![ministergravelle-wasayabeach-welcomecentre Minister Gravelle opens Wasaya Beach Welcome Centre](http://netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ministergravelle-wasayabeach-welcomecentre-225x300.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – “A new welcome centre in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park will help promote tourism and boost the local economy”. That is the message from the Minister of Natural Resources. “Ontario’s provincial parks offer beautiful scenery, spaces to enjoy our natural resources and landmarks that hold an important place in history. The new welcome centre at Nancy Island Historic Site will help us tell the story of the War of 1812 to many generations in years to come,” shared Michael Gravelle, the Minister of Natural Resources, and MPP for Thunder Bay Superior North.
The announcement on Thursday in Wasaga on the new centre for visitors comes as visitor centres across the Northwest are being closed.
The centre will promote local tourism opportunities and help visitors learn more about the natural and cultural features of the park. It features interpretive displays on the Nancy Island Historic site and Wasaga Beach, including a three-dimensional map of the Wasaga Beach area.
The centre is located at the entrance to the Nancy Island Historic Site. The island was formed when the HMS Nancy sunk and silt deposited around its hull. This historic site is dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of the HMS Nancy and the War of 1812.
The statement from the Ontario government is “Supporting tourism and cultural attractions is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to strengthen the economy. A strong economy protects the services that mean most to Ontario families — health care and education”.