The Oil Museum of Canada is getting a facelift thanks in part to a generous donation from the Judith and Norman Alix Foundation.
The foundation has contributed $81,100 to bring some new interactive experiences to the 10-acre property in Oil Springs.
That includes refreshing the gallery, adding virtual reality headsets and touch screens, and improving visitor amenities and signage.
County of Lambton Cultural Services General Manager Andrew Meyer said the county is also spending around $400,000 on other upgrades at the 60-year-old museum.
"Last year we were able to replace the roof," he said. "This year we're looking at the replacement of windows and making some accessibility upgrades to doors. We're also replacing the HVAC system in the building, and basically just updating some aging assets in the building."
Earlier this year, the county contracted A+Link Architecture Inc. through a public tender process to lead the planning and design for the new exhibition space and facility renewal work.
The main exhibition centre, constructed in 1960, houses over 9,000 artifacts that highlight the international influence of Lambton’s oil heritage.
The museum remains closed to the public under the current provincial emergency orders, but planning continues in preparation for the renovation work, which is expected to get underway this fall.
Oil Museum of Canada in Oil Springs. (Photo by Lambton County)