Oshawa Tank Museum gets an accessibility makeover
Published August 30, 2023 at 8:43 am
Even a battle-scarred old museum with a century’s worth of military vehicles in its collection can clean up real nice.
Oshawa’s Ontario Regiment Museum is sporting a new look these days after the completion of a major capital project. The nearly 50 year-old museum on the Oshawa Airport’s South Field has a new parking lot and is now far more accessible to people of all abilities.
The Museum parking lot, which previously had spaces for only six vehicles and a simple dirt base, can now accommodate up to 30 vehicles including two accessibility spaces on a finished surface. A wide ramp with a gentle slope and railing now connects parking with the main entrance of the museum. In addition, the main entrance has been replaced with a wider electronic door that makes entrance to the building barrier free to those with mobility devices.
The project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency – Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
“The new additions to the Ontario Regiment Museum will improve accessibility and infrastructure so more people can enjoy its exhibits.,” said Filomena Tassi, the Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “The Government of Canada is thrilled to support projects that enhance regions, attract new visitors, and provide an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Ontario Regiment and the people from Oshawa who have served their country.”
In addition to the expanded parking for visitors, accessibility parking spaces have been added to the entrance to assist those with limited mobility. “You will notice that the Museum is not only more accessible to members of our community, but the project has also greatly improved the overall look of the facility,” said museum Executive Director Jeremy Neal Blowers. “We are very grateful for the funding that made this project possible.”
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The Ontario Regiment Museum, managed by its charity, The Oshawa Aeronautical Military & Industrial Museum, has become a major attraction in the region in recent years. The museum will be open this holiday weekend from noon to 4 p.m. all weekend long.
The next Tank Saturday event is September 9 – Korea – as the museum takes a deep dive into Canada’s “Forgotten War.”
