A new eco-destination is being proposed for the Burk’s Falls Public Docks! Mag River Nature Hub, a local not-for-profit organization, is in the process of consulting with the community and we’d like to hear your feedback.
C.S.R.V. AGILE is a former Canada Coast Guard vessel that was used for scientific research in the Great Lakes from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Repurposed for education, a proposal to dock the Community Science Research Vessel at the Burk’s Falls Public Docks has been approved by Burk’s Falls Council. If you are interested, please click
HERE to learn more by viewing a copy of the presentation proposal.
The vision for Phase 1 of the project involves the vessel being based at the Public Docks as a floating education centre or “RIVER HUB” to serve the community by animating the Magnetawan River’s rich history, ecology, and culture. Some of the opportunities being explored through the River Hub in Phase 1 of the project include:
- Sharing stories about local history, nature, and culture
- Loaning fishing rods and tackle
- Teaching visitors how to participate in local community science initiatives that monitor biodiversity using iNaturalist
- Running environmental education programs for local schools and community groups
- Exploring the local aquatic ecosystem (e.g. identifying benthic invertebrates/insects and categorizing micro-plastics) using magnifying glasses, microscopes, and water testing kits
- Renting canoes and/or kayaks
- Teaching canoe and/or kayak workshops
- Guiding canoe and/or kayak trips
- Presenting creative performances (e.g. the vessel acting as a floating stage)
- Hosting community arts, crafts, and other family-friendly programs (e.g. like Magnetawan’s Maggie the community rock snake project)
- Facilitating a marine archeological study of local steamboat shipwrecks
- Demonstrating renewable energy technology
- Growing native plants and creating habitat by sharing local seeds
- Promoting local businesses, artists, and other tourism attractions
Given the parking limitations at the Public Docks, visitors will be encouraged to park across from the
Burk’s Falls Old Towne Cinema, then invited to walk along the downtown strip to support local businesses and cross the Heritage Footbridge to the
Burk’s Falls Welcome Centre.
Please answer the following questions to help us shape the project further.
