For immediate release

Saturday, July 26, 2025

The Shawnigan Lake Historical Society is thrilled to announce the re-opening of the Shawnigan Lake Museum, on July 26, 2025, following a transformative 2-year expansion project that was designed to better serve visitors and showcase Shawnigan’s amazing story.

This ambitious expansion added approximately 4000 square feet of new space that includes a kitchen; interior washrooms; exterior public washrooms for the community; a library; programming and event space; storage; and new exhibits showcasing E.J. Hughes, the Kinsol Trestle and the amazing story of the Shawnigan community. The facility has also been upgraded for accessibility. The project reflects the museums’ purpose to celebrate local history and culture through accessible and engaging education.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome our community and visitors back,” said Lori Treloar, Executive Director. “This project has been a labour of love made possible thanks to the generous support of

funders, donors, volunteers, and local partners, over many years of planning. The new space will allow us to offer more information and events to visitors from Shawnigan and beyond.”

As a nonprofit organization, the museum relies on community support to fulfill its mission. Grants Contributions from the Government of Canada; Destination BC; Island Coastal Economic Trust; CVRD and many generous donors, funded the expansion demonstrating a deep commitment to help preserve and share Shawnigan’s cultural heritage.

“The expansion of the Shawnigan Lake Museum is an investment in the community’s identity and future,” said Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria. “We are proud to have supported this project, which reflects our shared belief in the power of local heritage to inspire, educate, and bring people together.”

“Museums are important places for families, students, and visitors to connect with, and better understand their communities’,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Our government is happy to support Shawnigan Lake’s expanded museum, as developments like this strengthen the community with more opportunities for people to gather, learn, and share stories for generations to come.”

“This new museum is a great place for the people of Shawnigan Lake – a place to learn, connect and celebrate shared history. It is an investment in culture, education and belonging,” said Dana Lajeunesse, MLA for Juan de Fuca-Malahat. “I’m happy that our government helped make this possible, supporting a space that reflects the heart and spirit of this community.”

What: -Reopening Celebration - ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:00

-Guided tours of new exhibits

-Special remarks by Key Speakers / Local Officials

When: Saturday, July 26th from 12-3pm

Where: 1775 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC

About Shawnigan Lake Museum

The Shawnigan Lake Historical Society was registered in 1977. The Society’s intention was to open a museum. After a few temporary locations, the Society took over the original Shawnigan Firehall, in 1984, and established a permanent museum. The concrete block building was perfect for a museum, but it soon became apparent that the story of Shawnigan was too big for the space. Although attempts were made to expand the museum in the 1980s, it didn’t happen until now. With a vigorous campaign, that took several years to raise the funds from donors and funders, the dream is now a reality. The museum provides exhibits, events, and educational programs to inspire curiosity and connect people to their shared heritage. We dare to be different…

For more information, contact:

Lori Treloar, Executive Director museum@shawniganlakemuseum.com 250-743-8675

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