PRESS RELEASE: A Major Milestone for the Museum Renewal: REDIP Grant Brings Project to $5 Million Raised
May 28th, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROSSLAND, BC – The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is thrilled to announce a significant milestone: a $1,000,000 grant from the Province of British Columbia through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP).
This grant supports the Museum’s ambitious “Elevate the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre: Heritage Hub & Economic Catalyst” project—an initiative designed to enhance infrastructure, expand year-round programming, and attract visitors to the region through a dynamic, inclusive, and immersive museum experience.
The REDIP funding underscores the Museum’s dual role as a steward of local heritage and a driver of regional economic diversification and cultural tourism. With this contribution, the project has now secured a total of $5 million toward its $5.9 million goal. The Museum continues to seek both financial and in-kind support to close the remaining gap.
“This generous support from the Province is a huge step forward for our community and our organization,” said Joelle Hodgins, Museum Director. “This investment builds on over a decade of community-driven planning and fundraising. We’re so close to fully realizing this vision and can’t wait to welcome visitors into the renewed Museum space next year.”
The multi-phase Renewal Project includes major capital upgrades and new interpretive features—most notably the immersive Mine Experience, which will bring Rossland’s rich industrial heritage to life through interactive, sensory-rich exhibits and expanded programming. Additional improvements include a reimagined entrance, enhanced accessibility, and flexible indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
"The Rossland Museum is not just a great spot for tourists, but a pillar for the community that preserves important history and facilitates programming in the City of Rossland," said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Boundary. "I'm grateful our government could support them in continuing to expand their services so their impact can be felt for years to come!"
The REDIP grant reflects the province’s commitment to long-term, sustainable community development. The Rossland Museum project was one of just 80 initiatives selected this year for its strong economic and cultural impact.
The Museum is deeply grateful to the Province of British Columbia and all the generous supporters who have brought the project this far—including Teck Trail Operations, Columbia Basin Trust, BC Arts Council, Heritage BC, the Raymond Gaudert Estate, and numerous individual donors, sponsors, and community organizations.
As the project enters the final design and early construction phases, the Museum welcomes additional contributions to help close the final funding gap.
To learn more or support the project, visit www.rosslandmuseum.ca/renewal.
About the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre aims to preserve and dynamically present the history and culture of Rossland and the surrounding region. As the visitor gateway to the Kootenays and the Columbia Basin, we inspire and engage the public through virtual and real-life exhibits that bring our stories to life.
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre acknowledges that we live and work on unceded Sinixt təmxʷúlaʔxʷ (homeland).
Contact:
Joelle Hodgins, Museum Director (she/her)
Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
PO Box 26, 1100 Hwy 3B, Rossland, BC
Phone: (250) 362-7722
Email: museumdirector@rosslandmuseum.ca
Website: www.rosslandmuseum.ca