LAURIE WEIR
The newly revamped Visitor Information Centre (VIC) opened in Perth on Friday, March 22.
Town Cryer Brent McLaren welcomed those in attendance, including Mayor Judy Brown and many councillors, the town’s chief administrative officer Michael Touw, staff and residents, as they showed off the $20,000 makeover.
A new counter, furniture, flooring, pot lights and paint completed the revitalization, said Cathy McNally, the town’s director of community services. The roof was replaced as well, as staff had to deal with a lot of leaks, she said.
Brown said it was “amazing,” and easy to see how important the museum is to the Town of Perth.
“Looking around, it’s stupendous, the changes that have been made,” the mayor said.
“It’s a lot cleaner and a lot more welcoming.”
The VIC was created in 2012, and served as a resource hub for tourists and newcomers to Perth, as well as the entrance to the Perth Museum.
It was formerly located at the old fire hall, beside the Perth and District Union Library, “a little bit too out of the way for people to find,” Brown said.
The VIC is vital to the town’s tourism, serving 35,000 people last summer.
“I almost fell over,” Brown said when she heard the number of guests into the centre in 2023, who “participated in the museum and tourism activities.”
Guests can learn about various attractions, businesses, activities and events, as well as tourism programs and more.
Brown said the tourism staff have done a “fantastic job.” She also congratulated McNally and the team for “creating such a welcoming space.”
The mayor said this couldn’t have come at a better time as the museum is celebrating 100 years in 2025.
Touw said the addition of the VIC was built in 1980, “and over 40 years later, it’s time for a refresh, so that is what you’re seeing today.”
Coming in today was “a beautiful sight,” he said, “just to see the logo on the desk it’s a great first impression for all those thousands of people who come in.”
The work on the VIC is a continuation by the Kathryn Jamieson (museum curator) and her team have done, the CAO said, “updating exhibits, modernizing things, and all sorts of other things in the museum.”
From town staff to external contractors, Touw credited those responsible. “The end result is something we can all be proud of,” he said.
Jamieson said she was thrilled with the renovations.
“This museum serves a lot of people,” she said. “First impression for a lot of people to Perth. I’m thrilled to have it refreshed and I’m thrilled not to have a leaky roof.”
Everyone will come into the same door now, Jamieson said, regardless of what they’re looking for – information, a tour of the museum, or if a washroom break is needed.
“We find out what they’re here for, then we guide them to where they want to go,” she said. Operating hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the website for more information. The Perth Museum is located at 11 Gore St. E., in Perth.
