Tourism Services Moving to the Tom Thomson Art Gallery as of May 17

In early 2023, Tourism and Events moved under a new cultural umbrella at the City of Owen Sound within the Community Services Department and those divisions are now overseen by the Director and Chief Curator of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

Visitor Services have historically been offered from shared space at the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre each year from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving. During the remainder of the year, these services were provided at City Hall and at kiosks throughout the city. As part of the 2023 Service Review, City Council supported the development of a business case that analyzes the opportunity to reorganize the Library, Tourism, and Art Gallery entrance to create a shared reception/customer service area.

As part of creating the business case, staff have proposed this pilot project to relocate Tourism, including summer Visitor Services, to the Art Gallery. This pilot will commence at the start of the May long weekend and extend to the end of 2024.

Tourism Services will be open to the public seven days per week starting May 17: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. During this pilot, the TOM will also be opening on Sundays. 

The pilot project creates more opportunities for the public to both visit the TOM and engage with Tourism Ambassadors through expanded hours.

The historic former CN station, which has been the shared location of seasonal Visitor Centre services and the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre (CWHC) for many years, will remain open with expanded programs and services by the Museum and include a social enterprise pilot project that includes a social prescriptions program for seniors.

For more information, please contact Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator, at 519-376-1932 ext. 5001 or email aware@tomthomson.org

Quotes:

“With the busy summer season fast approaching, the City is looking forward to having residents and visitors enjoy all of the wonderful attractions that Owen Sound has to offer. I welcome everyone to visit Tourism Services at the TOM as of May 17 to find out about the exciting programming, events, and natural beauty available in our region.”

• Mayor Ian Boddy

“The TOM has historically been the first point of contact for many visitors to Owen Sound, so this partnership model will serve the public better through extended hours, shared resources, programming both at the Gallery and out in the community, and through a combined reach. We are excited to launch on the May long weekend!”

• Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator – Art Gallery, Culture, Tourism

Quick Facts:

• As of May 17, Tourism Services will be provided at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery
• Hours will be Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for both Tourism and the Art Gallery
• The Art Gallery remains free with the OPEN Card and otherwise, admission by donation

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