. Mayor Kenneth Craig and Lakeside Downtown Kincardine BIA's Blinky will be there for the official ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by casual festivities.
Located at the Kincardine Centre for the Arts at 707 Queen Street, the Welcome Centre is adjacent to a Victoria Park entryway that reads "céad míle fáilte," a Gaelic greeting meaning "a hundred thousand welcomes." The Municipality of Kincardine said this made the new home for the Welcome Centre feel especially appropriate.