Today, the Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum received a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 from Central Counites Tourism (RTO6) to help with the installation of the ‘Hope Sculpture Garden.’.This is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).  Central Counties Tourism received $8.65 million from FedDev Ontario to to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth. 

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The impact of the pandemic was felt by us and heritage institutions alike. We are fortunate to have survived by continuing to offer our services online and in reduced capacities. Looking forward, we are excited to expand the use and role of the site with the installation of Hope Sculpture Garden. This garden will feature a 200-year-old sugar maple tree that fell on our property in the summer of 2021, which will be carved into a woman’s hand. In the hand will be a steel art feather, and the surrounding area will feature seven stones, representing the seven grandfather teachings, and Indigenous plants and herbs. Furthermore, panels will be added to aid visitors in understanding and learning about our relationship with our local First Nations Group, the Chippewas of Georgina Island, and to promote healing between communities.