Doon Heritage Village Reopens with Improved Accessibility and Expanded Stories, Experiences

Waterloo Region — Doon Heritage Village is reopening to the public on July 1 following the completion of infrastructure upgrades, which support the long-term operation of the site and improve the visitor experience.

During a temporary closure between 2023-2025, utility upgrades occurred throughout the entire Village. These upgrades included removing overhead electrical wires and burying them underground, upgrading and installing new electrical panels in all the buildings, installation of fibre cable throughout the Village, upgraded transformers, and upgraded security and safety features.

This spring accessibility within the Village was upgraded through the installation of new ramps and pathways, the purchase of assistive listening devices, and the development of sensory supports to remove barriers and ensure inclusive access to historic spaces and cultural programs.  This work was partially supported by the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant through the Government of Ontario. Wayfinding signage, which included more accessible AODA compliant maps, was also installed thanks to support from Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc (RTO4). These important upgrades reflect a shared commitment to protecting local heritage and creating more inclusive public spaces.

Also, during this time, extensive public consultation helped inform a new interpretive plan, expanded storytelling, Doon Heritage Village brand updates, and new partners and programs for the museum. A new tagline of “One Village, Many Stories” represents the intention to explore new stories and experiences from across the community.

“Ensuring Ontario’s public spaces are accessible and welcoming for everyone is a priority for our government,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.  “Investments like the EASE Grant help communities create environments where older adults and people with disabilities can participate fully in community life. We are pleased to support the Region of Waterloo Museums in their efforts to remove barriers and ensure inclusive access to Doon Heritage Village.”

“Our community is strongest when everyone can participate” said Jess Dixon, MPP Kitchener South-Hespeler. “This investment will help make the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village more accessible so that seniors, people with disabilities, families, and visitors of all abilities can experience an important part of Waterloo Region’s history. I am proud to see Ontario investing in projects that remove barriers, create more inclusive public spaces, and ensure our community’s cultural landmarks can be enjoyed by everyone.”

“Doon Heritage Village is a beloved landmark in our community, and these upgrades reflect our dedication to ensuring our cultural spaces are accessible to all,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “Accessibility and inclusion are key pillars of an equitable community. These improvements to infrastructure and storytelling ensures that everyone can participate, contribute, and feel a sense of belonging.”

New wayfinding signage, supported through a Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. (RTO4) grant, is also installed in Doon Heritage Village, which will make navigating the site easier for all visitors. Placed in strategic areas, the easy-to-read signs direct visitors to buildings as well as highlight accessible features available within the Village.

“RTO4 is pleased to support Doon Heritage Village’s wayfinding initiative, an upgrade that not only enhances the visitor experience but makes the space more accessible for all,” said Andrea Gardi, Executive Director of RTO4. “Projects like this not only enrich the visitor experience but also help attract tourism and encourage more people to explore and enjoy the region’s cultural destinations.”

Upgrades and accessibility features include:

• Permanent ramps added and/or reoriented to fronts of historic buildings
• Pathways added or extended to increase accessibility
• Pathways leveled to improve safety
• Low profile guarding and contrast strip has been added to the Train Station board walk
• Sensory guard rails added to accessible ramps
• Strategically placed, AODA compliant signage installed
• Addition of Sensory Support Kits to assist individuals in managing sensory sensitivities
• Addition of and training on assistive listening devices
• A partnership with Aaron Francis of Vintage Black Canada culminated in expanded storytelling in the Martin House which explores the parallel experiences of a Black Caribbean immigrant family with that of a Mennonite family
• Inclusion of Indigenous farming techniques as well as dedicated Indigenous planter boxes
• Training to expand the focus on women in traditionally male-centric jobs like blacksmithing and farm management
• Preliminary discussions on how to incorporate lived experiences of economically vulnerable peoples
• Inclusion of special guest speakers from diverse community partners throughout the open season

Doon Heritage Village will officially re-open on July 1. The “Back to the Village” event will feature returning favourites like costumed interpreters, farm animals, and historic games, as well as musical performance, food, and entertainment. For one day only, admission to the Village will be free.  The community is invited to come and experience this important Doon milestone.

Hours:

Doon Heritage Village is open for the season seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting July 1 until September 6.

To learn more about Doon Heritage Village and the reopening, visit the Doon Heritage Village website.

About the Region of Waterloo Museums

The Region of Waterloo Museums & Archives operates four experiential sites throughout Waterloo Region. Together, Doon Heritage Village, Schneider Haus, McDougall Cottage and the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum tell stories from this region through educational and public programming, events, and a collection of over 60,000 cultural belongings.

About the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility helps seniors and people with disabilities stay independent, active and socially connected. The Ministry manages several programs and grants, including the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) grant, with the goal of making Ontario more accessible for everyone and promoting the benefits of age-diverse, accessible workplaces and communities where everyone is able to participate.

About Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4)

RTO4 supports the tourism sector across Perth County, Huron County, Waterloo Region, and Wellington County. We work in partnership with local tourism organizations, destinations, and operators to strengthen the economic and cultural impact of tourism in the region.