Schreiber Discovery Centre Opening Ceremony

After a very very long time, the Schreiber Discovery Centre has finally officially opened.

It has been nearly 30 years since the idea was first formed to create a place where people could come and experience a bit of railroad history specific to Schreiber. An actual train museum had been established in the downtown core years ago consisting of a few rail cars , but it was always the dream to have a permanent installation near the highway to attract visitors and welcome them to the town of Schreiber. The opening of the centre had been delayed due to the combination of COVID and escalating costs. Delays cost money and the budget had already been approved. 

Initially the concept was the brain storm of Ray Gionet who presented his idea of a train museum to then CEO Don MacArthur. The concept evolved many times over the years and finally started to take shape with the removal of the original cars from the downtown. Realizing that having weather worn railroad cars and an engine standing alongside a brand new building, the decision was made to refurbish the engine and the 2 rail cars. One of the cars would be the actual museum and the other one was converted to a mini theatre with a large screen movie playing that was commissioned by the town. Greeting visitors at the entrance is a restored engine that had been secured by former reeve Bob Krause. 
Finally the big day arrived and the ceremony attracted a large crowd. Councillors and mayors from Schreiber and Terrace Bay were in attendance. A special blessing ceremony was performed by former

Pays Plat Chief Raymond Goodchild. Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay/Superior North and Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hadju also dropped in for the opening along with Don MacArthur, the former Schreiber CEO who encouraged the project.

However the day actually belonged to Ray Gionet, who after nearly 3 decades got to see his dream finally turn into a reality. He was also honoured with a special award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the town and his tireless efforts to help improve Schreiber.